I find music provides me with the opportunity to express where I am in a particular moment of my faith life by channelling certain emotions that have surfaced over time.

Other forms of self-expression, such as art and poetry, allow us to acknowledge where we are in our faith life, too.

I’ve seen this firsthand from the different religious retreats I’ve been on and it’s evident the impact this form of communal worship has on youth.

Christian rock and hip-hop stars also have the benefit of seeing their music being embraced by the millions of Catholic youth around the world.

The fact that these forms of worship are not only interesting and fun for the participants, but also provides them with the deep presence of Christ, is what makes this form of praise so meaningful. While it’s necessary to worship in the traditional forms, I find when we incorporate certain aspects into our prayer life that elicit deep interests, we are far more invested and interested within our prayer and worship.

There is a misconception that worshipping can only be done in a particular way. Though the traditional form of worship may be what we have been used to, as Catholics we are called to expand our horizons and be open to new ideas.

The ability to promote self-expression through faith is truly something I believe is important to young Catholics.

I know from personal experience that many in the younger generations do not have true interest or excitement when it comes to faith.

This is because they are not willing to attempt new forms of worship. Modern youth prefer to immerse themselves within the technological world of social networking rather than their own spirituality.

The introduction of new forms of worship will bring with it a lasting impact on modern Catholic youth, and hopefully, our faith as a whole.  

(Coelho, 17, is a Grade 12 student at Brebeuf College in Toronto.)