FLUSH — St. Joseph Church here welcomed more than 100 youth on Aug. 16 for the second annual Flush Youth Rally.
The event, organized around the theme “Fishers of Men,” welcomed youth from 7th to 12th grade for a full day of faith, fellowship and formation.
The day was kicked off by the powerful message of Nick Redd, a Catholic speaker and cofounder of The Freedom Group. A 15-year veteran of NET Ministries and Saint Paul’s Outreach, he is now leading a movement he describes as a way to equip men with the tools, community and spiritual depth they need to thrive.
Redd was followed by Father Gale Hammerschmidt of St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center at Kansas State University in Manhattan, who inspired with his engaging and relatable message of living out one’s faith with courage and authenticity.
Participants then broke into two groups: Angie Bittner, rural youth ministry outreach coordinator for the archdiocese, led a discussion with the girls, while Anthony Kowal, a Fellowship of Catholic University Students leader at Fort Hays State University, facilitated the boys’ discussions.
The Knights of Columbus provided the cookout for the young attendees and adult volunteers alike. The event was made possible by the support of several generous local donors.
The day concluded with a sunset Mass celebrated by Father Hammerschmidt.
Organizers were pleased with the increase in attendance over last year, saying the goal of the rally is simple: to provide a space where young people can encounter Christ, build lasting friendships and be empowered to live as “Fishers of Men” in their everyday lives.
Plans for the third annual Flush Youth Rally are already underway. It is scheduled for Aug. 15, 2026.
