by Bill Casey

During the Junior High School Rally on Sunday, April 6, the keynote speakers brought to light the Rally’s theme "Spice Up the World With Your Light." Mike Patin, a diocesan director of youth ministry from New Orleans, and Mike Norman, a director from Los Angeles, shared their reflections on how youth and adults can be both "Spice" and "Light" in this world today. Their use of lively humor and interactive activities engaged the youth. They were left with challenges to go and make a difference in the world.

A new highlight for the Rally this year had a "local touch." For the first time, high school musicians and/or vocalists and some adult leaders were selected from about thirty parishes in the diocese to share in the music of the Rally day. The group gathered prior to the Rally for a one-day practice. On Saturday they met with Dr. Nick Abraham, a national musician from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for a one-day retreat and music preparation day for Sunday. They prepared music for several presentations during the Rally. The biggest opportunity was to provide music for the liturgy with Bishop Nienstedt in the afternoon. With all these coordinated efforts, they produced a wonderful sound.

We hope that through this experience leaders took home some of the music to their own parish. There were talented musicians that dedicated their time to making a difference in the New Ulm diocese. Many musicians asked at the end of the weekend if an opportunity could be provided again like this in the diocese, since it was the first time that this has happened. It is always good when something new can have such a powerful impact.

After the liturgy with Bishop Nienstedt, supper was served followed by dancing that added a fun closing to a good day.

To organize and plan such an event, the Diocesan Youth Council and youth ministers from the diocese work hard. The effort involved is well spent as it has such a big impact on young people.

Gathering together hundreds of youth and their adult leaders provides a great opportunity to look at our faith in the Church in a positive way.

The Catholic Church is far bigger than what we often see on Sunday. We can add our "Spice" and our "Light "of Christ that radiates through each one of us to this large group to make a positive impact on the world around us each and every day.