Pilgrim Cluster holds outdoor event for youth

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
September 1, 2005

ALTON - A youth rally for the kindergarten through 12th grade students in the Pilgrim Cluster was held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 28 at the Alton City Bandshell.

The Pilgrim Cluster includes St. Mary Parish in Alton, St. Anthony Parish in Hospers and St. Joseph Parish in Granville. Father John Vakulskas, pastor at St. Mary and St. Anthony parishes and Father Richard Ball, pastor at St. Joseph were there to participate in the evening.

The volunteers of the Pilgrim Cluster Youth Group have developed a mission statement that is "to provide opportunities for our youth for spiritual growth, fellowship and service." The goal of the event was for the students to have fun.

The rally began with the group Wildfire playing Christian music for those gathered. The youth were then welcomed to the event and split into their respective age groups - kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grade, sixth through eighth grade and high school students - for food and activities.

The activities were age appropriate and somewhat like ice breakers that helped the students get to know one another and work together as a group.

There were about 55 students that attended in the kindergarten through fifth grade group, more than 30 in the sixth through eighth grade group and about 35 in the high school group.

"We were really pleased with the turn-out," said Emily McAllister, a volunteer from St. Mary's Parish in Alton. "There were more than I expected. I think it was a great success. I think we had some wonderful speakers. The band was great. I think the kids had fun at their activities."

Janet Klein, a volunteer with the high school students, had thought that maybe 20 high school students would attend and was pleased to see many more.

"I think in general, our world is a tough place to be growing up," said Klein, a parishioner at St. Anthony's in Hospers. "I think if we can help these kids have support, whether it is through each other or some of us adults there to assist them, it is just another way to reinforce that they have support in this world and that our Catholic morality means something."

"I would go to reformed youth groups, and I kind of wanted one of my own," said Maggie Nilles, a senior and parishioner at St. Mary's in Alton. "This is really exciting for me because we are getting one of our own. I am very excited that we can all get together. I hope that both schools (MOC Floyd Valley High School and Spalding High School) can join together in fellowship and service."

She also hopes she can learn more about the Catholic faith.

Meghan List, a senior from St. Joseph in Granville, noted that she is also excited to have a Catholic youth group.

Aaron Pohlen, a senior at Spalding and St. Anthony's parishioner, explained that he is glad to have this youth group. He has met youth from around the country and the diocese but isn't able to see or talk to them on a regular basis. With the new Pilgrim Cluster Youth Group, he will have a group, locally, that he can talk to.

"I have someone to lean back on when I need help," said Pohlen.

After the different age groups met for a meal and activities, they all gathered as one to listen to witness talks given by the high school students. The students talked about how much it means to them to have a youth group and what they hope the future holds for the group.

A few of the students read Bible verses that related to their expectations of the group. They concluded with singing "This Little Light of Mine."

There is an eight member board for the Pilgrim Cluster Youth Group that was established to lay out the program and headed up the planning of the youth rally. There are additional volunteers for each of the age groups - some the same as board members. There are other volunteers that may not be part of the planning but will show up to help with the activities.

"We have lots and lots of volunteers working - who have been working all summer - to get plans going for the youth rally and for the upcoming activities beginning Sept. 7," said McAllister, a member of the board.

Regular activities for the Pilgrim Cluster Youth Group will begin this month. The third through 12th grade students will meet the first Wednesday of each month and kindergarten through 12th will meet the third Sunday of each month for activities.

For more information about the Pilgrim Cluster Youth Group, visit www.pilgrimclusteryouth.catholicweb.com.