As parishioners at Maternity BVM Parish prepare to celebrate the church’s 175th anniversary, this much is clear: Young people are active participants in the parish community.
Fr. Moses Mesh with young altar servers
Their latest youth Mass — which happens every month — took place Sunday, and young people uplifted the congregation, as cantors, Eucharistic ministers, greeters, lectors, musicians, readers and ushers. 
Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, associate pastor, celebrated the Mass, while Chris Lord, music director for the parish, directed the youth ensemble. Teens performed on strings, percussion and woodwinds, and talented cantors, led the congregation in song.
“The youth Mass today was so inspiring,” parish leaders said. “We also were able to pray for and with those continuing their faith journey in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). God’ s blessings were beautiful today!”
Fr. Moses offers a special blessing for the RCIA candidates and their sponsors.
The youth Mass and its uplifting benefits — to both the young people who participated and the congregation — reaffirms one of the core missions of the Viatorian Community, which is raising up communities “where faith is lived, deepened and celebrated.”