High energy worship attracts young audience

Charismatic service in Houma caters to teenagers, young adults

Fr. Mark Toups and Paul George talk to the teens and young adults in a way they can connect with. Their talks are humorous and entertaining - while covering serious moral issues that today's youth are facing.

A new worship service in Houma called “Adore” combines music and lighting like a rock concert - but with Jesus as the star.

Although the worship is Catholic-based and puts Jesus in the Eucharist on center stage, the spiritual concert is free and open to the public.

So why is Adore attracting worshipers from as far away as Baton Rouge and Lafayette to its concerts? According to Paul George, who founded the ministry with Father Mark Toups, "People are really hungry for a relevant message."

George spent six years with Life Teen as a national consultant, regional coordinator, and youth minister before moving to Houma with his wife and 3 children and becoming involved with Adore. He talks to the teens and young adults in a way they can connect with. His talks are humorous and entertaining while covering serious moral issues that today's youth are facing.

Paul George and Father Mark Toups began their program in 2005. After much prayer and discussion, they realized that they wanted to put together a worship night for teenagers that would cater to the spiritual needs of today's youth. The Adore worship series was the result. Now in their second year, the series is captivating hundreds of teens and adults alike.

A group of teens from the Holy Family Youth Group in Luling have been going to the concerts. They usually meet in the Holy Family Church parking lot and follow each other to the Houma Civic Center. Said one teenager after the February meeting, “Adore allows me to worship God without feeling embarrassed about it. It feels so good to worship Jesus with my friends and be with other people who love the Lord - I really feel his presence here."

The Adore spring series has 3 remaining concerts: March 8, April 5 and May 3 (Wednesday evenings) at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center from 7-9 p.m.