29th Annual Youth Rally features former British rock star

by Sr. Margaret McHugh,

Director of Youth Ministry

Several hundred teens gathered on a rain soaked Minnesota weekend - even though many had Prom the night before - for the 29th Annual Diocesan Senior High Youth Rally held April 30, 2006 at Dassel/Cokato High School. The theme for the day was Light My Way. The day’s agenda included keynote speaker Sal Solo, a former British rock star and now a successful Catholic evangelist, musician and media expert; Mass, celebrated by Bishop John Nienstedt; supper and a dance.

The day began with the youthful MCs providing ‘icebreakers’ for the audience to get to know one another as well as various other activities before moving into the school auditorium for an Evang-a-Ganza. Upon entering, one boy stated, "I feel like I'm walking into a rock concert." He didn't realize he was not so far from the truth!

The official t-shirt of the day had the Star Wars character Yoda on the front. The kids were told to remember that “God is always calling them and they just need to pick up.”

At the dance, a local Catholic DJ showed the kids moves to the songs, and also tried to weave in the theme of the day, Light My Way.

Following this annual diocesan event, one teen e-mailed his response to the day: "I have to say that Sal Solo’s concerts/speeches really made me feel good about myself. Sal gave me the energy to actually turn my life around. If it wasn't for getting to listen to Sal Solo, I'd still be a total mess.”

Youth recognized for ‘sharing their faith’!

This year, the diocese has begun an annual tradition recognizing youth and young adults outstanding in peer ministry and faith sharing. During the Senior High Youth Rally on April 30, 2006, Bishop Nienstedt presented the first annual St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. John Bosco awards. To qualify, one must be a youth or young adult (ages 14-26) who have set an example in living and sharing their faith in a dynamic and creative way. Selection for this honor is based on their accomplishments over the past two years. This year’s recipients are Annie Fochtman, a graduating senior at St. Thomas, and Paul Blaschko of North Mankato, currently a junior in high school.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first American born saint, a convert, wife and mother who founded the Catholic school system in the United States. Even without being able to name or explain it, she showed signs of great spiritual depth at a young age. As a wife, mother and foundress, she maintained a beautiful balance between an active daily life and a profound mystical life of prayer and communion with God.

St. John Bosco was an Italian priest and the patron saint of youth. He began sharing his faith in fun and creative ways while still a young man. Later, as a priest, he worked tirelessly to provide housing, education, faith formation and technical skills to thousands of poor and homeless youth in Turin during the 1800’s. His hope was to form "good citizens and good Christians." He had a great devotion to Mary, Help of Christians. He is the founder of a group of sisters, priests and brothers called the Salesians who carry on his work today in over 100 countries.