By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
More than two dozen young men recently participated in the Master of Ceremonies Training Camp at Sacred Heart Church in Evansville.
The fifth annual event was led by Diocese of Evansville Seminarians Jack Martin and Evan Sexton. The participants were nominated by their pastors from 14 diocesan parishes to spend three days in classes, practicum sessions and in prayer learning how to facilitate and assist at liturgies more effectively. Participants were in grades 8-10.
“Overall, I thought the camp was a success,” Sexton said. “The guys that went seemed to have a lot of fun and really improved their knowledge surrounding the Liturgy… Additionally, the participants took the opportunity to create new friendships that expanded further than just their parish or high school.”
The participants in the Master of Ceremonies camp went through four practicums during the three-day camp, Martin said. They were taught how to use the Roman Missal and the Ordo, how to use and prepare incense, how to organize processions, how to prepare the sacred vessels for Mass, the names of the liturgical objects and vestments and more. Father Nick Biever, Father Tyler Tenbarge, Father Tyler Underhill, Father Alex Zenthoefer and Seminarian Jacob Schneider delivered talks to camp participants about the history of the liturgy, the parts of the Mass, how Mass is heaven on earth and how serving and the liturgy can aid in discernment.
Martin said 26 young men completed the training and received their red cassock and Surplice. The participants learned a lot about the liturgy and it showed in many ways, including through the liturgy tests and small side comments and conversations, he said.
“The participants come away with greater knowledge and love for the Church’s liturgy,” Martin said. “What was taught to these guys was not just head knowledge, but rather a knowledge that allows them to grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church.”
Martin said the participants are now able to go back to their parishes with a greater knowledge of the liturgy to help their pastor and parish community in worship.
“They act as witnesses to the great mysteries of heaven, and every parish community needs to see that taken seriously, especially by the youth,” Martin said. “I have heard many people say how much better they pray when these guys are serving and leading at the Lord’s altar.”
Corde Leinenbach, parishioner at St. Mary Parish in Ireland, was one of the 26 young men to complete the training. He said the training was “super beneficial to me.” He is now able to be a bigger part of what goes on during Mass.
“Before I attended, I thought that I knew a lot about serving,” Leinenbach said. “But now I am surprised by how many things I did not know. Now, I am super excited to bring the many new things that I learned back home to St. Mary Parish in Ireland.”
A parishioner at Holy Redeemer Parish in Evansville, camp participant Noah Schroeder thought the camp was well-run. He learned a lot of new serving skills and information he can use to at Masses in the diocese, he said.
“I also had fun being with other guys in the diocese, whether they were being trained or helping with the camp,” Schroeder said. “I appreciate the opportunity to participate and look forward to using what I learned during future Masses.”
The Master of Ceremonies Training Camp was launched in 2021 to assist pastors in having better liturgies in parishes across the diocese. Each year, more than 20 young men have been trained. There are now more than 100 alumni of the program.
Submitted photo