Bethany Music Ministry has its roots in the Norristown, PA former Lifeteen program. Lifeteen was a joint teen ministry effort of 5 Norristown area parishes. Father Jim McGuinn celebrated the first Lifeteen mass in April 1996 with group of adult and teenage volunteer musicians at St Paul’s Church. The music chosen was an upbeat contemporary type and the teens (as well as many of the adults) embraced this style of worship music. As time went on, others became interested and joined the group. The group ministered at the weekly Lifeteen masses for about 4 years. The Lifeteen masses and other activities had drawn teens and adults from the 5 core parishes as well many others from the area.

Upon Father Jim’s departure from the cluster, a decision was made by the pastors of the 5 cluster parishes to concentrate on returning the teen ministry back into the individual parishes- so the Lifeteen program was broken-up and the music ministry was left without permanent home.

Up to this point, the group did not even have a name and members could not agree on one that was liked by all. People would just refer to us as ‘the teen music group’ or the ‘band with no name.’ Shortly after finding a ‘home’ at St Titus Parish, the ministry took the name of Bethany. The parochial vicar at St Titus, Monsignor Thomas Scanlon, was giving a homily about Jesus’ best friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus who lived in Bethany. When Jesus wanted to get some R&R, he would travel to Bethany to get away and spend some time there with his friends. After hearing this story, we discussed naming the group “Bethany’ and for the first time, everyone agreed.

Today, Bethany Music Ministry ministers music weekly at Saint Titus Parish. We also minister music at events outside St Titus parish such as weddings, retreats and conventions and special events at local parishes.