By Quinn Montgomery
On Oct. 4, youth from all over the Diocese of Davenport will join together to experience their faith in a new and exciting way.
Being the largest Catholic youth convention of the diocese, the Diocesan High School Youth Rally is a great opportunity to expand one’s faith and meet a lot of great people in the process.
Held at the Coralville Marriot, the youth rally will encompass all aspects of the Catholic faith. Enhancing the event will be well-known Catholic storyteller and singer ValLimar Jansen and Mass with Bishop Martin Amos.
Now that we have covered the “who, what, when and where details,” all that is left it the “why” and “how.”
Why should you go? Well the real question is: why shouldn’t you go? There will be plenty of youth your age, breakout sessions on topics of interest to Catholic youth and Catholic humor.
Two sessions will focus on finding God in nature, one marking the feast of St. Francis by featuring live animals. The band “1 of 12” and keynoter Jansen will present musical breakouts.
Susan Hagarty will help youth explore prayer forms that best fit their personality. Mary Orman will focus on cliques. Tammy Norcross will talk about journeying with God through times of loss.
St. Ambrose University basketball coach Ray Shovlain will lead youth through activities that develop leadership skills. Father Marty Goetz, the diocese’s vocations director, will lead sessions on vocations and reconcilation.
Bishop Amos will host an “Ask the Bishop” session. Youth-led workshops will focus on making the most of NCYC and experiencing the church around the world.
Also, the Diocesan Youth Ministry Committee will help present exhibits about youth activities available in our diocese. Participants can fill out a passport card as they travel through the exhibits and be eligible to win prizes.
Everyone is bound to have a lot of fun. There are enough activities and breakout sessions for even the pickiest Catholic.
How can you register? Talk to your youth minister or parish leader about getting a group together! Take a quick visit to www.davenportyouth.org to read more about the rally, the keynote speaker and to obtain registration forms. Gather a group of friends and register today for a great day of faith in a fresh way. But be quick because registration ends Sept. 29!
(Quinn Montgomery chairs the DYMC and is a senior at Clear Creek Amana High School, and a member of St. Mary Parish in Oxford.)
