Nearly 240 parishioners kick off monthly Family Mass

On April 26, the St. Catherine's Parish Center was packed as parishioners piled in for the inaugural Family Mass at 9:30 a.m. Nearly 240 people, including youth from newborns to high schoolers participated in this family-centric Mass on Good Shepherd Sunday.

Parish 7th graders lined up behind personalized banner to process in with the Celebrants. During Mass, the youth served as ushers, altar servers, lectors, gift-bearers, music ministers and refreshment servers. With the help of a specially prepared worship aid -- young and more "experienced" parishioners celebrated Holy Mass together with contemporary worship hymns and a special homily geared to the youngsters.

Deacon Tony sat with the children at the foot of the altar to read the Gospel and Father Chester joined the sit-in afterwards for an interactive homily that compared Jesus and his sheep to children and their pets, which recognize their beloved owners and follow them wherever they lead. After Mass, all enjoyed refreshments hosted by our 6th-graders.

The Family Mass committee encouraged parishioners to continue being involved in this youth-focused Mass. They are especially seeking new altar servers (from 2nd grade up) to contact Cecile Sabatino at cecile927@hotmail.com to schedule a one-hour training session.

Family Mass will continue on the last Sunday of each month at 9:30 at the Parish Center.

Click here for a gallery of photos from Family Mass.

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