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| Monday, 30 October 2006 05:05 | |||
 Archbishop Henry J. Mansell Some events are exciting for the moment but also etch themselves on our consciousness for a long time to come. Such was our “Catholic Youth Spectacular,” the Archdiocesan Youth Rally held on the grounds of St. Thomas Seminary and Archdiocesan Center in Bloomfield on Saturday, Sept. 23. The theme was “Catholic to the Core,” and it was an exhilarating opportunity for all of us, some 2,100 strong, overwhelmingly teenagers, to celebrate our Catholic faith. We came from parishes, schools, religious education programs, youth ministry programs, and scout troops in various parts of the Archdiocese. Our youngsters offer so many services in our local communities: assisting with parish events; helping with religious education programs for younger children; volunteering in soup kitchens, food pantries and homeless shelters; assisting in hospitals and nursing homes; coaching younger children in sports and computer skills; conducting food and clothing drives; doing yard work for elderly neighbors; aiding people with disabilities, etc. It is important that the youngsters see they are not alone, that many young people share their values and provide these services across the Archdiocese. They are part, and a very meaningful part, of the larger family of the Church – the Archdiocese and the Church universal. It is also significant to note that these are not merely secular services; they are religious services, to be supported by our prayers and to be offered in our celebration of the Eucharist in union with the offering of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Rally, therefore, was an exuberant celebration throughout the afternoon and the early hours of the evening: prayer, music, talks, a lot of fun, the Mass, dinner on the lawn, more music, then closing with Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. It was impressive to note how the youngsters, without coaching, knelt down on the grass reverently and quietly during the Canon of the Mass and during Adoration and Benediction. Another memorable image was the long lines for Confession. Some 28 priests were hearing Confessions and they went on all afternoon into the evening. Initially, I thought the lines were for the Port-o-Sans. Something much more edifying was happening. As night descended on the proceedings, an interesting development took place. It is often the custom during night vigils to have lighted candles to illuminate the darkness in an atmosphere of prayer. It was decided not to provide candles for this occasion. But the youngsters improvised! They held up their cell phones and waved them in the dark: so many sparkling stars to celebrate solidarity, 21st century technology at the service of the Spirit. Of course, the youngsters were the stars. The events moved quickly. The Rock Band made sure of that. Stomp, a program of Catholic Charities and the Hartford Street Youth Project, enlivened the proceedings with hip-hop musical skits that reflected the Sunday readings from the Scriptures. Father Norman Fischer, a rapper priest from Kentucky, gave a terrific talk that was entertaining, musical, and funny, with rap lyrics accelerating the pace. His message was solidly Gospel, solidly Catholic, and memorable. There was widespread participation in a version of “American Idol” called “Catholic Idol,” which showcased the gifts and talents of our young people. At the Offertory of the Mass, funds were contributed for Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services, and school supplies were donated for youngsters in need. As the event moved along, comments from the participants were encouraging. “It’s cool to be Catholic” was said so often, it took on the dimensions of a responsorial refrain. Parents, in some instances, indicated they had been having difficulty getting their children to go to Church, and to the Rally. This experience, they reported, had turned things around, and had affirmed them! The question posed most frequently was, “Can we do this again next year?” We will. At the end of the Rally’s program, the youngsters provided their own impromptu finale. The band broke out into lively country music and hundreds of the young people formed extended lines to dance along. They knew all the steps! It was a promising springboard for next year. I am deeply grateful to all whose hard work made the Rally the success that it was: the staff members of the Office of Religious Education (Shawnee Baldwin, in particular, did heroic work), the Office of Catholic Schools, the Office for Black Catholic Ministries, the Office for Hispanic Evangelization, the Office for Vocations, the Office for Divine Worship, the Office of the Diaconate, the Office for Campus Ministries, so many adult chaperones from across the Archdiocese, and, of course, the priests who gave of themselves unstintingly. It is the young people for whom we are especially thankful. As I said in the homily at the Mass that afternoon, the expression, “Catholic Youth Spectacular” is redundant. Catholic youth are spectacular, and you are. * * * * * It should be noted here that the archdioceses and dioceses of New England mark November as Religious Education Month. As I have expressed my gratitude in earlier columns to all who serve our Catholic elementary and secondary schools, I now repeat my prayerful appreciation for all who serve our religious education programs throughout our parishes, beginning with our Office for Religious Education, directed by Msgr. Michael J. Motta. The Youth Rally was graphic evidence of the importance of spiritual development as promoted in all our parish programs. * * * * * November is the month of Thanksgiving. Allow me to thank you once again for your continuing generosity to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. The total to date is $8,913,081.52, and we have two months to go. You have my prayerful gratitude not only this month, but every month and day of the year.
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