Corpus Christi in Shiloh, St. Clare and St. Nicholas parishes in O’Fallon jointly sponsored a youth rally (retreat) for young people in grades five and six from 3:30-5:30 on Aug. 28 in the school gym.

Seventy-eight students, from St. Clare School and parish religious education programs attended the rally.
The focus of the rally was to assist the students in their growing personal relationship with Jesus with the theme: “Fix my Eyes on YOU.”
With adults handling the planning for the event, 15 young people from area high schools served as MCs and small group leaders as well as role models throughout the rally. The youth began with ice breaker activities to initiate cohesiveness.

Karl Zimmerman and his band, a mainstay at Catholic youth activities throughout the diocese and especially at diocesan youth conferences, added music for the praise and worship session encouraging active involvement and heightened the energy at the opening of the rally.

Rachel Sabella from St. Clare Parish, a senior at O’Fallon Township High School (OTHS), captivated all with her personal witness of finding Jesus in the non-Christian culture of India as an exchange student.

Holland Goodwin from St. Nicholas, also a student at OTHS shared her personal story of communication with Jesus.
Anthony Rizzo from Corpus Christi and St. Louis University High School shared his testimony of how eyeglasses led him to see the presence of Jesus around him.

Following this, high schoolers led the fifth- and sixth-graders in small group discussions. Parents joined the youth and Father Brett Judkins for a final prayer service before returning home.

St. Clare School Faith Formation director, Diane Overmann, said the planning committee was pleased with the results and have started brainstorming for the next gathering.