Traditional
devotions attract young people
By Susan Brinkmann
CS&T Correspondent
WEST CHESTER — The notion that young people are turned off by traditional
Catholic devotions is challenged weekly at SS. Simon and Jude Parish.
A new youth group has been meeting there since September, becoming familiar
with Catholic treasures such as the brown scapular, the miraculous medal
and relics, alongside pizza and conversation.
“We just want to give them the opportunity to learn about these
things,” said Father Andrew C. Brownholtz, parochial vicar. He is
moderator of the group.
“If they don’t like it, they don’t have to do it. But
not to introduce it is just denying them the knowledge and experience
of the rich history of our Church,” he said.
When members of the group were introduced to the brown scapular, they
didn’t know what it was. But after an enthusiastic explanation by
the new parish youth minister, Jason Buck, who is also associated with
the archdiocesan Office of Youth and Young Adults, they were impressed
enough to want one.
“We prayed. I blessed the scapulars. They put them on, and they’re
still wearing them today,” Father Brownholtz said.
That response indicates the young parishioners’ desire to learn
more about their faith, said Msgr. Francis W. Beach, pastor of SS. Simon
and Jude. “They want to learn more about our Catholic devotions
and our Catholic roots,” he said. “The very fact that they
keep coming back week after week is saying that.”
The group meets from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. The first meeting drew
almost 50 teenagers, and the numbers have ranged from 45 to 55 ever since.
“These are just regular, high school kids, who are getting exposed
to Catholic devotions, and that’s what is so powerful,” Buck
said. “They’re being exposed to the truth, and you can see
it working when they keep coming back.”
But it’s not all religion. “Our motto is food, fun and faith,”
Buck said. Each meeting offers plenty of pizza and people to share it
with.
As a result, the group’s scope is expanding all the time. In addition
to a youth music group, plans include a trip to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary,
a Franciscan University summer conference, a Theology of the Body dance,
and a retreat. And on Tuesday, Nov. 27, a special Holy Hour was held for
the youth group in the parish’s perpetual adoration chapel.
Kate Staszak, 17, a senior at East High School, West Chester, said she
loves everything about the group. “I’m learning more about
God — especially through the people,” she said. “I can
see God in them.”
Ali Poppe, 16, a student at Bishop Shanahan High School, Downingtown,
has been attending for more than a month with a non-Catholic friend. “It’s
a very well-run group,” she said, “and very youth-oriented.
It’s really fun to go to, and it’s a safe environment where
you can go and hang out with your friends.”
That is the kind of experience the group should be providing, Father Brownholtz
said: “It’s bringing their Catholic faith alive. They’re
realizing that being a member of the Church doesn’t mean sitting
in the pews. It’s putting their faith into action — and it’s
having fun.”
For more information about SS. Simon and Jude’s youth group, call
the rectory at 610-696-3624.
Contact Susan Brinkmann at fiat723@aol.com or (215) 965-4615.