The archdiocesan junior high youth rally went through a metamorphosis this year. The event rebranded itself as the Encounter Youth Rally and expanded from one location to three — Emporia, Topeka and Shawnee.
During all three rallies, students encountered Jesus in multiple ways: through motivational speakers, participating in small group discussions, praying in Mass and eucharistic adoration, and by doing works of mercy.
Oscar Rivera, who is also known as Two Ten, was the keynote speaker at all three rallies.
The Topeka rally included a bed-building work of mercy in collaboration with the foster care ministry of the archdiocese.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a nonprofit organization providing trained volunteer leaders, tools and the knowledge to support and train nearly 200 middle school students, on-the-spot, to sand, hammer, drill, assemble and brand lumber to make 30 beds, transforming the halls of Hayden High School in Topeka into a literal construction assembly line.
The lumber and hardware, totaling over $4,500, was donated by Michael Furman, owner of Schutte Lumber and a parishioner at Holy Spirit Church in Overland Park. Giving to this cause was personal for Furman.
“I wasn’t in foster care myself, but I was adopted as a baby by a loving family who provided everything I needed to succeed,” said Furman. “I appreciated that the students got to use their hands to build something real, and if providing materials helps give foster kids a safe, comfortable place to sleep, that’s an easy ‘yes’ for me.”
The middle school participants worked so diligently that they actually surpassed the targeted goal by creating 31 beds.
“I love that our students were introduced to a ministry — and this specific ministry, with Sleep in Heavenly Peace,” said Gina Sallman, director of faith formation from Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Sabetha. “We talk to the kids a lot about serving one another, being a part of solutions to needs of others and this experience gave them an active, hands-on opportunity to love others as disciples of Jesus!”
