Teens Congregate At St Rose For Annual Rally

On Saturday, August 21, St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church hosted the fifth annual Fan the Fire Youth Rally.

Participants spent the beautiful midsummer day learning more about their faith and answering the question, “Whom do you follow?” Many parishes from all over Connecticut brought members of their youth groups and Confirmation classes to join many St Rose teens for the day. Participants spent time in Adoration, praying the Rosary, playing games, dancing, taking advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and celebrating Mass with Bishop Lori.

This year’s rally welcomed three special guests who shared talks and inspired the teens. Scott Anthony, one of the founders of Fan the Fire, from York, Penn.; Father Jose Robles Sanchez, a national speaker and pastor of Francis Cabrini Church, from Alexandria, La.; and Leah Darrow, a former America’s Next Top Model contestant, who shared her experience through to her devotion to Mary and passion for her Catholic faith.

Performances were offered by The St Rose Band, led by Kevin Donovan and Katie Keogler, and St Rose Youth Minister Rodd Blessey, served as host for the day.

Fan The Fire Youth Rally has grown as an annual event in Newtown. Catholic teens from all over the state visit the St Rose Parish and grounds to share in their faith and find out how it can fit into their daily lives. Monsignor Robert Weiss also welcomed many fellow priests to serve the teens during the daylong event. The Knights of Columbus and more than 50 volunteers made sure the teens were welcomed and safe for the day, which allowed for a very successful event.