Consider this, maybe even days before...

Which Mass am I going to?

Decide ahead of time and stick to it! No excuses.

Plan to leave 5 minutes earlier than necessary, to make sure you arrive on time and have a little time to mingle and/or pray before jumping in.

Is there a friend I can ask to go with me?

Never hurts to ask, right? One of these times they might actually say yes!

What am I going to wear?

Will it at all distract anyone from the Eucharist? Is it modest?

The big question: how to make sense of the readings??

Read them ahead of time. You can find them at www.usccb.org/nab.  

Read 'em slowly, maybe even 2 times through. The more familiar you are, the more likely you are to notice something that stands out-- and that's probably when God's trying to tell you something.

The Sunday Sunday Sunday podcast can also help. It's somebody else's really intelligent spin on the readings, all tied together. It's a little bit like a high octane homily. Check it out.  

What intentions am I bringing and offering up my participation in the Mass for?

Family? Friends? Strangers? The weak? The poor? The lonely? The hurting? What worldwide issues are getting to you this week? What's going on at school that's got you stressed? How about home? What does your family need?

Offer it up!

Think about it ahead of time, to bring extra meaning to your Mass.

What venial sins have I committed this week that I want to seek forgiveness for during the Penetential Rite?

At this part of Mass every week, there's a mini-Confession!

"I confess to Almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault."

Don't come in unprepared! Think about where you've messed up or failed to love like you know God would've wanted...

Then run back to Him... He waits with open arms!

The collection is about much more than money. It's the time when the whole community brings together the things they each desire to offer God for worship... What offerings can you bring this week, to build up the church?

Time spent serving at a soup kitchen or St Peter's after school program? Time spent with siblings, grandparents, or other family members? Have I given my time to a friend in need of counsel or help?

Am I sharing my talents by teaching Religious Ed or leading at one:eight? Can I volunteer to help with something going on at the parish-- a fish fry, pasta dinner, or breakfast? Am I on to lector, usher, or otherwise serve at Mass? Am I singing or playing with the music ministry?

Can I give some money to the collection for the poor or St Mary? Just a few bucks, by sacrificing a cup of Starbucks? Can I donate some clothes I don't really wear but others might need? Can I pick up some extra food, socks, or toiletries for homeless folks in NYC?

Tired of going to Mass and just sitting there?

Once you've been confirmed, you're welcome to be a Lector (proclaiming God's word in the readings), a Eucharistic Minister (bringing the body & blood of Christ to the people), an usher or greeter. Trainings happen every Fall.

Email liturgy@smrlifeteen.com with your name, phone/email & the ministry you're interested in and we'll add you to the list for the next training.

The parish would love to have you involved in the music ministry, whether at the 5pm or elsewhere!

Contact Brennan Orie for more info.