What a fitting theme for this year’s high school youth rally March 20-21.

Young people from around the diocese came together for a weekend experience to more fully realize what is important in their lives while living in such a fast paced society.

The main focus of this year’s rally was to enter more deeply into the component of Justice and Service as presented by "Renewing the Vision – A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry." It reads, in part:

"Our faith calls us to work for justice; to serve those in need; to pursue peace; and to defend the life, dignity, and rights of all our sisters and brothers. This is the call of Jesus, the urging of his spirit, the challenge of the prophets, and the living tradition of our Church."

And oh, how the youth of our diocese entered into this statement. They not only worked for justice and served those in need, they also brought a little dignity to others by willingly going out into the community of Dodge City and working in different service areas.

From painting a Girl Scout Cabin and cleaning up trash, to visiting a jail officer and residents of a nursing home, many different tasks were accomplished in a very short time. Not only did they do so with open minds, they did it with an enthusiasm that only can be found in our young people. What a marvelous example they set not only for the Dodge City community, but our diocese as well.

After returning from the afternoon service projects, the rally participants were able to attend two of five breakout sessions, which focused in more detail on one of the Catholic Social teachings. Each of the breakout presenters delivered a message that offered a challenge and drove home the message that every person must work harder to bring about justice in our world. These presenters truly have a passion for our Catholic Social teachings.

These comments from participants tell me that a difference was made in the lives of our young people and the people they served. I want to thank each of the adults who so willingly gave of themselves to help make this rally and this weekend possible. Our adult sponsors jumped right in and worked side by side with our youth. I am still in awe of what I witnessed over this short period of time.