By Kathi Stearns, Staff Writer

MARIETTA – Over 300 people filled the all-purpose room at St. Joseph’s in Marietta to hear Lion of Judah, the parish’s Life Teen band, in concert Saturday, Nov. 12.

There was standing room only as the nine-piece band, composed of teens and young adults, played music composed by Catholic musicians including Ed Bolduc, St. Ann’s music minister for Life Teen, and Tom Booth, national music director for Life Teen.

Molly McCarthy, youth minister at St. Joseph’s, felt this concert could provide large numbers of area youth the opportunity to glorify God in a special way. “We feel that music is a really powerful and exciting way to praise God. The kids spent the entire concert celebrating their love of Christ and His love for them.”

Youth groups from St. John Neumann, Lilburn, St. John Vianney, Lithia Springs, Good Shepherd, Cumming, and Holy Cross, Atlanta, attended the concert.

“We’re blessed since we use selections from this music every Sunday,” Mrs. McCarthy said. “This was a chance to allow other teenagers to experience it as well.” Lion of Judah is under the direction of Laura and Bernie Franc.

Mrs. McCarthy credits teen musicians Ben Gephardt, Philip Sanders and Heather Besel for sharing their gifts with the community. “The strength of the group is in the teens and their love of Jesus Christ,” Mrs. McCarthy said. She believes that the teens experience in Lion of Judah has shown them that the church is one place they are always welcome.

Father Tim Hepburn, parochial vicar at the Cathedral of Christ the King, addressed the youth during the second part of the concert and reminded them that the pope had faith in them and loved them.

He also said that while everyone faces problems that distract them from Christ, with the power of the Holy Spirit these distractions can be overcome. Father Hepburn told the group that the Holy Spirit has empowered him to work with and minister to those in prison by helping him show prisoners the unconditional love of Christ. He told the youth that they also had the grace to bring people to Christ.

St. Joseph’s began the Life Teen program in the parish Sept. 26, 1993. Before each Mass teens involved in different ministries who are going to participate in the eucharistic celebration gather in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel to pray for the success of the liturgy. “That group has grown so large that we’re now coming out the door of the chapel,” Mrs. McCarthy said. “This program has really ignited their love for their faith and their willingness to act on it.”

Lion of Judah is scheduled to perform at Six Flags Over Georgia on Catholic Youth Day in June 1995.