Teenagers in grades eight through 12 from around the Diocese are invited to gather Feb. 7 in Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River, where they can celebrate their Catholic faith on a wider scale during the annual Diocesan Youth Conference.
Giving the young people a chance to network, hear dynamic speakers, participate in a service project, workshops, prayer experiences and attend Mass with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., the day begins with arrival at 9:30 a.m. and the conference running form 10:15 a.m.-5 p.m.
Hosted by the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, the day’s keynoter is Oscar Rivera, aka TwoTen, a Catholic speaker, musician and evangelist who uses modern culture to offer inspiration on truth, beauty and goodness in today’s world.
Rivera was raised in the inner city of Waterbury, Conn., and was taught at an early age how to be a survivor. His method of avoiding the streets and its promises led to his becoming a Hip Hop artist. He is a 2010 graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio and he holds a master of arts degree in theology from St. Leo University.
Also on hand to help with leading worship will be staff from an evangelization outreach, Live Vertical.
DYC will also include a service project in which participants will prepare at least 500 first aid kits to be sent to Haiti and distributed to families through a school via “Hands to Hands for Haiti.” Parishes, groups and individuals can get involved or make donations for the project before DYC by visiting dioceseoftrenton.org/dyc-service-project.
Registration for DYC by Jan. 21 includes a free DYC T-shirt; Feb. 2 is the last day for advance registration for $25. Individual walk-in registration at DYC is $35. Further details and registration forms are available at dioceseoftrenton.org/dycregistration.