Each one of us has a unique calling to do great things, Youth Rally emphasizes

Centered around the notion that all are “Called” by Baptism and reminded by Confirmation to live purposefully within the Catholic faith, the Archdiocese of Newark Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry (OYYAM) welcomed 235 teens to the first CALLED Youth Rally of 2024 on Saturday, Jan. 27.

Designed to inspire and empower youth to recognize and embrace their divine callings, CALLED provides a platform for reflection, learning, and spiritual growth for teens.

An additional 40 adults from various parishes across the Archdiocese attended the event held at The St. John Paul II Youth Retreat Center in Kearny. Parishes that participated include St. Catherine of Siena Church in Cedar Grove, Blessed Miriam Parish in Bayonne, St. John Paul II Church in Bayonne, St. Mary Church in Closter, St. Helen’s Roman Catholic Church in Westfield, Our Lady Mother of the Church in Woodcliff Lake, Our Lady of the Lake in Verona, St. Nicholas in Palisades Park, St. Matthew in Ridgefield.

Attendees explored the profound concept that at baptism, the Sacrament in which each individual receives an indelible mark on their soul, claims them for God. Chris Rogers, the Keynote Speaker and Director of the Office for Family Life of the Diocese of Lacrosse, Wis., addressed the teens, emphasizing their unique callings to do great things.

According to Richard Donovan, the Director of OYYAM, the event was designed around Pope Francis’ words that “great joy is found when one offers his life in service to God’s call.” Facilitated by Catholic leaders, including teachers, principals, religious figures, and youth ministry leaders, the breakout sessions were designed to foster a deeper understanding of one’s faith and purpose.

According to Donovan, the first breakout session, “Called to Be Who God Made You,” helped teens explore their gifts and talents and encouraged them to reflect on the responsibilities accompanying their Confirmation. Session leaders Belkys Tejedo and Jeanette Mackesy emphasized the importance of saying “Yes” to God’s plan.

The second breakout session, “Called to God’s Family as a Child of God,” defined “the essence of being a child of God,” according to Donovan. Session leaders Paul Morisi and Brian Caldwell examined the role of faith within various communities such as family, friends, school, and parish. “This session emphasized the significance of community and its role in one’s faith journey,” Donovan said.

The third breakout session, “Called to a Vocation,” focused on the important calling of vocations within the context of the Catholic faith. Session leader Brother Edward “Ed” Shields, F.S.C, from the Christian Brothers, and Sister Elfie Rosario from the Salesian Sisters, delved into the meaning of vocations and explored the different types of vocations. The teens had the opportunity to examine “the relevance of living out one’s vocation in 2024,” according to Donovan.

The day concluded with a Mass led by Father John Gordon, Secretary for Evangelization, Archdiocese of Newark.

With two more rallies scheduled for the year, each expected to host over 300 teens, the CALLED Rally has proven to be a resounding success, according to Donovan, who emphasized the importance of youth engagement in faith-based events.

Featured image: Father John Gordon, Secretary for Evangelization, Archdiocese of Newark, celebrated the closing Mass at the CALLED Rally. (Courtesy OYYAM)