Adults' view of teenagers
Two adults who work with teens talk about young Catholics:
* Marian Sarchet, director of religious education at Sacred Heart parish in Tribes Hill, noted that a liturgical music group helped teens interest their friends in ministry and service.
"It seemed to spread among the other teens who wanted to follow their lead," she said. "They're very involved in a lot of parish activities."
The young people are very concerned about their community and their world, Ms. Sarchet said. Because the parish is an "integral" part of the community, teens hold parties for younger children, throw spaghetti dinners to raise money for charities and collect funds to help out animal shelters.
"They open up and participate," Ms. Sarchet said. "They talk about things that bother them. They're very willing to discuss the issues."
* Lucy McHenry, pastoral associate for faith formation at Immaculate Conception parish in Johnstown, said the town has "one of the highest alcohol- and drug-use rates in Fulton County. The kids need to be kept busy and positive, so they can focus their energy in a positive way."
To that end, teens host such events as open gym nights, complete with ping-pong tables, music, food and basketball. (KD)