2015 Diocesan Youth Celebration

DIOCESAN YOUTH

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APRIL 9, 2015 • Special Section

onitor

Newspaper of the Diocese of Trenton

NOTRE DAME

HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Craig Pittelli photos

A LOOK AT THE CELEBRATION: ‘You are Mine’: the 2015 DYC S-2 • Social media plays role in fun S-3 • Loving Life Logo winner recognized S-5 • Timothy Award winners S-7, S-8

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DYC 2015

THE MONITOR • APRIL 9, 2015

At DYC 2015, youth are reminded that they have been called by God

By Rose O’Connor Correspondent

JOYFUL NOISE • A collaboration of Catholic musicians from across the Diocese, under the direction of Ken Perry, parish music minister, right, includes brother and sister artists, Sibling Rivalry, center.

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he excitement was palpable as more than 600 teens and youth ministers from 30 parishes in the Diocese arrived at Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, March 22 for the Diocesan Youth Celebration.

The theme of the celebration, “Called: I have called you by name, you are mine,” was prominent as speakers and sessions focused on what Rudy Gomez, youth ministry coordinator for the diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life, called “‘what is God calling me to, and how does God call me?’Also, ‘what is vocation about?’ It’s not just religious life, but the vocations of single and married life, as well.”

A live band playing contemporary Christian music welcomed the teens who traveled from all four counties of the Diocese for the annual one-day event.

The Bosco Boys kicked off the day with their unique style of spreading the faith through the use of music, namely rap music. Band members Salesian Brothers Steven DeMaio and Stephen Eguino quickly became a crowd favorite. The Salesian brothers, who are studying to become Catholic priests, had the crowd on its feet clapping and dancing in the school auditorium.

WELCOME! • Rudy Gomez, diocesan coordinator of Youth Ministry, welcomes youth to DYC 2015, reminding them that they have been ‘Called.’

TEAM SPIRIT • Students from Notre Dame High

School are part of the ‘red t-shirt’ team of the day, taking on assorted tasks to help keep the day moving smoothly.

The host of the DYC was Scott Anthony, a former keynote speaker.

Anthony, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, has been involved in professional Catholic youth and family ministry for more than 19 years. He is in his 18th year in his current position as the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries in St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parishes, York, Pa. He speaks at the parish, diocesan and national levels to both teens and adults.

Keynote speaker at the youth celebration was Father Joseph Espaillat, who was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of New York in 2003 and currently serves as

HIGH ENERGY • Participants rise to their feet with an enthusiastic response of praise and worship to keynote speaker, Father Joseph Espaillat, from the Archdiocese of New York.

“My God can’t be beat. He defeated death.”

director of the Archdiocesan Office of Youth Ministry.

In his presentaTo view tion he questioned DYC gallery of the teens on “Who photos and videos do you look to for go to inspiration?” He relayed the message TrentonMonitor.com that as Christians, Multimedia “we are worth so much more and we were made for so much more.”

Father Espaillat challenged the teens to “get excited for their faith,” and acknowledged that God should always “be our hero.”

“My God is H.E.R.O.,” he said, then explained the acronym which stood for holy, Eucharist, real and one.

“My God can’t be beat,” he stated emphatically. “He defeated death.”

Father Espaillat outlined the challenge the youth may face along their journey to holiness including what he refers to as the obstacles of dullness, dream stealers and the worldly.

Like the Bosco Boys, he too, used music to share his love for Jesus and sang an original and very personal song, “Nothing Compares to You.” Following the keynote address, attendees had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions that focused on the day’s theme “Called.”

The Bosco Boys, Father Espaillat and Scott Anthony joined additional speakers who presented their discussions during the two times designated for breakout sessions.

The Bosco Boys used their unique blend See Speakers • S-4

DYC 2015

APRIL 9, 2015 • www.TrentonMonitor.com

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DYC 2015: Recalling an experience of joy and hunger for God

By Rudy Gomez Special Contributor

INTERCESSORY PRAYER • Robert

Morris, youth minister in St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant, and his wife, Patricia, center back, kneel in prayer as their young daughter receives the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

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eens and youth ministers of the Diocese of Trenton were “Called” to Notre Dame High School March 22… and they absolutely responded. Six hundred participants from 30 parishes filled the Lawrenceville high school for the annual Diocesan Youth Celebration with the theme “Called: I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

Participants unpacked what it meant to be called

by God, despite their brokenness, to serve and love one another. When they weren’t attending workshops, they could be found in the gym, playing “junk in the trunk” or other games, taking selfies with giant cutouts of Jesus and Popes, or dancing “Cotton Eye Joe”

WE ADORE YOU •

Holding the monstrance and covered with the humeral veil, Father Joseph Espaillat stops to pray with individual attendees.

Criag Pittelli photos

with a group of energetic religious.

The day went by in a flash, but there were a few memories that will stay with me forever. Two parents who served as chaperones at the DYC had brought a young daughter of about 10 years old. Holding her hand, they led her to a priest for Confessions, then walked back and knelt in prayer as their daughter received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

During Adoration, keynote speaker Father Joseph Espaillat of the Archdiocese of New York processed throughout the auditorium with the Blessed Sacrament. On the way, he stopped to pray more intimately with individuals as he placed his hand, covered by the humeral veil, on the head of those he was praying with. How could

this beautiful image not remind us of the hemorrhaging woman who found healing in Jesus after touching his garments (Mark 5:25)?

The final image I remember is one of pure joy.

At the beginning of the day, musical act The Bosco Boys, accompanied by our incredibly talented house band, performed some high energy songs and got the crowd on their feet. Beach balls floated through the air and teens jumped around in the “praise pit” in front of the stage.

The smiles and sheer joy on their faces, all while praising God, will forever be a sign to me that young people are hungry for Jesus. DYC is just one of those moments that can truly feed that hunger to come to know and love Jesus in the Sacraments and in the community around them.

We hope to see everyone at the next DYC on April 17, 2016!

Gomez is youth ministry coordinator for the diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life.

Social media lets teens, others tell DYC story in real time

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ocial media planning for the 2015 Diocesan Youth Celebration began with a short brainstorming session months before the March 22 event in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville.

Diocesan Coordinator of Youth Ministry Rudy Gomez and diocesan Social Media Coordinator Brittany Wilson met to discuss how social media could be used effectively to promote, and then chronicle, the teen-centric day of faith and fun.

SOCIAL SHOW • More than 125 photos and tweets The pair established an event-specific cycled through the #DoTDYC presentation during the hashtag, #DoTDYC, to serve as a catchDiocesan Youth Celebration March 22 in Notre Dame all for social media content coming from High School, Lawrenceville. The presentation, powered the event, and decided to add a contest

by Zoomph.com, was a way for the teens in attendance to chronicle the event via social media, and was projected on element to entice the teens to post. a 100-inch screen in the high school’s gym.

Attendees were asked to post to Instagram and include #DoTDYC and mention “You have to dare to bear or bare. Either way their parish or youth group. Those who tagged with Christ it will be better, no necessarily easier,” their posts correctly were entered into a drawing one poignant Instagrammer wrote on a photo from to win a standup, cardboard cutout of St. Pope a breakout session.

John Paul II, which depicted the late pope donAnother tweeter remarked that “#DoTDYC is so ning Wayfarer sunglasses and a beret. fun!” @Cody9262, and Instagram user from St. JoIn all, more than 125 photos, videos and tweets seph Parish, Toms River, won the prize. were posted — not including content from DiocThe posts ranged from selfies with cutouts of Jesus, Pope Francis and the aforementioned one of esan accounts — by dozens of DYC attendees.

Those posts were then compiled by a program St. Pope John Paul II and videos of Filippini Sisters dancing to “Cotton Eye Joe,” to recaps of breakout called Zoomph and projected on a 100-inch screen in the gym for attendees to view in real time. sessions and reflections on the day (you can check A recap of the presentation can be viewed at out all the content by searching for #DoTDYC on www.DioceseofTrenton.org/DYC15social.

Instagram, Facebook and Twitter).

LET ME TAKE A SELFIE • St. Paul,

Princeton, youth minister Kait Mayer, left, dons a camouflage helmet to pose with Collin Nichols and a cutout of St. John Paul II during the Diocesan Youth Celebration. Photo courtesy of @sppym, the Instagram account of St. Paul, Princeton, youth ministry

BUST A MOVE • Filippini Sister

Shirlee Tremont, dances with some of the 600 Diocesan Youth Celebration attendees March 22 in the Notre Dame High School gym.

Photo courtesy of @you.dot, the Instagram account of diocesan youth ministry

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THE MONITOR • APRIL 9, 2015

APRIL 9, 2015 • www.TrentonMonitor.com

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Speakers, musicians engage youth at DYC Loving Life Logo winner recognized at DYC

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of music and preaching in a session entitled, “Called to be a Saint.”

“What do you feel makes you great?” Salesian Brother Stephen Eguino questioned. “What are your faults and challenges?”

“The saints have experienced all of these same things,” Brother Steven shared in the standing-roomonly breakout session.

Father Espaillat facilitated a discussion entitled, “Renewed, Redeemed, Freed,” and stressed the importance of how “God uses sinners to make his glory known.”

“We’re not perfect,” he continued, “but we are redeemable and we can be freed.”

Married couple Tracy and Joe Kociolek, parishioners of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, shared their vocation to married life in “Calling the Chosen.”

Joining the Kocioleks was Father Christopher Picollo, parochial vicar of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson, and Sister Colleen Clair, a member of the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco.

Kristina Rainwater and Monica Ellebracht discussed the Salesian Lay Missioners whose vocation as detailed in their community’s mission statement, is to “share in the tradition, prayer, work, family spirit, community life and educational method of the Salesian of Don Bosco, while living in community with Salesian and other missioners.

SLMs work in various projects to provide an educational experience for young people and are committed to be, above all, Christian witnesses.”

Kenny Wodzanowski, a youth minister from Brooklyn, encouraged the youth to listen for God’s call in his discussion, “God’s Ringtone.”

‘HAPPY NUN’ •

“God calls all of us to holiness,” he spoke and encouraged the teens to open their hearts to hear what God may be calling them to do.

Scott Anthony discussed the challenges that youth ministers encounter in his adults–only breakout session, “Fully Alive.”

During the day, the teens and their chaperones had the opportunity to network with one another, play games, visit with representatives from different organizations and simply have fun!

No youth event for millennials would be complete without the selfie and students could be seen snapping selfies with cutouts of St. John Paul II and Pope Francis that decorated the gym.

A screen displayed the tweets and pictures posted by the attendees who chronicled the day on social media using the hashtag #dotdyc.

An authentic of love for Christ was evident as the rowdy and excited teens quickly quieted down for an hour of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Students also had the opportunity to attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Prior to the celebration of the Mass, Gomez; Josue Arriola, director of the diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life,

Salesian Sister Colleen Clair, who refers to herself as the ‘happy nun,’ speaks with youth during a vocation breakout session, entitled ‘Calling the Chosen.’

H INSPIRATIONAL SOUND • During the opening session of DYC, the Bosco Boys, including Salesian Brothers Steve DiMaio, right, and Steve Equino, center, are joined by fellow Salesian Rafael Vargas for some Catholic hip-hop that sparked the crowd.

PERTINENT MESSAGE • DYC host, Scott Anthony, talks about the challenges youth ministers encounter. Craig Pittelli photos

and Msgr. Michael Walsh, pastor of St. James Parish, Pennington, presented the Timothy Awards to this year’s award recipients.

The Timothy Awards, which honor students in grades 10-12, “recognizes the individual’s example of putting faith into action, commitment to youth ministry and following in the footsteps of St. Timothy, a young companion of St. Paul.”

The teens were nominated by someone in their parish or school

HEAR THE BEAT • Keynote

speaker, Father Joseph Espaillat, demonstrates his talent on the conga drums during a musical session.

“God uses sinners to make his glory known.”

LINE DANCING • A spontaneous break into the Conga was a time for fun during a day of prayer, reflection, discussion, music and camaraderie.

TEST OF SKILL • A determined youth works on building a paper tower, one of many activities available throughout the day. community for this prestigious award.

Donna Goodwin, coordinator of Respect Life Ministries in the diocesan Department of Pastoral Care, presented an Apple MacBook to Kerry Bates, a ninth grader in Red Bank Catholic High School, and parishioner of St. Mary Parish, New Monmouth. Bates was honored for her artwork in the 2015 Respect Life Ministry’s Loving Life Logo Contest.

Msgr. Walsh concelebrated the Mass with Father Espaillat and priests from the various parishes who participated in the 2015 DYC. Msgr. Walsh spoke on behalf of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who is still recovering from surgery.

“Bishop O’Connell wishes very

much that he could be here with you today,” he offered.

In his homily for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Msgr. Walsh reminded the youth that “Our lowest points can be our turning points,” and reiterated that “good triumphs, love triumphs” and “God has the last Word.”

Youth minister Jennifer Karaczun of St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, was pleased with the day. “I love for them to be able to have these greater connections with one another and with their faith,” she said, indicating her youth group, all clad in red shirts.

The teens, who are stereotypically known for their incessant complaining, had nothing but praise for the DYC. “It was not at all what I expected,” Jack Mac Donald from St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton,

atmosphere, everyone is so nice, and it’s great to see.”

Anna Nicosta, an 11th grade student from Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands, thought the day “had a great message” and was looking forward to the opportunity to “come together with others who share my faith.”

Chris Wall, also from St. Leo the Great Parish, was honored to be named a Timothy Award recipient.

“I know some of the [fellow recipients] and I know how great they are. It is quite humbling,” he said.

Fellow Timothy Award recipient, Ella Ahearn of St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold, enjoyed her first time as a participant at the DYC. “I usually am behind the scenes so it was nice to be in the SPECIAL GUESTS • A ‘selfie-station’ gave audience this year.” youth an opportunity for photos with life-sized “Friendships were quickly images of Jesus, Pope Francis and St. John Paul II. formed,” she observed and the “energy of the speakers declared. “I knew it would be fun was awesome. I think everyone got but it was also very moving.” a good vibe of the day.”

Fellow parishioner Alyssa NorThe day will be tough to top and cross echoed her friend’s statement those in attendance quickly marked and suggested that Adoration was their calendars and saved the date her favorite part of the day. of April 17, 2016, the next sched“I just wanted to be present and uled Diocesan Youth Celebration. just open up to God,” she said.

“What an amazing day for Gary Krall, a parishioner of these teens and for the youth of the St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, Catholic Church,” Kimberly Wiland student in Christian Brothers liams, youth minister from Precious Academy, Lincroft, lauded his fellow Blood Parish, Monmouth Beach, reattendees. “It’s just such a great flected at the conclusion of the day.

To view DYC gallery of photos and videos go to TrentonMonitor.com ... Multimedia

undreds of teens at the March 22 Diocesan Youth Celebration witnessed the recognition of one of their own as a strong pro-life advocate.

Kerry Bates, a freshman in Red Bank Catholic High School, was named winner of the 2015 Loving Life Logo contest and presented with the contest’s grand prize, an Apple MacBook, by Donna Goodwin, coordinator of Respect Life Ministry.

Sponsored by the diocesan Department of Pastoral Care, the annual contest had attracted artwork depicting the respect life theme from students in Catholic and public high schools across the Diocese. The Respect Life Ministry chose five finalist logos and posted them to determine the 2015 winning entry by an on-line voting process held Dec. 9-31 last year.

Of the 1,348 total votes entered, Bates’ logo, depicting a black-and-white rendering of a mother tenderly holding her infant, had received the highest number of 494 votes, or 36.7 percent, and been announced as winner by the Respect Life Ministry Jan. 5. Her winning logo will be used in association with

all diocesan functions related to respect for life throughout the 2015 calendar year.

Bates, a resident of Belford and parishioner in St. Mary Parish, New Monmouth, reflected upon her logo in an earlier interview, asserting she truly believes what she says her logo represents: how a mother’s care can help a baby, and how important it is to care for that child, whether it has been born or is still in the womb.

“I think it’s important to bring awareness to life issues – how people think more on death than on life, and that abortion is a terrible thing,” Bates said.

SHE LOVES LIFE • From left, Donna Goodwin, diocesan coordinator of Respect Life Ministry, presents an Apple MacBook to Red Bank Catholic High School freshman Kerry Bates for winning the 2015 Diocese of Trenton Loving Life Logo contest. Bates’ logo of a mother cradling her child will adorn all pro-life materials this year.

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THE MONITOR • APRIL 9, 2015

Craig Pittelli photos

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n addition to inspiring speakers, energetic music acts and an opportunity to sing, dance and make new friends, the DYC offered teens some much-needed quiet time to converse with their Lord. During Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, a golden monstrance stood tall upon an altar to remind the teens of Christ’s sacrifices, and a video screen projected words to the ancient Church hymn “Tantum Ergo” as youth knelt in prayer.

St. Timothy Awards “Let no one look down on you because of your youth, but be a continuing example of love, faith and virtue to believers ...” 1 Timothy 4:12

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ach year, the diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life recognizes outstanding service in youth ministry by bestowing the St. Timothy Award upon high school aged youth who serve as examples of love, faith and virtue.

The awards are named for Timothy, a Lystran youth who served as a young companion to St. Paul. The youth accompanied the apostle on his missionary journeys and was named the first Bishop of Ephesus before he was martyred for the faith in 97 A.D. Timothy had been commissioned by St. Paul to “let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy, 4:12).”

The St. Timothy Award embodies the words of the apostle Paul who recognized his commitment to the needs of others: “I have no one comparable to him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare (Philippians 2:20).”

Winners live as disciples of Christ, setting a positive example for other youth; witness to their

IN RECOGNITION • John Carroll Jr., a

parishioner in St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, and Amy Bruno, St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, were among 17 St. Timothy Award honorees. Awards were presented by Msgr.

Michael Walsh, episcopal vicar for Mercer County, and Josue Arriola, director of the Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life.

Craig Pittelli photos

faith by exhibiting Catholic morals and integrity; demonstrate Gospel values through service to others, and exhibit Christian leadership in parish, school, and/or community settings.

This year, 17 teens earned the 2015 Timothy Award, receiving their certificates during the DYC from Msgr. Michael Walsh, pastor, St. James Parish, Pennington, and St. Alphonsus Parih, Hopewell, and episcopal vicar of Mercer County.

To view DYC gallery of photos and videos go to TrentonMonitor.com ... Multimedia

DYC 2015

APRIL 9, 2015 • www.TrentonMonitor.com

2015 Timothy Award Winners Ella Grace Ahern St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold She is described as patient, attentive to others, loving and thrives on the gifts God has given her. She has dedicated much of her time to Church life and holds Christ as the center of her life. She is an active member of her parish as an altar server, choir, youth group and core team. She was a part of the Diocesan Youth Council and you may recognize her from Realfaith TV!

Joseph Biassi St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor

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John Carroll, Jr. St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton He has been an example to all in his parish as to how a teen can follow Jesus.

He is never looking for attention, or praise -- he simply just works. He does the work needed to be done and leads the teens by example. He is a fixture at Mass and never refuses a call for help or assistance. It is amazing to see a man so young understand and practice honor and faith -- not because he has to, but because he wants to.

Amanda DelRosi St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford She has been involved in her parish youth ministry since sixth grade. She has hundreds of service hours under her belt. She also serves her parish as a music minister, where she shares her faith through music at many parish liturgies and celebrations.

William Downing St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting

He is described as a pleasure to know as he displays examples of love, faith and virtue in everything he does. He is always stepping up to participate in his youth group, from fundraising tasks to teaching religious education at his parish. He is an asset to his youth group and well respected by his peers because of his enthusiasm to practice his faith. He always takes on a challenge and takes pride in his accomplishments. He jumps in with both feet to volunteer.

He is intelligent, compassionate, great sense of humor and has natural skills for leadership. He has motivated other young people to participate in many ministries at our church. His attitude towards his faith is inspirational. He shows this daily by being involved in altar serving, reading and youth ministry.

He shares his gift of singing and acting at our church and Donovan Catholic, Toms River. He has also served on the Diocesan Youth Council for two years and has completed countless community service hours for different organizations like Project Pride and Good Works.

Amy Bruno

Victoria Hughes

St. Mary Parish, Barnegat

St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel

She has been an active member of her parish and youth group since 6th grade.

Her dedication and humility are a witness to all those around her. Her youth minister describes her as the “unsung hero.”

She is always there ready and willing to help at any time.

She has fully immersed herself in a leadership role while serving on the executive board in her Catholic Youth Organization. She is mature, professional, compassionate and fully committed, and does it all with a positive attitude while serving her peers and exemplifying the Christian teaching of giving back to others.

Sergio Buzzerio St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel He is a humble servant of Jesus Christ. He has given back in many ways to his community and his parish. He served as a teacher’s assistant in the second grade religious education program for three years and he helped with sacramental prep for First Penance and First Holy Communion. He has been an active member of the youth group since he began high school and has served on the advisory board and the Diocesan Youth Council.

Marc Ipalucci Our Lady of Perpetual HelpSt. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands He has been described as very outgoing and able to get along with everyone. He is always helping those in need and he is very active in his parish. The list goes on and on of the ways he has served which includes lecturing at Mass and helping with St. Vincent de Paul Society and Circle of Hope.

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Annalisa Leite

Leigh Ann Rofano

Holy Family Parish, Union Beach

St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan

She is described as an active member in her parish. She is a reader at Mass, and she helps to organize fundraisers and participates in her parish youth group.

She is always lending a helping hand in her community. She serves in many ways, including cleanup in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, The Barn for the Poorest of the Poor and Family Promise of Monmouth County. She helps with the Union Beach Drug Alliance, visiting and reciting the Rosary with the residents at a local nursing home. She is well respected by her peers and among parishioners.

She is an active member of her parish and her youth ministry. She is described by her youth minister as faithful, reliable, caring and always eager to participate.

She has helped coordinate many service projects while holding leadership positions and mentoring the younger members of her group.

Sean Manning, Jr.

She has been known to work hard on her academics and studies, handle lots of stress and many challenges, learn about her faith and how she would change her approach to the way she lives, and become a leader in our parish youth ministry. She is a great role model and wonderful big sister, always there for others and not afraid to stand up for her Catholic faith. She always treats others with kindness and respect.

She enjoys playing soccer and lacrosse.

She has a good sense of humor and always has a smile on her face.

St. Joseph Parish, Toms River He is loyal and reliable. He is always there for anyone in need and is a great witness of the faith. This student at Donovan Catholic, Toms River, has received the Principal’s award for academic achievement and is also a member of the Diocesan Youth Council and CYGNUS.

Lorenze Mauraud St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville He is described to be a truly faithful and compassionate person. He is an active and dedicated part of his parish’s youth ministry program, and has immersed himself in the community. He has participated in every major ministry event in his parish youth ministry and has become an outstanding leader in the group and role model to his peers.

Sarah Pieslak St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton She is truly a humble young woman and role model to all those who cross her path. She also knows how and when to “shake it off” rather than taking all that comes her way as a personal hit on her, which isn’t so easy in the crazy teen world of today! She is an extraordinary young woman, who has stood out among her peers as a leader and role model since joining the group at the start of her freshman year. In addition to this, she has also taken on a greater role of leadership on the Diocesan Youth Council.

To view DYC gallery of photos and videos go to TrentonMonitor.com ... Multimedia

Jackie Rivera St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson

Jake Stengle St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Freehold He has been an active leader in his youth group. He has stepped up many times, and he is always willing to lend a hand, do what is asked and never backs down from a challenge. He is described by his youth leader as wellrounded, very talkative, eager to help and just an outstanding young man.

Chris Wall St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft He has been an active member of the CYO since seventh grade. He is always willing and ready to volunteer with a happy and willing heart. Nothing can stop this young man from serving those around him, not even a leg operation and crutches! He has been a true leader with in his parish where he helps facilitate Confirmation retreats, encouraging the youth to pray and showing example by his own faith experience.