JUNE 16, 2009
Almost
400 regional teenagers participated in the Combined Youth Ministry’s
day-long Light the Fire 2009 Summer Youth Rally at Misericordia
University
The
rally featured the combined youth ministries of St. Jude’s Church,
Mountain Top; St. John Bosco Church, Conyngham; Good Shepherd Church,
Drums; and Our Lady of the Snows and St. Benedict Church in Clarks
Summit. The program was presented in the new Lemmond Theater at Walsh
Hall and Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall on campus. Teenagers from as
far away as Allentown, Harrisburg and Williamsport also participated in
the program that included a variety of inspirational workshops, music,
fun and games, Holy Hour and all-day Reconciliation.
Nationally
known Catholic motivational speaker and performer Jesse Manibusan, a
Catholic lay evangelist who uses music, comedy and stories to connect
with people, was the guest artist. He has shared his uplifting message
for thousands during performances at World Youth Day and other youth
rallies.
“God
gives us life,’’ the performer said. “We may have disappointments. We
may be really angry or depressed. It’s good we can have a moment to say
to God, ‘Thank you for life.’ ’’ Rock worship band, CatholicFX, a group
of youth and young adult musicians from the Diocese of Allentown, also
presented the Gospel in a dynamic way that was geared toward the young
Church of today. The band blends upbeat, high-energy rock music with
quiet, contemplative songs to create a dynamic and flowing worship
experience that leads teens through a very powerful way to experience
prayer.
The
program offers a variety of workshops, break-out sessions and games,
such as volleyball and outdoor crafts. It is a chance for the students
to pick and choose the workshops they want to attend and address issues
they might be struggling with, such as peer pressure, according to
Williams. “The highlight of the day is seeing 300 to 400 youngsters
celebrating the Eucharist together with adults at the closing Mass. It
is an awesome feeling for everyone involved,” added Williams. The
all-day youth conference was sponsored by various priests and parishes
throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania.
JUNE 18, 2008 Last
year a fire was lit in northeast Pennsylvania. Since last June, we've
been watching it continue to burn brightly. This June will be a time
to once again to gather and celebrate in our faith. Light the Fire is
back with new speakers and new bands, but the same excitement and fun.
This is a day of workshops, music, Adoration, humor, new 
friends,
and powerful speakers talking about the things that matter to young
people. This is not a day planned completely by adults, but also by
select teenagers from around our area. We listened to you and putting
together another amazing Rally!
As
you know this event was met with great success last year. With over 400
participants we are hoping that the Holy Spirit will provide growth to
the work of God this year. In these changing and challenging times our
parishes are in need of a positive and uplifting experience. With so
many things going on, sometimes we find our youth bogged down in fear,
doubt and despair. However, we are called to mission. God calls us to
be bold, to move forward and to be the light and hope in this world.
St.
Paul said to young Timothy “…I remind you to stir into flame the gift
of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did
not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and
self-control.”
In the face of fear, we can love. In the
face of doubt, our faith will shine. In the face of despair, we dare to
have hope. We very much look forward to this Rally as a time to
reawaken the great work begun last year. However, this event cannot
continue to grow without your prayer and support.
On this site
are other promotional materials, video promotions, photos, schedule,
location and much more information. Please note registration is due:
May 30, 2008. The cost is only $20.00 per person. A late registration
will be accepted to the time of the rally with an additional cost of
$10.00 per registration.
If you have any questions or would like
more information, please feel free to contact us at Combined Youth
Ministry. We would be more than happy to help in any way, including
on-site visits. Thank you for everything and may God bless you in your
ministry.
God’s Peace,
The Combined Youth Ministry Core Team
A
big red tent in a field. Isn’t that where anything that’s anything
starts? Throw in a world sought after speaker, two bands, some games,
and a few hundred teenagers and you have one heck of a day! Light the
Fire was a day that many people are still talking about to this day.
Our
special guest, Steve Angrisano, was on site the entire day working with
the rally members and taking time in between sessions to chat with our
local teens. During his keynote address, he challenged the crowd to a
rather large game of Simon Says, a new look on the old song “Lean on
Me”, and a challenge to be Holy. Megan Murphy and Matt Brunninger
presented their well know Theology of the Body talk. On the subject of
sexuality, Megan and Matt always know how to create a new and holy look
on the subject. Many of our local Clergy showed up throughout the day
to help out, offer Reconciliation, present at workshops, and
participate in the closing Mass. A fully loaded ice cream truck donated
by the McCarthys was an unexpected treat .
However,
the highlights of the day were Adoration and Mass. No matter what
speakers or music we have, our strength will always come from Jesus
through the Eucharist. The Rally ended with an unique bon fire lighting
before Mass and a candle lighting ceremony at the end. It reminded us
that we are the Light of the world. See you next year!
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine...