Young people may feel out of place as there are few other young people that go to church, it is mainly old people creating a generation gap that causes uneasiness and a feeling of being different. The thought of singing may make a person not want to go to church because they would feel embarrassed and ashamed. Also, the bible needs modernising, as it is out of date for people today, it does not coincide with their lives and is uninteresting. Peer pressure may stop a young person going to church, as they feel threatened by embarrassment and may get skitted by others.
On the other hand mass is still very important for young people. It is a chance for them to stand up for what they believe in and express their feelings. They need to know more about their faith and God and so mass helps keep their faith alive. Mass can help young people in need to help them realise they are not alone. It gives them someone to talk to and someone who will listen to their problems without judging them. Disabled young people can also benefit, helping them get through the troubles they have and letting them know there is a meaning to life. It gives them a chance for young people to pray, which helps them get over distressing situations and it gives them a chance to think, giving them a clearer view about their life. After mass they feel cleansed, wanted and someone special. Many young people are true Christians and are willing to go to mass as they have sincerity and loyalty to the church. They may want to meet the Christian demands by coming together to re-enact The Last Supper. Others may wish to carry on family tradition or have been brought up to go. Going with the family brings them closer together. They may have friends that go and so want to be there with them. Also they can socialise, either with people their own age or with older people, learning things from the different generations. Young people need a structured and discipline organisation of their time. Even though they may resist the challenge. It is an opportunity to go and feel part of the community, bringing a new generation into the church and putting something back into the community, because surely they can keep one hour spare to join in with the opportunities there are and be brought closer to God. Church is also very good for young children because of the little church; it delivers new messages to be learnt in the form of stories that can help children understand the wrongs and rights of life. The church also offers young people jobs, such as alter server, helping them expand their experiences.
Initially, I thought mass was not for young people at all. But exploring in further depth, I can see there are many important reasons for a young person to go to church and how mass can be them. Overall, looking at all the points I have made, I feel mass is a great opportunity for reflection, socialisation, help, answers, motivation and bringing one closer to God, but the actual setting is old, boring, repetitive, unappealing and doesn’t actually cater for young people. In conclusion, the idea of mass is great, but the style is not for young people.
