A pre-evangelization event is intended to give seeking teens an easy entry point to the Catholic - Christian life. Therefore, with that particular audience in mind, Ampfest seeks to invite teens to behold the authentic joy of the Christian community, to cultivate an interest in the Gospel through beauty, and to propose Jesus Christ as the answer to their deepest desires. WHAT DOES PRE-EVANGELIZATI
ON LOOK LIKE WITHIN THE AMPFEST EVENT? It begins with a personal invitation by a trusted adult or a fellow teen to join our community for a fun day that includes good music, games, food, fellowship, and worship. Over the course of the event, through the guidance of the emcee, teens are slowly introduced to the reality that joy in the Christian community looks different, because the source of joy is Jesus Christ. Mass will be celebrated in such a way that youth are encouraged to behold the beauty and mystery of the Liturgy, longing for more, and see that something greater is happening here; it is done in such a way that non-Catholics do not feel excluded. The night will conclude with a food truck rally, at which point youth ministers and teen peer minister-leaders can follow up with each teen with the hope of continuing to experience Christ in the life of their parish community. ONGOING ACCOMPANIMENT
Ampfest is a great launchpad for ongoing conversation and accompaniment with a teen; it is not the end or a stand alone event. You are encouraged to have intentional follow-up with those teens that attend Ampfest.
