Print Issue: January 30, 2003

Catholic Youth In LaGrange Host Christmas Ball

High school students from St. Peter's Church, LaGrange, are in formal dress for the Christmas Mass and ball they hosted Dec. 28 for their peers from the surrounding community. Their pastor, Father Selva Raj, is shown with them. The event was designed to help teens become more familiar with the church.

Meghan McNearney, Special To Georgia Bulletin

LAGRANGE-On Dec. 28, 2002 the lights were twinkling and the music was blaring at the High School Youth's Christmas Ball of St. Peter's Church.

It was an evening designed to celebrate Christmas with a Mass, dinner and a lot of dancing. The youth of the church planned the event under the guidance of their youth group leaders Ruth Outman, Sarah Lehman and the pastor Father Selva Raj to introduce teens of LaGrange to the Catholic Church.

Although the attendance was not as high as St. Peter's had hoped, the people that did attend had a wonderful experience at Mass and really enjoyed the ball. Even the pastor joined in and danced the train around the floor with the youth.

The youth spent two days decorating the parish hall in a winter wonderland theme. Women from the parish baked an array of food and desserts for the dinner. Their help throughout the event was much appreciated as they donated time and food and washed dishes. Other parishioners donated decorations and served as chaperones. The help and involvement of the parish was excellent.

Everyone agrees that the night was a success and there is talk of doing it again. Despite the work for a one-night event, the effect it had on the teens involved and the teens that attended made the work worthwhile. The only goal for St. Peter's youth is to have a higher attendance in the years to come so more teens of LaGrange can experience the Catholic Church.