One Rock the “Woodstock” in Rockyford

Times Contributor

 

The One Rock Youth Festival is an annual faith-filled Christian music festival event for young adults and their families sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Calgary. 

 The event gathers various speakers and musical artists in Rockyford for a day of music, praise and inspirational talks at various venues including St. Rita’s church, the Rockyford Arena and the Rodeo grounds.

Many sponsors give their time, resources and finances in a faith commitment that leads to the success of the weekend long event. More than 100 volunteers, Youth and Young Adult Ministry staff and the RC Diocese of Calgary are pleased to be a part and welcome the commitments of all the sponsors for the life changing speakers and musical artists.

Fr. Krystian Golisz, SDS was happy to be part of the host Village once again, stating in a letter address that “my prayer is that this Christian event may bring you closer to Jesus and to one another, making the world a more fraternal, and a better place of love and peace where Jesus is the unshaken Rock”.

 Friday night Fr. Joe Rodrigues (of Tucson, Arizona) spoke at St. Rita’s Church where he gave a dramatic presentation through a first person account of Thomas the doubting apostle called “Doubting Again?” It was a well-received performance for everyone who attended. He later spoke on Saturday about “Looking for Love with your GPS: God’s Purpose Saves.” The evening ended at 9 p.m. with a Campfire and Drumming Circle led by featured guest Leroy Crazyboy with an open bonfire on the floor of the fair grounds. As many as 200 drummers joined together in a rhythmic percussive chorus of praise and worship.

Saturday morning began with a welcome and introduction followed by a Holy Mass led by Bishop Fred Henry.

A popular event was the “One Rock Cup” of student all-stars versus the Roman Collar United (priests of the diocese) in a rousing soccer game that entertained young and old alike.

Saturday afternoon Fr. Maxime Allard, O.P. spoke on Social Justice from a Catholic Perspective at the stage in the exhibition hall. In his talk Fr. Maxime showed the importance of rooting the social teaching of the Church in the practice of the Eucharist. 

Throughout the weekend, confession was available to anyone who desired the sacrament of penance. As well as some amazing performances on the stage in the Rodeo grounds. Anthem Lights and group band Unhindered had participants singing along in worship with one another.

Next year’s venue for One Rock will be held in Cochrane, Alberta on July 26-28, 2013. For more information contact www.onerock.ca.