At Youth Rally it’s all fun and games — and prayer, formation, adoration and worship.

More than 800 young Catholics gathered at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington last weekend for the annual diocesan-wide celebration. While the "all inflatables, all the time" set up outside on a beautiful fall day drew the attention of many, their energies were also directed toward formation in the break-out sessions, and toward the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the chapel throughout the celebration.

The day began with the youths gathered in the gym to be entertained and energized by Catholic musician and speaker Chris Padgett. Following Padgett was an equally energetic liturgy.

Emily Bettendorf from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Winchester said what she enjoyed most about Youth Rally was the praise and worship music at Mass and Padgett’s performance.

"I love music and being able to sing and worship God with singing," she said. "With the talks as well, (Youth Rally) becomes such a spiritual experience."

In the afternoon, the youths chose which breakout session to attend based on their interests. Sessions were offered on everything from vocations to college life and "Stump the Priest" — where teens were encouraged to ask priests any questions they might have about their faith. Father Michael Dobbins, parochial vicar at St. Philip in Falls Church and Father Edward Horkan, parochial vicar at Holy Spirit Church in Annandale, addressed questions on everything from the Garden of Eden to the salvation of life-forms on other planets. These breakout sessions packed classrooms with youths eager to learn more about their faith.

After a Domino’s delivery of 280 pizzas, the gathering moved back to the auditorium for a keynote speech by Kate Adamson on overcoming obstacles by staying in contact with God. Adamson suffered a stroke when she was 33 years old and was in a coma for 70 days before realizing she could communicate by blinking. Although her left side is still weak, with the help of God and her family she has almost fully recovered.

The rally ended with a performance by Stellar Kart.

"Last time (I came) it was a really awesome, spiritual experience, and it’s been even better this time," said Alex Adams from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Winchester.