700 youth from 34 parishes make gathering "Spectacular"

The 2015 High School Youth Spectacular was held on Sept. 13 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi with Leah Darrow as the keynote speaker. Bishop Michael Mulvey celebrated Mass for the some 700 high school youth in attendance.

"This year’s theme, The Family on a Mission, afforded the gathered youth from the 34 parishes to be united in prayer, fellowship and to spend time with Bishop Mulvey. A family gathering is incomplete without your youth present at the family reunion. I pray you will help support this year’s Youth Spectacular," Jaime Reyna, director of the diocesan Office of Youth, said.

Darrow, whose morning talk was entitled “From Top Model to Role Model,” is a Catholic speaker, author, a former model on America’s Next Top Model, a sister, a daughter, a wife and a mother.

"But I’m most especially a redeemed daughter of God. And I'm here for you, to encourage you that truth, beauty and love are real," Darrow said. "I help young people find real happiness and explore authentic relationships by reclaiming their worth. I also offer some killer shoe and fashion advice."

Darrow gave a second afternoon presentation reflected about her relationship with her husband and as a “family” witness to others and lead others to God.

"The YouthSpectacular is a place where young people can join together and worship to our heart's content with other Catholic teens in a positive and encouraging environment," Caitlyn Martinez, from Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Portland, said. "In today's day and age, positive and encouraging places are growing smaller and smaller, yet Youth Spectacular continues to grow every year."

Reyna made a presentation on "Youth Who Made a Difference in the World," such as nine-year-old Rachel Beckwith who died from injuries sustained in a car crash near her home in July. Her birthday wish was to raise $300 to build wells for those in need. Her wish went viral and inspired donors have helped fulfilled–and surpassed-her mission by giving more than $1 million to charity. Rachel’s mom will head to Africa next year with the nonprofit to see first hand how her deceased daughter is continuing to save lives.

"Youth Spectacular is a chance for teenagers my age to gather from all around the diocese to celebrate our Catholic faith. It's an amazing experience to witness how many young people are involved in the Church and have such great love for Christ. I love to hear the amazing speakers, but my favorite part is when we had Mass with Bishop Mulvey, because all of us are worshipping God together, participating in a beautiful liturgy." Aaron Benavides, from IWA and altar server at the Corpus Christi Cathedral, said.

Fifteen youth from parishes were recognized with an "Outstanding Youth Award," including Mac Salinas from Holy Family-Corpus Christi; Rhyanna Ozuna, Holy Family-Taft; Dylan Thomas, Our Lady of Consolation; Mia Arenas, Our Lady of Guadalupe-Alice; Isabel Campos, Our Lady of Guadalupe-Corpus Christi; Elliana Gonzales, Our Lady of the Assumption; Cerise Garcia, Our Lady of Victory; Jose Sanchez, Sacred Heart, Corpus Christi; Kenya Zarate, Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos, Madre de la Iglesia; Jessica Campos, Ss. Cyril & Methodius; Remy Rangel, St. Anthony-Robstown; Catherine Cantu, St. Gertrude; Oscarey Betancourt, St. Patrick-Corpus Christi; Noelle Nguyen, St. Paul the Apostle; and Sierra Casares, St. Pius X-Corpus Christi.

Also recognized were nine adult youth leaders from the various parishes. They included, Marco Anes, Holy Family-Corpus Christi; Starla Schuck, Our Lady of the Assumption; Wally Rodriguez, Our Lady of Victory; Raquel Covarrubias, Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos, Madre de la Iglesia; Laura Perez, Ss. Cyril & Methodius; Manuela Ortiz, St. Anthony-Robstown; Jo Ella Wagner, St. Gertrude; Christine Rodriguez, St. Patrick-Corpus Christi; and Alyssa Gonzalez, St. Pius X-Corpus Christi.

The Heath Garcia Band provided praise and worship music.

The Middle School Youth Spectacular is scheduled for this Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Richard Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown. Doors open at 8 a.m.

Photos by Ervey Martinez