It’s not as large as Woodstock, but Mass in the Grass will feature a concert in a field and it promises to be plenty big.
Mass in the Grass, an outdoor Mass followed by a bonfire and a concert by Matt Maher, takes place Oct. 5 at 6:45 p.m. at The John Carroll School in Bel Air. Tickets, available at the event, are $5 per individual and $20 per family, or they can be reserved by calling 410-272-4535, ext. 10. Mr. Maher also will provide the music for the Mass.
Stephen P. Lozinak, who volunteers in music ministry at St. Joan of Arc, Aberdeen, conceived the idea for the event after listening to teenage employees at his ice cream store.
Mr. Lozinak recalls hearing how the kids liked what other faiths were doing. “One of them said to me, ‘All the kids at other churches, in their youth groups they want to be there. At confirmation we have to be there.’”
Mr. Lozinak had seen some vibrant youth ministry while in college at Arizona State University, and he decided to stage a similar event.
“It’s time for us to wake up – our youth don’t understand how awesome our faith is,” he said, adding that he wants young people to see “how awesome and powerful our faith is and how it will carry you through the rest of
your life.”
Robin Carnivale, who is handling ticketing at St. Joan of Arc, said she’s getting e-mails thanking her for bringing Matt Maher, a popular, critically acclaimed artist who has released three albums, to the area.
Mr. Lozinak chose John Carroll because it’s centrally located to residents in Harford and northeastern Baltimore counties. St. Joan of Arc is sponsoring the event, with private donors underwriting some of the costs, and Father Samuel V. Young, pastor of the Harford County church, will celebrate the Mass.
Mr. Lozinak said organizers are hoping for about a thousand people, “but I don’t know. We’re letting the Holy Spirit guide us.”