| Schuyler Life Teen |
I was a teen in the Life Teen program and have been involved ever since :) I started because a high
school peer helped me to see that I needed to grow in my faith and I continued on as a CORE
member because God showed me that we never stop learning about Him. I am so grateful for this
program and in the ways it has nurtured my faith journey. Through Life Teen I have traveled to
many places, even Jamaica on a Mission Trip. As well as being on CORE, I am also the Music
Minister for Life Teen mass. It's funny how God can use you in ways you never knew possible. You
give Him a mustard seed - He moves mountains!
I am so grateful for the teens and the ways that they have taught me more about my faith than
any book, song, or lecture. They help me to keep my faith real and to be accountable for my
actions. They push me to be a better Catholic, musician and person, and that gift is more than I
could ever ask for.
I am thankful for my beautiful family. My husband, Nathan, is very patient with the hours I put
into the music and being on CORE and understands the passion I have for this ministry. Without his
support, I would not be able to minister and I am truly blessed to have him by my side. I also have
a son, JR, who has taught me that the heart has no limits when it comes to love. Just when I think
I can't love any more, he shows me I can :) My Life Teen and Worship Team family is amazing and I
am forever in debt to them for their love, loyalty, friendship, accountability, compassion, faith,
peace, passion, hope and fun.
school peer helped me to see that I needed to grow in my faith and I continued on as a CORE
member because God showed me that we never stop learning about Him. I am so grateful for this
program and in the ways it has nurtured my faith journey. Through Life Teen I have traveled to
many places, even Jamaica on a Mission Trip. As well as being on CORE, I am also the Music
Minister for Life Teen mass. It's funny how God can use you in ways you never knew possible. You
give Him a mustard seed - He moves mountains!
I am so grateful for the teens and the ways that they have taught me more about my faith than
any book, song, or lecture. They help me to keep my faith real and to be accountable for my
actions. They push me to be a better Catholic, musician and person, and that gift is more than I
could ever ask for.
I am thankful for my beautiful family. My husband, Nathan, is very patient with the hours I put
into the music and being on CORE and understands the passion I have for this ministry. Without his
support, I would not be able to minister and I am truly blessed to have him by my side. I also have
a son, JR, who has taught me that the heart has no limits when it comes to love. Just when I think
I can't love any more, he shows me I can :) My Life Teen and Worship Team family is amazing and I
am forever in debt to them for their love, loyalty, friendship, accountability, compassion, faith,
peace, passion, hope and fun.
| Tori Oehlrich Music Minister, Core |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Core, Worship Team
Contact Info:
E-Mail: TonyaLeGrande@earthlink.net
Back in the year of 1994 I was with the first group of teens to attend Life Teen Mass in Omaha, Nebraska. I
remember thinking that Mass was awesome! I loved the music and I remember being invited up to the altar for
the consecration of the Eucharist and all the Omaha teens and Schuyler teens had their arms around one another
and during the sign of peace you didn’t shake hands with your neighbor, but you actually embraced them in a
hug. That is when I began to think this program was something special.
The Fall of 1994, Schuyler began its Life Teen program. I was a sophomore in high school when Life Teen began.
I remember that I didn’t attend their first retreat, as I decided to go shopping in Lincoln instead (still regret it….so
remember this if you are thinking about skipping a
retreat!!). I remained active in Life Teen throughout my high school career and I truly believe it was the biggest
blessing in my life because it changed me as a person and it began a seed of faith in me that has changed my life.
The Fall of 1997 I moved to Lincoln to begin my college career and had an emptiness in me and knew I needed to
dive deeper in my faith. It was my turn to give back to God. I started to help with Life Teen. I had to work every
other weekend and my passion to serve in Life Teen was so great that I switched jobs so I could be there every
Sunday.
Driving back and forth from Lincoln for over 10 years now; I’m still active and more passionate than ever. God has
blessed me with an amazing love for
teens. I love to walk with them during this faith journey and am humbled every week by their faith and
commitment to serve Him.
Contact Info:
E-Mail: TonyaLeGrande@earthlink.net
Back in the year of 1994 I was with the first group of teens to attend Life Teen Mass in Omaha, Nebraska. I
remember thinking that Mass was awesome! I loved the music and I remember being invited up to the altar for
the consecration of the Eucharist and all the Omaha teens and Schuyler teens had their arms around one another
and during the sign of peace you didn’t shake hands with your neighbor, but you actually embraced them in a
hug. That is when I began to think this program was something special.
The Fall of 1994, Schuyler began its Life Teen program. I was a sophomore in high school when Life Teen began.
I remember that I didn’t attend their first retreat, as I decided to go shopping in Lincoln instead (still regret it….so
remember this if you are thinking about skipping a
retreat!!). I remained active in Life Teen throughout my high school career and I truly believe it was the biggest
blessing in my life because it changed me as a person and it began a seed of faith in me that has changed my life.
The Fall of 1997 I moved to Lincoln to begin my college career and had an emptiness in me and knew I needed to
dive deeper in my faith. It was my turn to give back to God. I started to help with Life Teen. I had to work every
other weekend and my passion to serve in Life Teen was so great that I switched jobs so I could be there every
Sunday.
Driving back and forth from Lincoln for over 10 years now; I’m still active and more passionate than ever. God has
blessed me with an amazing love for
teens. I love to walk with them during this faith journey and am humbled every week by their faith and
commitment to serve Him.
I got my first look at Life Teen in 2000. I attended a Life Teen Mass and enjoyed it a lot. The Mass was different
from what I was used to, but I found it inspiring. After relocating to Schuyler, I continued to attend Life Teen
Masses.
In 2002 Tori (Bierman) Oehlrich, asked me if I would help out with the music by playing guitar for one of the Life
Teen Masses. I reluctantly agreed, but all went well. After Mass, I told the band that I felt more comfortable
playing the drums. You could have heard a pin drop in the church. Everyone looked at each other and then at me.
They said in unison, “You want to play drums?” That’s how I became the drummer for the Life Teen Worship
Team.
I love being involved with Life Teen and I help out any way I can. I have to give Tori some credit for the way she has
molded me into wanting to be a better Catholic. Also, my wife, Jonelle, has been a very big supporter of my
involvement. She helps me with the Life Teen web site and with other Life Teen projects.
Thanks Life Teen for helping me to find my desire to be a better Catholic.
Michael Simon
Worship Team
Worship Team
I began occasionally coming to Life Teen mass in 2005 and I started to feel a call to work with this
group. I grew up in O’Neill and attended Catholic school but Life Teen was something very new to me.
I enjoyed the mass and found these teens to have a stronger faith than my classmates and I ever did
when I was in high school. I was moved by this and wanted to find out more but I was scared so I held
back.
In January of 2007 the Life Teen core held a recruitment night for new core member and helpers. I
attended, signed up to be a core member and have been excited about it ever since. In the short time
that I have known these teens they have impacted my life immensely. Their amazing faith makes me
want to become close to God.
I was lucky enough to be a part of the 2007 Spring retreat and now I can’t wait for the next one. I have
also had the chance to help out with some Life Nights and I am excited to help out more in the future.
These teens are phenomenal and the core members and helpers have become a second family to me.
God definitely provides in amazing ways and I am so thankful he has led me to such a wonderful group
of people.
group. I grew up in O’Neill and attended Catholic school but Life Teen was something very new to me.
I enjoyed the mass and found these teens to have a stronger faith than my classmates and I ever did
when I was in high school. I was moved by this and wanted to find out more but I was scared so I held
back.
In January of 2007 the Life Teen core held a recruitment night for new core member and helpers. I
attended, signed up to be a core member and have been excited about it ever since. In the short time
that I have known these teens they have impacted my life immensely. Their amazing faith makes me
want to become close to God.
I was lucky enough to be a part of the 2007 Spring retreat and now I can’t wait for the next one. I have
also had the chance to help out with some Life Nights and I am excited to help out more in the future.
These teens are phenomenal and the core members and helpers have become a second family to me.
God definitely provides in amazing ways and I am so thankful he has led me to such a wonderful group
of people.
Vicki Pribil Core
Tom Venzor
Life Teen Co-ordinator
I started attending Life Teen when I was a freshman in high school. I would usually attend Life Teen Mass
when I was in eighth grade and would always daydream during Mass about being in Life Teen; what little
did I know how it would come to affect me.
My experience with Life Teen in high school was amazing and really laid the foundation for taking
ownership of my faith; although, the Core also had quite the experience trying to keep me from running
around and being my young self. I loved going to Life Nights (I only missed one in my four years) and they
really helped me to build great relationships with the friends I still hold dear to my heart today and the
Core, who have now become some of my best friends.
Since high school I have always been around helping with Life Teen, mostly as a Core Assistant. But, at
the end of my junior year of college, the program was starting to run low on new Core, so, hesitantly, I
decide to join as a Core Member even though it would consume my time. My decision to become a Core
Member is probably one of my best decisions to date. I have had the ability to really progress my faith
while doing one of the greatest things possible – “Lead Teen Closer to Christ.”
I also write up the weekly Bible Study and am currently a music reviewer for LifeTeen.com – which is
headed by Life Teen National.
I thank God for the wonderful relationships I have with all people who have ever been associated with Life
Teen.
Life Teen Co-ordinator
I started attending Life Teen when I was a freshman in high school. I would usually attend Life Teen Mass
when I was in eighth grade and would always daydream during Mass about being in Life Teen; what little
did I know how it would come to affect me.
My experience with Life Teen in high school was amazing and really laid the foundation for taking
ownership of my faith; although, the Core also had quite the experience trying to keep me from running
around and being my young self. I loved going to Life Nights (I only missed one in my four years) and they
really helped me to build great relationships with the friends I still hold dear to my heart today and the
Core, who have now become some of my best friends.
Since high school I have always been around helping with Life Teen, mostly as a Core Assistant. But, at
the end of my junior year of college, the program was starting to run low on new Core, so, hesitantly, I
decide to join as a Core Member even though it would consume my time. My decision to become a Core
Member is probably one of my best decisions to date. I have had the ability to really progress my faith
while doing one of the greatest things possible – “Lead Teen Closer to Christ.”
I also write up the weekly Bible Study and am currently a music reviewer for LifeTeen.com – which is
headed by Life Teen National.
I thank God for the wonderful relationships I have with all people who have ever been associated with Life
Teen.
I grew up in the Schuyler Life Teen program. I was a 7th grader when the program began and I remember
going to some of the really early Masses. I attended Life Teen Mass and retreats throughout high school.
It wasn't until college though that I became really involved in the program. I became involved as a helper and
was asked to join the Core team. I agreed, although I was unsure of what I was getting into.
I have since visited Arizona twice with the core team, I've been to Notre Dame with two teens for the
leadership conference. I was blessed to have been able to go to California for the Life Teen 20th Anniversary
celebration. I have also had the pleasure of helping with many retreats. It gives me great joy to see the youth
of the Schuyler area growing in their faith. I owe everything I have in my faith life to my mom, Life Teen and
the Core team that have lead me from high school through the present.
Anycia Flynn
Core
My journey with Life Teen began my Freshman year of High School. During the next four years of high
school I went on every possible retreat..attending most Life Teen mass...and then usually made my way over to
Life Nights. The Life Teen organization has not formed my faith for me. Life Teen has given me the
opportunities I need to grow as a woman of faith. It has also provided me with amazing people to who keep me
accountable. So many relationships have formed through this program and for each one no matter how large
or small I am thankful. Seeing my beautiful sister go through the Life Teen program has helped us grow
together in our relationship in an amazing way. I am now in College and still love to help with Life Teen. I'm
now a Core member....let me tell you God does amazing things! I attend daily mass regularly. Daily mass in
an opportunity to focus in your daily life on what is truly important. It gives me a chance to come to Jesus with
not only my problems but also my joys. Sharing the Eucharist with other people is an experience that is
priceless and because of that I continue to help and continue to share Jesus' love with others. I challenge
anyone reading this...if you have a question about your faith ask me. Finding a solution to a question gives me
so much joy in life and I would love to share such an experience with you. I'll tell you now I probably don't
know the answer to your question..it's the struggle to find it that makes it so great! God Bless...I love you all.
Anycia Flynn
My name is Paul Doerneman. I am one of the “Original” CORE members from when it started in Schuyler in
1995.
I have been married to Sharon for 28 years and we have 3 children – Michael (27) married to Sarah and
working at Q. C. Supply. Chad (24) trying to get into physical Therapy school in Lincoln. Brittany (15) now a
freshman at SCHS. She is in Life Teen now and she was only 3 when it started in Schuyler.
I have learned so much about my faith by presenting it to the teens. I have fallen so in love with the Catholic
faith by experiencing it with the teens. They have helped me grow closer to Christ. From the beginning, I love
to see teens choose Christ rather than the false claims of the world. Teens are the best! To top that off, I see
the vocations and leadership that comes from this ministry and that keeps me going.
I know I have been duped because there is so much work with the mass, life nights, retreats, fundraising, and
recruiting teens, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am also a lector and EMHC. I am also involved in the
Knights of Columbus, the Right to Life, Christians Encounter Christ and Marriage Encounter.
Your Brother in Christ
Mary Guynan
Core
I was one of the “original” core members when Life Teen first started many years ago. I
planned on “helping out” for a few months, but God has a great sense of humor and here I am 16
years later still loving God and teens and still a core member. It is amazing to see young people
come to this ministry not knowing what they want from life or who they really are and through
coming to know Christ more intimately becoming strong Catholic leaders full of faith. Life Teen
has been a huge blessing to our family. My husband, Bob, is my rock of support and helps with
the ministry when he can. Our two boys are now in Omaha and still help with retreats when they
can. And now I have a huge Life Teen family of brothers, sisters, sons and daughters through
Christ. It is amazing.
I wish that I could put big signs on our churches that say… ALL are welcome…Christ is what you
are seeking when your heart is restless…Life Teen is just an instrument to lead your closer to
Christ…Come and experience going deeper…We need you all community, core and teens to draw
closer to Him whom we long for. Don’t, let fear hold you back…DIVE IN!
going to some of the really early Masses. I attended Life Teen Mass and retreats throughout high school.
It wasn't until college though that I became really involved in the program. I became involved as a helper and
was asked to join the Core team. I agreed, although I was unsure of what I was getting into.
I have since visited Arizona twice with the core team, I've been to Notre Dame with two teens for the
leadership conference. I was blessed to have been able to go to California for the Life Teen 20th Anniversary
celebration. I have also had the pleasure of helping with many retreats. It gives me great joy to see the youth
of the Schuyler area growing in their faith. I owe everything I have in my faith life to my mom, Life Teen and
the Core team that have lead me from high school through the present.
Anycia Flynn
Core
My journey with Life Teen began my Freshman year of High School. During the next four years of high
school I went on every possible retreat..attending most Life Teen mass...and then usually made my way over to
Life Nights. The Life Teen organization has not formed my faith for me. Life Teen has given me the
opportunities I need to grow as a woman of faith. It has also provided me with amazing people to who keep me
accountable. So many relationships have formed through this program and for each one no matter how large
or small I am thankful. Seeing my beautiful sister go through the Life Teen program has helped us grow
together in our relationship in an amazing way. I am now in College and still love to help with Life Teen. I'm
now a Core member....let me tell you God does amazing things! I attend daily mass regularly. Daily mass in
an opportunity to focus in your daily life on what is truly important. It gives me a chance to come to Jesus with
not only my problems but also my joys. Sharing the Eucharist with other people is an experience that is
priceless and because of that I continue to help and continue to share Jesus' love with others. I challenge
anyone reading this...if you have a question about your faith ask me. Finding a solution to a question gives me
so much joy in life and I would love to share such an experience with you. I'll tell you now I probably don't
know the answer to your question..it's the struggle to find it that makes it so great! God Bless...I love you all.
Anycia Flynn
My name is Paul Doerneman. I am one of the “Original” CORE members from when it started in Schuyler in
1995.
I have been married to Sharon for 28 years and we have 3 children – Michael (27) married to Sarah and
working at Q. C. Supply. Chad (24) trying to get into physical Therapy school in Lincoln. Brittany (15) now a
freshman at SCHS. She is in Life Teen now and she was only 3 when it started in Schuyler.
I have learned so much about my faith by presenting it to the teens. I have fallen so in love with the Catholic
faith by experiencing it with the teens. They have helped me grow closer to Christ. From the beginning, I love
to see teens choose Christ rather than the false claims of the world. Teens are the best! To top that off, I see
the vocations and leadership that comes from this ministry and that keeps me going.
I know I have been duped because there is so much work with the mass, life nights, retreats, fundraising, and
recruiting teens, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am also a lector and EMHC. I am also involved in the
Knights of Columbus, the Right to Life, Christians Encounter Christ and Marriage Encounter.
Your Brother in Christ
Mary Guynan
Core
I was one of the “original” core members when Life Teen first started many years ago. I
planned on “helping out” for a few months, but God has a great sense of humor and here I am 16
years later still loving God and teens and still a core member. It is amazing to see young people
come to this ministry not knowing what they want from life or who they really are and through
coming to know Christ more intimately becoming strong Catholic leaders full of faith. Life Teen
has been a huge blessing to our family. My husband, Bob, is my rock of support and helps with
the ministry when he can. Our two boys are now in Omaha and still help with retreats when they
can. And now I have a huge Life Teen family of brothers, sisters, sons and daughters through
Christ. It is amazing.
I wish that I could put big signs on our churches that say… ALL are welcome…Christ is what you
are seeking when your heart is restless…Life Teen is just an instrument to lead your closer to
Christ…Come and experience going deeper…We need you all community, core and teens to draw
closer to Him whom we long for. Don’t, let fear hold you back…DIVE IN!
Dallas Sweet
Core
Core
