Rally to ignite middle schoolers' faith

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
August 30, 2007

Middle school years are the time when adolescents are form their identities and find their place in the world.

"This is a transitional time. They are starting to get more involved in sports and other extra-curricular activities. They are growing up," said Jessica Malm LaFleur, diocesan director of youth and young adult ministry. It's also a time for discovering their faith and relationship with God.

That's one of the reasons for the middle school rally - to help these students see excitement in their faith. Through the rally, LaFleur noted, students grow in their faith.

This year's rally, the second-ever annual middle school rally will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 6 at St. Mary's School in Storm Lake.

LaFleur, who initiated the gathering last year, said it was dubbed Exodus to reflect the soul-searching faith journey. She is hoping for 500 participants this year. Last year's rally drew about 390.

"I was surprised and excited by the great response we had last year," she said. "It shows that middle school kids are hungry and excited to get together to learn more about their faith and how they can live as Catholics. We are going to keep the fires going."

Designed for students in sixth through eighth grade, the rally will provide a balance of spiritual, educational and social elements. The highlights of the rally include opening prayer, keynote address, Christian music concert, group activity and Mass.

Chris Weber, a youth minister in Muscatine, Iowa, will give the keynote address. Weber's message is expected to challenge the youth to have faith and live their faith in today's world.

"He will help build excitement around faith," said LaFleur.

Remedy Drive, an independent Christian rock band from Lincoln, Neb., will perform after the address. The group describes their music as a call to new life and a new heart. They play about 200 shows yearly.

Prior to Mass, a large group activity will set the tone for liturgy that will be celebrated by Father Will Vit, associate pastor at St. Mary's. The rally will conclude with closing prayer.

The rally will give middle school students a taste of activities they can experience in high school, LaFleur said. For instance, the diocese's high school rally draws more than 1,000 students each year.

Middle school youth are asked to register with their parish or Catholic school. They should contact the school spiritual life director, parish DRE or youth minister. Each parish and Catholic school in the diocese has received packets of materials about the rally. Should a parish or school contact not be available, questions may be directed to the diocesan office at (712) 233-7520.

Groups should pre-register with the diocese by Sept. 28. There will be no registrations accepted at the door. Cost is $15 per student. The parish and school groups are asked to provide one adult chaperone per eight students.

Snacks will be provided mid-day of the rally, however, groups should be aware that no meals would be served. LaFleur suggested as the groups are "road-tripping" to the rally that they stop for lunch before and/or dinner after the event.