Syracuse: Jesus in Your Face
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
By Chris Iven Youth Editor

Devotional candles flicker in the wind that blows through the open windows of the Church of St. Michael and St. Peter in Onondaga.

It's past dusk, but it's not at all quiet.

A muscular man commands the attention of the group of about 70 - most of them teenagers - crammed into the front pews. His voice, whispering a moment ago, fills the nave.

"If you're not ready to pump it up, go home!" he shouts, veins bulging from his forehead.
He punches the air like a professional wrestler goading the crowd.

"If you're not ready to pump it up, go out in the rain!"

Nobody leaves. Many smile in anticipation. The lights go down. The rock band kicks on and dozens of teenagers start jumping up and down, dancing, clapping and singing the opening song of this worship service.

"We're going to pack this place," they shout, "with his saving grace."

This is Mega Youth Ministry. The Catholic evangelist leading the action every Wednesday night is Justin Fatica, 29, who will become more well-known Dec. 17 when a documentary on one his ministries airs on HBO. the rest