By Katie Cerni | Digital & Social Media Coordinator
Are you a teen with a talent to share? Do you know anyone in grades seventh to 12th who want to strut their stuff?
Calls have gone out for teens in that age group who want to showcase their talents during the diocesan-sponsored Year of Youth Fest, set for Oct. 14 in St. Mary of the Pines Church, Manahawkin, a worship site of Barnegat’s St. Mary Parish.
Sponsored by the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, the daylong event is the official launch of the Year of Youth decreed in June by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. The Year of Youth Fest will include food, games, an artwork showcase, a talent show and Mass with Bishop O’Connell, which will include an opening procession where teens are able to represent their parish.
In brief video appeals circulating on diocesan social media, teens are being asked by their peers to consider entering their talents via web entry. For example, in one of the videos calling for auditions, DanaRose Glenn of St. Pius X Parish, Forked River, shares, “Whether you’re a singer, a dancer, a juggler, or a yodeler, bring it!”
The talent showcase will feature two opportunities for youth in the Diocese to share their gifts: an artwork showcase and a formal talent show.
For the artwork showcase, teens are encouraged to submit any type of art for consideration, from sculptures, to paintings and drawings or anything in-between. Applicants will need to submit a photo and description of their artwork via the online registration form. For the performance showcase, teens are required to film themselves performing the talent they would like to showcase and follow the directions listed in the online registration form.
All pieces of artwork and talent videos can be submitted at dioceseoftrenton.org/YearOfYouthFest#GotTalent. The videos calling for auditions can be found at https://bit.ly/2MQOR64.
The Year of Youth Fest is also in need of volunteers. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and in compliance with Diocesan policy. To volunteer, interested parties should sign up via online registration at dioceseoftrenton.org/youth-fest-volunteer-sign-up.