Youth Rally to be held in Springfield on April 6

On Sunday, April 6, from 1-8 p.m., at Springfield High School, youth and talented adult leaders will come together for a day to celebrate beingCatholic.

The annual high school rally brings together up to 800 9-12th grade youth and their adult leaders. The Diocesan Youth Council and youth ministers from the diocese are very active in planning this event to meet the needs of teens today.

Bishop Nienstedt will preside at the liturgy and there are keynote speakers to inspire, challenge, and have fun with the youth. There will be a dance with D.J. Bill Lage from Minneapolis. Also there is always food! The theme for the rally is "Spice up the World with Your Light" and is taken from the Holy Father’s message for youth this year and also from the gospel of Matthew 5:13-14.

The keynote speakers come with a variety of backgrounds:

Mike Norman is an associate Director for the Office of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Having worked with youth for over twenty years, Mike works closely with over 280 parishes in the Los Angeles area to develop strong youth programs and Confirmation programs. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.

Mike Patin has a Masters Degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University of the South in New Orleans and has worked in the CYO/Youth Ministry Office for the Archdiocese of New Orleans since 1990 and has served as the director since 1994. Mike has worked with teenagers for the past eighteen years and served as a high school religion teacher, campus minister, and an assistant coach. He has had the privilege of speaking to about 500 groups in 45 dioceses. Mike Patin is also certified as a facilitator for Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He has served as an adjunct faculty member at Notre Dame Graduate School of Theology in New Orleans and has been a trainer for the Center for Ministry Development’s Youth Leader program. He currently serves as a board member of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. He uses humor and stories to affirm the goodness of God’s presence among us while inviting others to take the "Next Step" in our journey with God.

Youth have been invited from around the diocese to join in the diocesan music group for the day under the direction of Dr. Nick Abraham. There are currently 50-60 youth and adult leaders that are taking part in the training for the day. Since this is the first time for this type of music group, lots of excitement is growing as the weeks pass in preparation for this event. St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Springfield is sponsoring the high school rally this year by providing lots of volunteers to make the day a success.