Print Issue: October 17, 2002

Our Lady of Lourdes Celebrates Its First TGIFF Mass

Shannon Brown, Special To The Bulletin

ATLANTA - Despite a rainy start Our Lady of Lourdes Church hosted its first Young Adult "Thank God it's First Friday" Mass on Oct. 4.

The initial dreary weather did not stop more than 225 celebrants (from more than eight different parishes) to come out and witness all the warmth, diversity, love and family Lourdes represents. As the date was also the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, Father John Adamski, OLL pastor, celebrated Mass reflecting on the changes and challenges of this saint's young adult life and his eventual call to peace. That "call" to peace flowed throughout every part of the Mass. It was especially heard through gospel music and the dynamic voices of the Lourdes choir and moved through the prayerful expressions of the Lourdes Amazing Grace Liturgical Dancers.

Celeste Johnson, left, and Mary Santiago join Our Lady of Lourdes Church choir members in singing the call to worship hymn, "Awesome God," just prior to the Young Adult First Friday Mass at the parish. (Photos by Michael Alexander)

Ann Blasick, young adult ministry program coordinator, described the Mass as "a reminder that we are called to be family to one another." It was also a reminder that our Catholic Mass is a joyous celebration of our Lord's love for us. The warm welcome of the OLL young adult community, the passionate singing of the choir, and the congregation clapping in rhythm were all reminders of these things.

Matt Gardner, of the Cathedral of Christ the King, said that the Mass "was captivating, and really drew you into the experience of the Eucharist through sight, smell, and sound. The overall experience was uniquely warm and inviting . . . Lourdes is blessed with a strong community, and I truly felt a welcomed part of it."

Mike Dorko, left, and Tom Lacerti of St. Jude the Apostle Church, Atlanta, sing the entrance hymn, "We've Come This Far by Faith," to commence the Oct. 4 Young Adult First Friday Mass.

After Mass, the weather cleared and the celebration continued into the church cafeteria and outside patio. The cafeteria was decorated with many tiny, white lights and candles. In keeping with a "Tropics Under Lights" theme, beef patties, jerk chicken, peas and rice, salads, breads and desserts graced many plates while music and laughter filled the room. The party progressed outside into even more lights and decorations complete with the Lourdes-eye view of downtown Atlanta.

The evening continued with more music, food, and salsa dancing lessons. People who had never met before learned the salsa together. The dancing and fellowship continued until 11:30 p.m. and only because the DJ's time was up.

This was the first time the event was held at OLL, but it would not be the last, judging from the comments made. Bonnie Young, of St. Anthony's Church, Atlanta, said, "the church was filled with a spirit of young adults dedicating their lives to the Lord."

Josh Freeman, who is working on starting a young adult ministry at Sacred Heart Church, Atlanta, was inspired to "see so many young adults together on a Friday night to celebrate the Eucharist and for fellowship."

Kersti Payton, archdiocesan senior director of young adults and adult ministry, was inspired by the turnout. "The OLL Young Adults have set a new standard for TGIFF Masses."

Young adults fill the social hall of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Atlanta, where they were presented with Caribbean cuisine, music and salsa lessons. Tiffany Yarn of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Atlanta, joins hands with other young adults during the Our Father at their first Friday Mass. Bryan Alli, one of the coordinators for the Young Adult First Friday Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, invites everyone to a Caribbean social that followed the evening Mass.