By Cathy Weaver

Music plays a large part in animating the Mass for teen at St. Ann’s parish in Marietta.

A nine-piece band, led by Ed Bolduc, has the purpose of leading “everybody in full participation in the Mass,” without drawing attention to itself, the director said. “The attention should be on the altar, not the band,” agreed Karen Bolduc, his wife, who sings with the music group.

Other members include a drummer, Scott Lavelle; guitarist Bob Richards; bassist Mark Ross; trumpet and trombone players Phil Saucier and Dave Castranovo. Matt Morning is the sound expert who blends the music.

The group formed when Theresa Patterson, director of music at St. Ann’s, went to Mesa, Ariz., with other leaders from the parish to observe the Life Teen program where it originated and study it. Ms. Patterson later introduced Ed and Karen Bolduc to parish youth minister Randy Raus as possible leaders of the particular kind of music and youthful, energetic approach needed to reach teens.

The band planned and prepared for two months before the first Life Teen Mass in September 1992. They continue to practice several hours each week for the liturgy, Bolduc said, and he composes original music weekly to complement the liturgical themes.

“We have to be professional,” he said. “It’s like a job. We have to work hard. We need dedication and total commitment from every band member.”

On Feb. 28, prior to the 25th Life Teen Mass, the core group leaders, music ministry, youth minister and Deacon Nick Morning gathered in a circle by the altar to pray. “Lord, help us to minister to the people … let them feel Your presence,” the deacon prayed.

The pastor, Father Bob Susann, MS, who would celebrate the Mass that evening, introduced the music leader and the group led the congregation in preparing responses that would be used during the Mass.

This particular night the Mass was also an opportunity for those assembled to learn about the Eucharistic Liturgy. Father Susann and Deacon Morning explained parts of the Mass as they celebrated it, answering questions.

Deacon Morning explained that it is the goal of the Life Teen Mass that the teens would experience Christ in a personal way in the context of the Mass through the Eucharist, the Word of God and one another.

The songs are from a variety of sources, but the quality of the musicians and the high energy level encourage the congregation to sing out.

The aim is to aid those who attend to experience God through a carefully planned liturgy. God is real; His presence is felt. The manner in which the Mass is celebrated exposes more of God’s personality: vitality, joy, excitement, celebration!

Another key element in the success of Life Teen is the relationship between the pastor and priests and the youth and music ministers. At St. Ann’s several priests take turns celebrating the Life Teen Mass, teaching at the weekly Life Nights following the Mass and acting as spiritual directors to teens.

Father Susann, in addition to his presence on the altar and in teaching, will drop in on Wednesday night “Just For Fun” social events. Because of his availability and visibility, Father Susann has had the privilege of counseling teens and their parents on several occasions.

Father Susann believes that it is absolutely necessary for the pastor or priests of the parish to be involved in the Life Teen program to make it work. “Teens are the future of the church,” he said. “They need our enthusiasm, affirmation and leadership. They need to see us and hear us.”

The difference between Life Teen and previous youth programs, Father Susann said, is that it is Eucharist-centered. “There is commitment by the pastor, priests and parish.”

The overal program at St. Ann’s is supported by a monthly second collection along with fund-raisers done by the teens who are involved. The Life Teen Band was able to purchase new sound equipment with the help of St. Ann’s music ministry and private donations from parishioners.