As a member of the parish staff, I am responsible for the Confirmation, high school Teen Ministry, Adult Faith Formation and Vacation Bible School programs at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Being a minister in the Church was not a direction I thought I’d ever be taking in my life! But now in my third year in this ministry, I have come to realize it is exactly God’s plan for me.

 While the faith formation of our children is so often the emphasis of parish catechetical efforts, it is the years stemming from the teens through adulthood that often get neglected. With the extremely active lives that both teens and adults lead these days, it is easy for God to get lost in the shuffle. The faith formation programs at SEAS serve to address these needs. Our Teen Ministry program begins in the important Confirmation year. It is during this year that teens learn what it means to be a full member in the Church, by worshipping together and serving in both the parish and community. By interacting with the members of the high school Teen Ministry, the Confirmation candidates learn by example as they witness their slightly older peers already living their faith. The result has been a high school Teen Ministry program that has grown, with members that have deepened in faith and commitment.

In the past year, over 100 adult parishioners of SEAS have embarked on a journey they’ll never forget—that of studying the Bible. They have been excited to not only learn about the Bible, but also to see how the Word applies to their lives. Furthermore, the readings at Mass have taken on a whole new meaning. The camaraderie that has been shared in the study groups has been a wonderful experience for all.

Our Vacation Bible School program has grown significantly, with over 200 people involved this past year, including a record number of 127 children participating. The children learned the Word of God in a fun way, and parents remarked that they were excited about returning to church for Sunday Mass! Those that ministered in the program included a middle school service group, Confirmation candidates, the VBS High School Teen Group, and many adults, making this a program in which the entire parish community was involved.

None of these programs could take place without the efforts of so many wonderful parishioners that give of their time and talents to serve others. As I mentioned earlier, I never dreamed that my life’s work would be in the Church.  However, I never would have realized this if I had not become involved in the faith formation programs that are offered in this parish. So I urge all of you, teens and adults alike, to get involved in our parish. Realize that you can make a difference. It is amazing what Jesus can do in your life—and in the lives of others—if you let Him!

In Christ’s Peace,

Diane Luceri