Aug. 31, 2016

Lake Placid – The registration deadline for INSPIRE: Called to Love, set for Sept. 25 at the Olympic Arena Complex, is Sept. 9.

The event, lunch and parking are free of charge but require a reservation through www.inspirecalledtolove.com and or by contacting local parishes.

“World renowned Catholic speakers will be sharing dynamic presentations on the universal call of all Christians,” organizers say. “A band will be energizing the teenagers during their youth rally, and children under 11 will have activities custom-made to inspire and entertain them throughout the day.”

Bishop Robert E. Barron, auxiliary bishop of Las Angeles and creator of the Catholicism mini-series featured on PBS, will serve as keynote speaker for the day.

The keynote presentation and closing Mass will take place in the Herb Brooks arena, site of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” 

Break-out sessions for adults will be hosted by Bishop Christopher Coyne of Vermont, chairman of the USCCB Communications Committee; Jennifer Fulwiler, a radio-host, wife/mother, and former atheist; and George Weigel, biographer for St. John Paul II.

The Youth Rally is designed for those in grades 6-12 with interactive events and a concert by Full Armor Band.
Child care activities are open to children from age 3 to 11.

The purpose of all presentations/activities is to lead participants to rediscover the call that each Christian was given at his or her baptism: the call to holiness. The day is designed to help participants discover (or rediscover) their vocations as married, single, ordained or religious.

Bishop Terry R. LaValley will preside at the closing Mass, using the chalice of Pope Francis. The chalice was made and provided to INSPIRE by the pope’s friend, Adrián Pallarols, who will be on site for the event.

Bishop Paul-André Durocher, Archbishop of Gatineau, Québec, will preach the homily.

The choir will consist of 300 vocalists from across the North Country.

The venue is handicap accessible, but due to long distances between arenas, wheelchairs are encouraged as needed. All three arenas and the adjacent high school will be utilized for the program.

Doors open at 9 a.m. for visiting with various vendors and exhibitors; the prayer and presentations begin at 10:30.