Rock On! Youth Rally

It’s amazing how having a balloon sculpture placed on your head in front of 160 people can break you out of your shell.

There has to be trust, the ability to laugh at yourself, and the unequivocal feeling of acceptance -- silly hat and all.

It was just one small part of a weekend that brought some 130 eighth through twelfth graders and 30 adults together in Christ March 15-16 at Dodge City Community College for the Rock On! Youth Rally.

"I watched young people change lives through an opening dramatic presentation" presented by the Youth Council, wrote Steven Polley in his "For God and Youth" column this week. "No words were spoken, but these few Youth Council representatives spoke volumes through their actions. I saw Youth Council representatives and other youth not on the Council go out of there way to sit and talk with that one person who was sitting alone. They were giving that extra little effort to make them feel welcome and part of our community.

"Time and time again I saw young people step out of what may have been a comfort zone and live the Paschal Mystery in their life, a true dying to self for the sake of others."

Keynote speaker for the weekend was Bob Perron (pictured top, far left), a Catholic "edu-tainer," who left the youth laughing one minute and reflecting on Christ in their lives the next. There were times for Scripture reflection, fun and games, and even a dance held Saturday night.

Sadly, the event has since become part of a memorial for two of those who attended. Victoria Dowell and Julia Alcala, both 16, were among four youths, including Veronika McDaniel, 15, and Myranda Mason, 16, who were killed in an automobile accident March 27 in Ulysses.

One common theme among diocese youth activities is that of discovering the love of Christ through the gift of each other. Those who attended this rally were given a special gift in Victoria "Tori" (pictured bottom left, far right) and Julia, who offered friendship and laughter, and who provided an example of Christ to all those with whom they came into contact.