Some 275 young people of the Diocese of Trenton showed that they are filled with talent and are willing to share it for their Catholic faith during the annual Diocesan Youth Celebration held April 14 in St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson.

To view photos from the diocesan Youth Celebration click HERE.

To view photo gallery of the diocesan Youth Celebration Mass click HERE.

Using the theme, Trenton’s Got Talent, the daylong celebration, sponsored by the diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life, offered high school teenagers and youth group members, representing 26 parishes, an opportunity to spread the Gospel message as modern-day apostles.

Highlights of the day included a keynote address by Paul J. Kim who presented a unique mix of song and inspirational words with the audience. Kim is a vocalist, beatboxer and international speaker with a powerful message of faith, hope and love. He transformed his life from an apathetic teen who could care less about the value of going to Church into a counselor of New York City, at-risk youth and missionary who spreads the word of God’s boundless love.

Teen performances using talk, dance, video, prayer and photos allowed them to be modern-day apostles who can “act” on their faith.  During breakout sessions, the young people also had an opportunity to reflect on what it means for them to live as a person with gifts and talents and how to develop them for sharing with others and God’s greater glory.

Rounding out the day’s excitement was having Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on hand to present the annual St. Timothy Awards to more than 20 teenagers in recognition of outstanding service in youth ministry. The teenagers also gathered with the bishop for the celebration of Mass in St. Aloysius Church. Among the priests who concelebrated the Mass with the bishop were Father Kevin Keelen, pastor of St. Aloysius Parish, and Father Fernando Lopez, parochial vicar.

Expanded story coverage, videos and more photos to come on the 2013 Diocesan Youth Celebration.