Catholic Transcript Online

God nose everybody – Young people and adults follow directions given by the keynote speaker at the October 2007 Catholic Youth Spectacular at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury. (Photo by Bob Mullen)

BLOOMFIELD – Young people from across the Archdiocese of Hartford will take the field at New Britain Stadium for the 2009 Catholic Youth Spectacular on Sept. 20. The fourth annual rally of its type is expected to attract 2,000 youths and young adults ranging from seventh grade through college.

This year’s theme is "Beyond Sunday: Reading the Signs – Getting Home."

"It’s a wonderful opportunity for young people throughout the Archdiocese," said Msgr. Michael J. Motta, director of religious education for the Archdiocese and Pastor of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in West Hartford.

Although the event won’t actually involve a baseball game, organizers are employing baseball lingo to describe it. Using the baseball theme and stadium venue and drawing analogies among faith, baseball and other sports are ways of promoting spirituality.

"It’s much more about proclaiming the Catholic faith but in baseball terminology," said Msgr. Motta.

A local Catholic rock band, eXaudio, will begin the "pre-game" festivities when gates open at 12:30 p.m. Groups will process onto the field, Olympics style, and place pennants, representing their group, behind home plate. Special guest Steve Angrisano will throw the "opening pitch," said Shawnee Baldwin, who is coordinating the event for the Office of Religious Education.

Mr. Angrisano is recognized as one of the country’s most dynamic and effective communicators with Christian youth. He is a singer, songwriter and storyteller who uses laughter, songs, stories and, often, hilarious audience interaction to share his message.

Other main-stage entertainment will include a talent show that organizers are calling "Catholic Idol" after the hit television series "American Idol." Young people will have the opportunity to share their gifts and talents in song, dance, skits or poetic readings. A performance by "Sister Act," a group of religious sisters from different orders, will also entertain.

The Destiny African Youth Choir from Uganda will present a lively mix of traditional and contemporary song and dance. The choir comprises orphaned Ugandan children who were rescued from desperate and horrific circumstances and now live in the Kampala Children’s Centre in Uganda. Attendees will "play ball" with team-building and spiritual fitness strengthening activities created by the archdiocesan Office of Urban Affairs and other offices and ministries, said Ms. Baldwin.

Rock Cats personnel will offer customary stadium activities with fast-pitch and Wiffle ball contests. Other activity stations with themes of social justice, cultural diversity and conservation will be available until the "seventh inning stretch," during which traditional stadium food and summer fare will be served in three picnic areas surrounding the field.

Archbishop Henry J. Mansell, Auxiliary Bishops Christie A. Macaluso and Peter A. Rosazza, and approximately 40 priests of the Archdiocese are expected.

The sacrament of reconciliation will be available throughout the day. Mass will be celebrated in the early evening, followed by a unique "Make a Difference" activity that will conclude the event.

"[Kids] get a whole new perspective on their faith when they come to these big events," said Ms. Baldwin. "They see that there are other people who are excited about their faith.

"We really want people to come with their parish, school, sports or Scout group," she said, "so somebody is there to keep it going or do something with the excitement that kids bring back."

A group of approximately 25 students from St. Mark’s plans to attend, said Lou Ann Warren, the parish’s religious education director.

"We have students who have attended every year since the event began," she said.

"They love the food, the downtime where they can interact with kids from other parishes; and, invariably, the speakers and activities give them something to think about and question," said Mrs. Warren.

"Every year it’s a little different. The atmosphere is one of acceptance. It’s a time when [kids] can be open about their beliefs. They can openly dialogue and ask their questions and hear answers from adults and other students," said Mrs. Warren."