BELMONT — 2017 is the “Year of Mary” in the Diocese of Charlotte. Bishop Peter Jugis declared this special theme for the new year at Mass Jan. 1 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.
His annual youth event, the Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage – a component of the annual Eucharistic Congress – will share the congress theme which is based on the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary spoken in the Gospel of Luke 1:46: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.”
All middle school and high school youth of the diocese are invited to attend the annual Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage held this year on Saturday, April 1, at Belmont Abbey College.
This year marks the 13th year for the youth pilgrimage. During the day-long event which will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., diocesan youth will enjoy live music, a vocations fair and motivational speakers, as well as Eucharistic Adoration and a Eucharistic Procession on the historic Belmont Abbey College campus.
There will be separate program tracks for middle and high school youths, and the sacrament of confession will also be available from priests of the diocese.
Jimmy Mitchell, a Catholic speaker, composer and musician, will serve as emcee and speaker for the high school men’s track.
Musician and songwriter Kevin Heider will provide the musical entertainment.
Mass will be celebrated starting at 9:40 a.m., and Bishop Jugis will share an inspirational message with the youth during Eucharistic Adoration in the afternoon.
Registration for the Lenten Youth Pilgrimage is $15. The fee includes a pizza lunch, a soft drink and a specially-designed pilgrimage T-shirt if you register by Friday, March 10.
For details, go online to www.goeucharist.com.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage 2017
REGISTER BY: March 10
COST: $15 per person – youth and adults (includes T-shirt, lunch and drink. Bring your own snacks and drinks for the day.)
Please send registration fees for your group ($15 per participant) to:
Eucharist Congress Office
Attn: Father Roger Arnsparger
1123 S. Church St.
Charlotte, NC 28203-4003
Make checks payable to “Eucharistic Congress.”
The Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage is funded by contributions to the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and donate online at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.