Michigan November 2005

A few years back we had some local representatives/friends visit their dioceses to present our ministry to the Youth Directors. Only one resulted in an invitation to their youth rally, and it took place this past weekend in Gaylord, N. Michigan. We were booked two years ago, then the Youth Director left and the rally was canceled, then the Bishop decided to go ahead, and it was rescheduled. I must say I was impressed that the Bishop was present for the entire first half of the day, and returned later for Mass. As I said good-bye to him, he said "Outstanding." Over something like 45 diocesan youth rallies we have done, I can only remember one other where the Bishop stayed any longer than he had to!

Around 300 High school teens gathered in a school gym as a few of their number introduced the day. Then came my first keynote with a warm and enthusiastic response from the kids. We then immediately launched into the first of 3 workshops, on the history of rock music. The Bishop must have learned something! After lunch we did Faithfulness & Self Respect (on chastity) and then THIS IS MY BODY, which uses the new Teen Mass to teach the meaning behind our Eucharistic Worship. After 4 hours talking, I began to regret having agreed to do so much and wondered how I would get through the final Evang-a-Ganza. Maybe it was the enthusiasm of so many teens leaping in the air, or them gathered around holding hands in prayer, that made forget about my tired throat! Here is what some of them wrote:
" I was at the youth rally yesterday and it was awesome!! When I left I felt changed. I really did though and all of your songs were amazing, I felt like I was with God more than ever in my life that day. I am going to get all of your CD's overtime so I can feel like I am there again with you and God."

<< Wow, I just got back from the Gaylord Sr. High Youth Rally and it was amazing. Thanks for an amazing time. Although I had never heard of Classix Nouveaux, I
quickly learned that you are a well known musician throughout the entire world...and i think that's pretty awesome. >>

<< Thank you so much for speaking at the Dioceses of Gaylord Youth Rally. I enjoyed your talks very much. I really enjoyed your performances. The actions to the songs got people involved, which, I believe, made them like it all that much more. >>

<< Thanks for comin to gaylord and a puttin on a great day. i play the guitar and would like to someday start a rock n roll band. you were really great also. this was one of the first youth rallys i actually really enjoyed a lot. >>

<< I can't thank you enough for all you did for these wonderful youth! Your presentation on the "teen Mass"was great! The whole ride home the kids were saying how much fun they had and how they enjoyed your presentations. The Lord has truly blessed you! Thanks again! >>

On the Sunday morning we sang Mass in a local parish to another warm response from all ages. One lady said the Holy Spirit led her to that church, where she had never been before. Others said they were inspired and touched by the music, including the priest. Special thanks go to Jerry, our local "rep" in the north of MI for making this happen, and to Bob, another friend, without whose sound equipment, our message would never have been heard!
Hey Sal Solo!!
I just attended the youth rally in Gaylord. I was
actually part of the staff and played the bass in the
band. I thought you were amazing.
My school's football team made it to play-offs and I
was really disappointed that I was unable to march
with the marching band Saturday, because I was
already committed to the rally. But the minute it
was all being pulled together and I was with all
these people who believed in God and we excited about
being there, my mind totally left the football game
and I was ready worship Him.
I went loved you concert! It was so good! I think
that is so awesome that you use music to spread the
word to God to youth, like me.
One of my favorite things you said was your analogy
on sins being like garbage, and confession being like
garbage day... I never looked at it that way.
Thank you so much for sharing your love for God. It
was definitely something I won't ever forget.
God Bless and I hope that I can see you perform, and
listen to your message again.
M.S.

Sal