MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH RALLY

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 

All 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders are invited to attend the 2019 Middle School Youth Rally.  The theme of the rally is “Called to Something Greater” taken from Pope Francis’ exhortation Christus Vivit.  The Pope encourages:

                “You can become what God your Creator knows you are, if only you realize that you are called to something greater.  Ask the help of the Holy Spirit and confidently aim for the great goal of holiness.  In this way, you will not be a photocopy.  You will be fully yourself.”

Often, when we speak of middle school, we speak in terms of “survival”.  It has become a cliché’ in American culture to simply endure those awkward middle school years.  In Christus Vivit, Pope Francis invites our young people to something greater; to THRIVE!

This years’ Middle School Youth Rally will take place at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls.  “Called to Something Greater” will be a great opportunity to encourage our middle-schoolers as they grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.

Adult chaperones are needed for this event as well; 1 adult for every 7 students.  The cost of the event is $35 per youth and adult participant.  Bus Transporation has been arranged as well, we could partner with St. Joseph’s and St. Francis for an additional $25 fee.  Lunch and supper is included in the $35 fee, however students are incourage to bring money for social break concessions.    The entire memo from the Office of Formation in Discipleship dated September 10, 2019, the Middle School Youth Rally - Youth Permission Form with Liability Waiver,  and the Middle School Youth Rally – Adult Liability Waiver can be found in the tab below, 2019 Middle School Youth Rally Info/Registration/Waiver Forms.

2019 MARYKNOLL STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST – All students in grades 6 – 8 (Division I) and grades 9 – 12 (Division II) are eligible.  This year’s topic “Couragious Missionaries”, asks students to explain how and with whom they share the good news of God’s love.  Pope Francis challenges our young people in his letter Christ Alive, “Learn to swim against the tide, learn how to share Jesus and the faith he has given you.”  1^st Place Prize:  $1,000 per division, 2^nd Place Prize:  $300 per division, 3^rd Place Prize:  $150 per division.  The deadline to enter is November 15, 2019.  

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO JULIE KNODEL who presented to our parents during our RE Kick-off  event on Wednesday, September 11^th in the Church.  Julie’s talk was about the importance of introducing our children to Christ, passing on our faith, and ensuring that a relationship with our heavenly Father is nurtured.     Julie's talk may be viewed using the link below, “Your Children are a Gift”.

We do ask all families to complete a new form each year to ensure that we have the most current and up-to-date information on file in case of emergencies.  Please click the attached link to download the form.  Thank you! 

The 2019-2020 Religious Education Master Calendar is attached in the link below.