EAST STROUDSBURG – The auditorium of Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School was filled with music and energy on Sept. 27, 2025, as more than 200 young Catholics gathered for the third annual Diocesan Youth Rally.
Teens from across the Diocese of Scranton – representing more than 20 parishes – came together for a day packed with powerful speakers, breakout sessions, Eucharistic Adoration, and Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton.
The Diocesan Youth Rally, which is open to students in grades 7-12, is quickly becoming a highlight for youth ministry groups. Participants say this year’s event did not disappoint.
“It’s an incredible act of evangelization,” keynote speaker Dan Harms, a dynamic Catholic performer and inspirational speaker, explained. “It is a marker on the map towards changing a culture. It is a marker on the map towards giving all these kids a reference point for what their lived experience of faith can be.”
Harms brought a blend of storytelling, interactive skits, and musical icebreakers to the event. His message? Hope isn’t wishful thinking – it’s rooted in the unshakeable promises of God.
“I always like to emphasize joy and hope. Today, our theme is ‘Anchored in Hope,’ so we’re talking about the hope that we find in our faith,” he added.
Headlining the music for the Youth Rally were the Scally Brothers, a high-energy duo from Ohio known for their deep faith and infectious beats.
“Music is the invitation that invites people to break down walls,” Jake Scally said. “When you have music, it might relate to someone in a special way – a melody, a bass drop, a guitar lick or a drum solo, and then they start to listen to the lyrics that point to Christ.”
Music has so much power,” Zach Scally added. “When you merge that with the power of the Gospel, you ultimately have the power to change somebody’s life forever.”
For many students, the concert was a highlight of the day.
“The Scally Brothers have a lot of great music, and they just show a great example of how to worship God,” Connor Cinoski, a participant from Saint Jude Parish in Mountain Top, said.
Beyond the music and messages, what made the Diocesan Youth Rally truly impactful was the opportunity for young people to build real relationships – with God and with one another.
“Social media can make young people feel isolated,” Harms said. “To be able to come together and have an experience with a few hundred other Catholic teens is really impactful.”
The Diocese of Scranton is already looking forward to welcoming even more youth for the Fourth Annual Diocesan Youth Rally, scheduled for Nov. 7, 2026. Mark your calendars now and stay anchored in hope!