Commentary
How can we help young peopledevelop proper dispositions — thatis, to be ready, willing, and able toenter into the celebration? A person who is properly disposed:
Has a living relationship withGod, in Christ, and calls upon God in prayer.
- Follows Jesus in daily life as a disciple;
- Is an active, engaged memberof the faith community;
- Understands ritual action andlanguage;
- Comes to the liturgy ready tocelebrate fully, consciously andactively;
- Recognizes the essential pattern of his or her life in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup.
What happens at Mass for young people depends on what happens with them outside of Mass: to become properly disposed, young people need first and foremost to be evangelized. They need to bewelcomed and valued in their faith communities. They need to hear the Good News and accept the transforming love of Christ. And they need parents and families of faith —as well as vibrant, joyful faith communities —supporting them in their relationship to Christ as young believers. Young people also need to be catechized, not only broadly in the faith, but specifically in the ways of our worship, through liturgical catechesis.