By Michael Hough
Senior, Immaculate Heart Central School, Watertown

Watertown - As I walked into Immaculate Heart Central with my little brother on Saturday, April 28th, I wasn’t sure what to expect. My brother, James, and I attend Immaculate Heart, and our parents convinced us both to sign up for the Youth Rally that took place last weekend.

The first thing I immediately noticed was the overwhelming number of people in the building, both young people and adults, most of whom I had never seen before. It was inspiring to see so many people there for a day dedicated to the Lord.

The day began in the auditorium, with an impressive prayer by several teenagers from Adams. They discussed the necessity for every person today to “tune into God’s station,” despite all the distractions that are going on in our lives. After opening prayer, there was a roll call for each group and the place they were from. I was amazed that the list consisted of places all over northern New York, some as far away as Saranac Lake and others as close as Fort Drum.

At this point, the keynote speaker, Chris Padgett, was introduced. Chris is a musician, a father of nine, and a convert to the Catholic Church. He got up on the stage and immediately started making jokes; the laughter never subsided for the two hours he spoke. He had a way to make people listen to what he was saying, and his humor was just enough that he could keep everyone’s attention. Personally, I was impacted by Chris. Through his own personal experiences, he helped me gain a greater perspective that God has chosen me and will always be there for me. I enjoyed how easily Chris could look back on his experiences as a child and laugh about them.
Every time he described himself as a “pear shaped boy” who waddled around the playground with his two best friends, he was laughing right along with everyone. I also enjoyed his ability to become quite serious and reflective. When Chris remembered the time in his life when his father left his family, and the pain he felt, the auditorium fell silent. He said that today, with patience and the help of God, he forgave his father. Chris really made the Youth Rally come alive for me. After he talked, I was really looking forward to the rest of the day.

Following lunch, everyone divided up to go to the workshops that they chose. I was asked by Terry Burgess to help out with the Sports Workshop. Mr. Burgess has been involved in the Immaculate Heart Central schools for many years. Currently he is the director of the IHC Mystery Play that reenacts the Passion of Christ at different parishes. I was lucky enough to be a part of this group, so Mr. Burgess did not hesitate to ask for my help.
I, myself, did not play any sports my senior year, but Mr. Burgess’ workshop was applicable to more than just sports. His central focus was “Who do you say that I am?”

He asked the kids to write down various words that their coaches, teammates, and opponents would use to describe them. He told us who he was and told everyone to be true to who they are. He said that it’s not about hating the other team, but about playing the game and allowing our Christian values to guide us.

The day ended with Adoration and Mass said by Bishop LaValley: the perfect end to a day of prayer. I feel that the Youth Rally and what I learned that day will remain with me for many years to come.

As a senior heading off to college in the fall, I am glad I will have this memory to look back on for security in my faith.

photos by Colleen Miner
Among more than 300 teenagers who gathered at Immaculate Heart Central School in Watertown for the 2012 youth were Lisa Pignone of Sacred Heart Parish, Watertown; Fisher Tiernan and Joshua Jackson,  St. Mary’s;  Canton and Timothy Beese, St. Cecilia’s., Adams, who presented the Offertory gifts during the closing liturgy. The youth rally featured Chris Padgett, center  as keynote speaker. It was organized by the diocesan youth ministry office, headed by Deacon Brian Dwyer, shown at right.