Archbishop John Nienstedt, center, poses with youth from St. Mark in St. Paul at the start of Archdiocesan Youth Day Oct. 25 at the University of St. Thomas. Nearly 2000 teens from across the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis came for the third annual event, which was the largest crowd thus far.Sonar performs at Youth Day.From left, Jack Saunders, Calvin Dahlheimer, Ryan Olson and Noah Lanka of St. Henry in Monticello dance and clap to the music of Sonar.From left, Emily Perron, Maggie Berger, Kali Reagles and Lori Taormina of Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville enjoy praise and worship. Taormina is the parish youth minister.Sister Miriam James Heidland, the day’s keynote speaker, shares her story along with encouragement for living the faith.From left, Maya Bradley and Libby Halbmaier of St. John the Baptist in Excelsior react to the humor of Sister Miriam during her keynote talk.From left, Madelyn Backes, Danika Tweten and Claire Stevens of St. Francis Xavier in Buffalo pack toys and other items in Christmas boxes that will be sent to people in need in Appalachia. This was one of several activities the youth were invited to participate in during a portion of the day called Catholic Faith Fest.Priests gather around Archbishop John Nienstedt for the eucharistic prayer during Mass.Josephine Hyde of Most Holy Trinity in Veseli kneels and prays during Mass.Gema Rangel of Ascension in north Minneapolis receives Communion during Mass. Behind her is Jackie Gomez, also of Ascension.
