Whilst a parish could spend months planning one fantastic “Youth Mass” with all the trimmings, it would be a one off and then it would be over.

It is important to take time and develop a planning team. A parish would have more on going impact than a youth and liturgy team working together and bringing in changes slowly to the regular liturgy to make it more “youth friendly”.

Introducing one “new” thing every month or so could eventually build to a dynamic liturgy , require less intensive effort, have longer lasting effects and build more community as eventually more people get involved in participating in preparing for the liturgy.
So what one thing will you start at your next “youth” mass?


Hospitality– having greeters welcome people as they come into Mass. For a “youth friendly touch” Greeters can be young people, or be specifically asked to make a point of greeting young people as well (they’re often ignored)

Have young people standing at all the doors so no one comes in without saying hello. If you’ve got more doors than greeters, close a couple of doors.

Invite teenagers to gather around the altar at the consecration. To start this it is better to let a few people know before hand, spread them around the church and give them the nod. That way, none has the embarrassment of being the first person to come forward

Ask the Priest to especially welcome young people at the beginning of Mass

Ask the Priest to invite others to introduce themselves to each other at the beginning of Mass. A special touch is to remember someone’s name and use it at the sign of peace.

Start a youth Mass committee with the intention of bringing in many changes slowly.

Ask the Youth Ministry Co-ordinator, or another gifted speaker, to do a “warm up” before Mass—Welcome people , esp. young people and the visitors to the parish, run through a song or two– especially if there are new songs.

Include young people in the prayers of the faithful

Short list:

• Gather a team
• Liaise with PP, pastoral council and liturgy team
• Plan one change per month
• Evaluate after six months