Nearly 1,000 people gathered for RALLY at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington Oct. 22 to pray, learn, and celebrate the Catholic faith. With more than 800 teens in attendance, the annual event drew the largest crowd ever. The goal is to energize teenagers in their faith lives.
“There is strength in numbers,” said Kevin Bohli, executive director of the diocesan Office of Youth, Campus and Young Adult Ministries, which coordinated the event. “When a teenager gathers for a day with hundreds of other Catholic teenagers who are excited about their faith lives, it helps them to see that they are not alone in trying to live a life rooted in Jesus and the church. RALLY gives them the courage they need to bring the light of Jesus into their relationships, their community and their schools.”
Throughout the day, teens were able to attend breakout sessions with different speakers on different topics, play games such as rock climbing, gaga ball and inflatables outside in the fall weather, and go to confession. There was also a pizza dinner.
“I really love the breakout sessions,” said Valeria Ribera, 14, adding that one about saints was both funny and interesting.”.
In the afternoon, there was Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and adoration.
“Adoration is probably my favorite part because everyone is just so chill and the music hits so hard and it’s so beautiful,” said Sophie Pierce, 15.
Next year’s RALLY will be Oct. 27 at O’Connell.
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