Knoxville (WVLT) - More than two dozen Knoxville Catholics heard the Pope speak Thursday. Even more will hit the road Friday.

A group of knoxville teens will attend the Pope's Mass at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.

Volunteer TV's Mike McCarthy talked with the excited teens.

They call this a trip of a lifetime. The 19 teens participate in the youth ministry group at All Saints Catholic Church. They say the Pope's not just the leader of the faith, but a leader of their lives.

Sarah Kiefer calls it the trip of a lifetime.

"I'm so excited. I've been waiting for this for so long," Catholic Sarah Kiefer said.

She and about nearly 20 other All Saint Catholic Church teens will attend Pope Benedict XVI Sunday Mass at Yankee Stadium.

"It's hard to believe that we're going to have mass with the Pope. It's just so exciting," Kiefer said.

The teens participate in All Saints Catholic's Youth Ministry Program.

"So many people think there's so many things wrong with youth and they're doing so many bad things, but I really see all the wonderful things. I think it's fabulous they're so excited," Youth Ministry Leader Annie Nassis said.

Youth Ministry Leader Annie Nassis says seeing the Holy Father gives these teens the chance to live out their faith.

"We requested about 40 tickets and only received 26. So unfortunately we had to tell some people no," Nassis said.

But all interested youth got to go. They leave early Friday morning. Every teen says it's a once-in-a-life-time group experience.

"He's the big man," Catholic Michael Toman said.

"He is like the top-dog," Catholic Emily Hooyman said.

But they says the trip's also part of their individual spiritual growth.

"I hope that I become a better person and maybe inspired to do good things," Hooyman said.

"It really gives me hope for all of us. That we're important enough for the Pope to come see us," Kiefer said.

Hope because, for Kiefer, nothing is more important than her faith.

"This is the coolest thing I've ever got to do," Kiefer said.

About 100 other Knoxville Catholics will join the teens at the Yankee Stadium Mass. Former Knoxville Bishop Joseph Kurtz will be one of the main co-celebrants.

He's now the Archbishop of Louisville. The All Saints Catholic teens have seats in the left field bleachers. They're not sure how great the seats are, but they're just thankful to go.