By Mary Caton-Rosser
Catholic Herald correspondent
Youth Rally: Camaraderie, contemplation
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Steve Angrisano, a Colorado-based speaker and musician, was the featured presenter April 6 at the annual diocesan youth rally in Ladysmith. He has previously performed at National Catholic Youth Conferences. (Photo by Mary Caton-Rosser) |
LADYSMITH -- If there was one thing that Steve Angrisano wanted people to take back to their parishes from the annual diocesan youth rally, it was understanding that God is real. "And that sometimes requires a change within each of us," he added.
Angrisano, a much sought after international Catholic speaker, was guest presenter for the April 6 rally at Our Lady of Sorrows church, attended by 150 youth and adults from parishes across northwestern Wisconsin. Activities, music, liturgy celebrated by Bishop Raphael M. Fliss, a spaghetti supper and a dance brought people together for a day of camaradie as well as contemplation.
Angrisano, a resident of Highland Ranch, Colo., involved his audience as participants in his presentations through hands-on, thought-provoking activities. He started out with some games, one on the theme of making choices and accepting consequences.
While game participants tried to avoid being the one left holding the "hot potato" when the music stopped, Angrisano issued comical consequences that really got the audience laughing and learning.
Angrisano told stories about his recent trip to the Vatican and the effects of last year's world youth rally in St. Louis. He encouraged healing discussion about some of the tragic events recently involving youth including the 1999 shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo.
Regarding the importance of making good decisions about spirituality, he emphasized at the end of his session, "We are counting on you -- the youth."
The annual youth rally is traditionally held on the Saturday after Easter. Roger Cadotte, director for the diocesan Office of Religious Education and Youth Ministry, explained, "The purpose of the rally is to bring people together from all the parishes to meet, gain a broader perspective and have a positive church experience."
Alan Burmester, a parent at St. Joseph parish in Rice Lake, brought his sons, Benjamin, 16, and Andrew, 12, to the event. "I really like to see my kids involved in youth ministry," he said. Adding that the boys once enjoyed participating in a Quo Vadis camp in the diocese, Burmester said that events such as the rally are an enlightening experience for youth.
Each year, rally participants support a community project by bringing donations to the event. This year, Ladysmith's Time Out Family Abuse Shelter was given clothing, toys, blankets, baby items and other supplies for victims of domestic abuse. Shelter coordinators Nicole Daggett and Pauline Lundgren thanked those attending the rally for their donations.
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2002