ARISE

On March 7, more than 200 middle school students in grades 6-8 in the Diocese of Baton Rouge gathered for the second annual ARISE Middle School Rally. The event was held at St. Alphonsus Liguori Church in Greenwell Springs. Led in praise and worship by Ryan Foulon, the young people heard keynotes by Father Brad Doyle, pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in St. Francisville, and attended workshops.
They also attended Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael G. Duca. Attendees ended the night with the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation and spend time in front of the Eucharist in adoration. The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry thanks St. Alphonsus and Father Jason Palermo, pastor, for hosting the event and Bishop Duca. Also, the Mercedarian Sisters of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the priests who heard confessions, the seminarians of the Blessed Stanley Rother Propaedeutic House, Knights of Columbus Council #2807, the ARISE core team, and everyone who helped make the day a beautiful encounter with Jesus for the young people. The office is planning for next year. Photos by Trey Weaver, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Diocese of Baton Rouge.