WILKES-BARRE – At a time when young adults face an overwhelming amount of pressure – from academic expectations to social media comparisons – finding peace and purpose can seem daunting. The weight of these stressors can lead some teenagers to feeling lost or unsure of their path.
On Nov. 23, 2024, young adults from parishes across the Diocese of Scranton learned the important roles that hope, faith, and trusting God play in navigating the complexities of modern life.
Nearly 300 teenagers attended the second annual Diocesan Youth Rally at Holy Redeemer High School. The event offered students a day of praise and worship, confession, Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, and speakers who focused on ways of encountering Christ.
“There are a lot of challenges in the world, and I think that learning through Christ, and learning Christ’s ways, are the best way to solve these problems,” Alec Hattar, an eleventh-grade student from Saint Ann Parish in Shohola, said.
Evangelist and Catholic hip-hop artist Joe Melendrez was the keynote speaker at the Diocesan Youth Rally. He also gave his unique style of music concert, blending praise and worship, encouraging the students to gather around the stage during his performance.
“Music is a super-connector. It goes beyond language, it goes beyond race, it goes beyond ethnicity, it is something that can connect all people,” Melendrez told The Catholic Light before his performance. “To provide music in a way that is not only fun and exciting, but also seasoned with the spirit and baptized in God’s word, what better way to share faith together with people.”
Melendrez recalled his childhood growing up in a Catholic family in Texas, but said it wasn’t until a youth retreat that he had a powerful encounter with God and decided to dedicate his life to following Jesus and sharing the Good News.
Melendrez, who has released five studio albums and performed around the world, said he wanted the young people attending the 2024 Diocesan Youth Rally to “be bold” in sharing their faith.
“Do it for God. Don’t worry about what other people are going to say or think, but know that God is cheering you on, and the Holy Spirit is leading you every step of the way,” Melendrez explained.
Students attending the 2024 Diocesan Youth Rally had the opportunity to attend several breakout sessions on topics geared specifically to their interests – including ‘Gaming and the Faith,’ ‘Finding Christ in Film,’ Faith in Sports,’ and ‘Adventuring with Christ.’
“When there are opportunities like this, I always like to take them, and approach them with an open mind,” Jesus Hernandez, an eleventh-grade student from Scranton Prep, said. “It’s important to build our relationship with God.”
Jiana Mylet, an eighth-grade student who attends Mass at Saint Jude Parish in Mountain Top, said the event served as a powerful reminder that no matter the challenges she faces, she can always turn to God for guidance, strength, and hope.
“It is a way to get closer to God and we’re with friends the whole time,” she said.