Archdiocesan youth gather for annual New Jersey Catholic Youth Rally

On May 21, Catholic youth from across the state of New Jersey gathered for the annual Catholic Youth Rally at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson.

The five New Jersey (arch)dioceses brought in 1,300 Catholic youth to attend this year’s rally.

Nearly 400 youth from the Archdiocese of Newark participated, according to Rich Donovan, Associate Director for the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, including groups from the Church of Korean Martyrs in Saddle Brook, Madonna Roman Catholic Church in Fort Lee, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Orange, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Ridgewood, Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Park Ridge, Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Parish in Garfield, Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church in New Providence, the Church of Saint Anne in Fairlawn, Saint Elizabeth Parish in Wyckoff, Saint Joseph Parish in East Orange, Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church in East Rutherford, St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Hillsdale, Saint Joseph Church in Oradell, Saint Joseph Church in Demarest, Saint Mary Church in Elizabeth, Saint Michael Church in Cranford, and the Saint Peter’s Church Knights of Columbus Youth Group in Belleville.

Teens from dioceses across the state look forward to the annual event of fun and fellowship.

The day kicks off with a dynamic opening ceremony and opening prayer service. Teens spend the rest of the day enjoying the park and the rides. The day concludes in the Batman Stunt Arena with a Mass for all participants.

Every year, the responsibility of hosting the opening ceremony and closing liturgy at the annual event is alternated between the five (arch)dioceses within the state. This year, the Diocese of Metuchen hosted the opening ceremony. The Archdiocese of Newark hosted the closing Mass, which as celebrated by Bishop Michael A. Saporito, D.D., auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark.

Correction: The original version of this article stated Catholic school students attended the rally. It should have stated Catholic youth groups attended instead.