"Jesus is the Best! He's the Reason for The FEST!" So, what is The FEST? The FEST is a festive and uplifting annual event held at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliff Ohio. It was started three years ago by Father Bob Stec.

The atmosphere of the FEST is much like World Youth Day, which is an international gathering of youth and celebration of our Catholic faith, held in different parts of the world every two years. This year was the third time that members of Sacred Heart parish attended the FEST; many teens and adults and families from the parish joined the huge number of fellow Catholics to share in this event, and everyone had good things to say about it.

Alicia Ash, a member of the youth group said "The FEST was awesome all around. One of the most exciting parts of The FEST was the live music. This year's music was beyond groovy with two big names, Switchfoot and Zoegirl. It's awesome in today's society to be able to listen to upbeat music with positive lyrics and a powerful message." Along with the music there were plenty of things  such as, relay races, face painting, and booths from Christian organizations.

This year, for the first time at the FEST, reconciliation was available. This was a wonderful opportunity to participate in on of our most wonderful sacraments, and experience the FEST to the fullest. Priests from all over the diocese were available, in a comfortable outdoor setting.

Another interesting part of the FEST was watching footage of the Holy Father at World Youth Day. It was amazing to see him with the Teens, and listen to what he said to them. One of everyone's favorite parts of The FEST was the Mass. It was held on the stage where the bands had preformed. It was a beautiful Mass, and many priests from all over our Diocese, including our own Father Joe, came to celebrate.

Another youth group member, Abby May said "I loved the Mass, it was so cool with all of the priests from all of the different parishes up there." Alicia Ash said " The best part by far was the Mass. During it I felt surrounded by so much love, not only from God but by my country, my community, and my friends."

Most people who have experienced the FEST say they have never been to a Mass like it. Perhaps it’s the Fireworks at the end, or the incredible music that compliments the liturgy, or receiving our Lord and savior in Holy communion together with thousands of believers, whatever it is, there is something special about the FEST Mass that leaves participants with a feeling of awe.

Eric Knight put it this way: "It was a religious experience not to be forgotten any time soon."

— KATELYN THEWLIS