I don’t blame VII for Dale Fushek, but I do blame his “mentor,” Archbishop O’Brien. I’m just hoping this scandal will open the eyes of the people responsible for youth ministry in our Diocese. When I found out they were going to use the LifeTeen program I looked up their website. It was full of homo talk! That, along with gimmicky liturgy, and the program’s demand that parents not be involved (I wonder why?), convinced me not to send my kids to LifeTeen.
It’s interesting that this thread did not generate many comments since it is pretty significant that the priest who founded LifeTeen has not only been accused of sexual misconduct with minors but has also started a new non-denominational “ministry.” I doubt if he has permission from his bishop to do this.
The time has come for bishops to revisit the whole idea of “youth ministry” and youth Masses. Celebrating the Mass in a reverent way according to the rubrics will attract more young people than turning it into an entertainment spectacle will. The whole problem with LifeTeen Masses, guitar Masses, etc. is that they make the assembly, not Christ, the focus of the Mass. There are plenty of other places where teens can socialize and have fun. What kind of message are we really sending teens when we try to “create” liturgies that are fun or that are centered around them? Aren’t we telling them that worshipping God is not as important as being entertained? I hope that Dale Fushek’s fall from grace discredits the whole LifeTeen concept.