More than 400 teens attend 2018 Catholic Youth Convention

Chandler Vail and Cecelia Rech, both of Christ the King Church in Little Rock, lead praise and worship music during the 2018 Catholic Youth Convention. (Dwain Hebda photo)

Convention-goers liven up a morning session leading the crowd in a dance routine. They are (from left) Kathy Rogel of Hope, Anabel Galvan of Russellville and Daisy Woodbury and Cassie Farmer of Mountain Home. (Dwain Hebda photo)

Youth Advisory Council members Claire Hollenbeck of Fort Smith and Collin Gallimore of Hot Springs get attendees up and dancing during Saturday morning activities during the state youth convention. (Dwain Hebda photo)

Christopher Phillips of Barling, as Jesus, comforts fellow Youth Advisory Council member Julianne Post of Altus in a morning skit. The performance was part of 2018 Catholic Youth Convention in Little Rock. (Dwain Hebda photo)

Nun and Nunner, aka Sister Mary Rose (left) and Sister Maria Stella provide lively music and humor with a message for teens from across Arkansas at the 2018 Catholic Youth Convention in Little Rock. (Dwain Hebda photo)

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More than 415 high schoolers and chaperones from across Arkansas gathered in Little Rock for the annual Catholic Youth Convention.

This year’s event, titled “Faith Conquers,” was held April 6-8 at Robinson Music Hall and Doubletree Hotel.

The event featured praise and worship, prayer and social events. Attendees collected toiletry items, socks, refillable water bottles, backpacks and ear buds for Jericho Way, a homeless day resource center in Little Rock sponsored by Depaul USA.

The convention’s speakers included the keynote from Apex Ministries and a presentation by Catholic entertainment duo Nun and Nunner. The 2018-2019 Youth Advisory Council, a group of young people who assist the diocesan Catholic Youth Ministry Office in putting on various programs such as Search and Weekend for Life, were also installed during the weekend.

During the state convention, leadership presented the St. Timothy Award, recognizing youth who live their lives as an example of discipleship, service and leadership. This year’s honorees were Veronica Smith of Christ the King Church in Little Rock and Zach Neumeier from St. Anthony Church in Ratcliff.

Finalists for this year’s award also included Reagan French of St. Jude the Apostle Church in Jacksonville, Thomas Long of St. Michael Church in Van Buren and Quinn Thomas of Blessed Sacrament Church in Jonesboro.