EAST SANDWICH—Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., invites high school age youth throughout the Fall River Diocese to the second annual diocesan Catholic Youth Day to take place on Wednesday, August 7, at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich. There is no charge to participate, and free bus transportation will be provided from locations throughout the diocese.

The day’s program will begin at 10 a.m. with featured keynote presenter Joel Stepanek of Life Teen International, who has traveled the world talking with young people about their faith. As director of resource development for Life Teen, he oversees the creation of materials for youth ministry in various media and has led trainings of youth ministry leaders around the globe.

Catholic Youth Day participants will also hear reflections on faith from their peers in the diocese and take part in a service project designed to highlight Catholic social teaching on the need to care for God’s creation. The project, planned by recent young adult graduates of the diocese’s Catholic Leadership Institute, will include a trip to a nearby beach.

In addition, Catholic Youth Day will feature music, the celebration of Mass with Bishop da Cunha, opportunities for prayer, games, lunch and dinner.

“We have planned an exciting day for our second annual Youth Day in the Diocese,” said Beth Mahoney, who is leading a committee organizing the event.

“The theme for the day is ‘We Want to See Jesus,’ echoing Pope Francis’ closing remarks at January’s World Youth Day in Panama in which he invited youth ‘to see Jesus.’ It’s our hope that this diocesan Youth Day will energize our young people and affirm their faith, sending them back to their parishes and schools with enthusiasm to share with others.”

Buses will depart at 7 a.m. from diocesan high schools in Attleboro, Dartmouth, Fall River and Taunton to bring participating youth and chaperones to East Sandwich and return them to those locations in the evening. Catholic Youth Day will conclude at 7 p.m. (Bus transportation will also be available from some points on Cape Cod. Details will be forthcoming as final arrangements are made.)

Teens interested in attending Catholic Youth Day must register through their parish. They should contact the director of religious education at their parish or the parish office to do so.

Questions? Please contact Claire McManus of the diocesan Faith Formation Office at 508-678-2828 or by email at cmcmanus@dfrcs.org

The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Bishop of Fall River