As St. Athanasius parish, Bensonhurst, celebrates its 100th anniversary, Msgr. David Cassato, pastor, hosted an event to encourage youth participation.

The parish youth rally featured live music, celebrities, games, rides, food and a laser light show – all free.

“The point is that the church is open to all people,” the pastor said. “I want the young people to realize that they are welcome here.”

He said the event engaged the senses because this is how the youth experience the world – with music and entertainment.

Entertainers came to the event as volunteers to support evangelization efforts, Msgr. Cassato said.

“You see it more and more, how entertainers who have a real Christian spirit and have a belief in Jesus, want to bring other young people in,” he said.

Among the young entertainers that brought their talents to the festival was 16-year-old Stephanie Marie Hinvey, who recently performed at the Grammys. The radio station 103.5 suggested she check out the St. Athanasius event.

“I had to be here, especially to support a Catholic Church. It’s part of my roots,” she said. “This is a great event for the kids to know that God is always with them.”

The message she brought to Bensonhurst resonated with the young people who attended. Jacquelin Ciprello said she came to hang out with her friends whom she does not often have an opportunity to meet with. She said it was fun to partake in the different activities.

However, she also took something else from the event.

“I like it because it teaches us about how you should just not keep yourself down, just keep yourself up, keep yourself motivated,” she said.

The members of the Bensonhurst youth cluster also did their fair share to make the event successful. They volunteered to help with games and to make sure their younger peers had a good time.

“I came here to help the little children,” said Christopher Troche, one of the cluster volunteers who recently received his Confirmation. “I want them to be inspired, so they can to be part of the Church.”

The event attracted nearly 1,000 people, most of whom seemed to be most excited for the laser light show, the equipment for which was brought in from Florida. It lit up the front of St. Athanasius Church with images and cascading lights which were highlighted with fireworks.

“This is going to set the bar for other churches to say: ‘Hey, I want to do an event like that,’” said Craig Tubiolo, parishioner and production manager at DeSales Media Group. “This is how you get the kids to church, and I guarantee you that Sunday, there will be more kids at the church.”

The event was in part sponsored by DeSales Media Group, the parent company of The Tablet.