Archdiocesan Youth Day to feature prayer, music and speakers

Following last fall’s Archdiocesan Youth Day, one of the nearly 1,700 teens in attendance shared her feelings about the gathering via Twitter: “That was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.”

Young Catholics, many of whom shared their enthusiasm about last year’s event via social media, will have another opportunity this fall to celebrate their faith and have fun in the process.

Archdiocesan Youth Day 2013 is set for Sept. 21 at Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria.

Like last year, the event, organized for high school students, will feature a full day with Archbishop John Nienstedt — including a question-and-answer session  — Mass, music with local Christian band Sonar, food, and opportunities for eucharistic adoration and the sacrament of reconciliation.

Sean Forrest, an internationally known Catholic speaker, musician, author and retreat leader, will be the keynoter.

The theme of the day is “Believe and Speak,” based on 2 Corinthians 4:13: “Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed, therefore I spoke,’ we too believe and therefore speak.

The theme dovetails with Archbishop Nienstedt’s recent pastoral letter on the new evangelization titled “I believed, therefore I spoke.”

“Last year the theme was ‘Reason for Hope,’ and the youth gave us such a reason for hope by the way they poured out for the event and the way they participated,” said Bill Dill, youth ministry events coordinator for the Office of Marriage, Family and Life. “The faith in the room was so alive.”

The number of youth registered last year exceeded 2,000, although all could not attend because of space limitations for the event, which was held at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis.

“This year, we’re responding to what the archbishop said in his letter,” Dill added. “The youth will come around the archbishop and celebrate their faith by saying, ‘We, too, believe and therefore speak.’”

The logo for this year’s gathering was selected by archdiocesan youth, who had the opportunity to vote on one of six options presented by the Office of Marriage, Family and Life.

Archdiocesan Youth Day 2013 is free. Registration is by group; youths interested in attending should contact their campus minister, parish youth minister or pastor.