30871: Hermantin(news)Rally aims to shape lives (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>

Posted on Fri, Aug. 03, 2007
Rally aims to shape lives
BY YAMICHE ALCINDOR

Five hundred young people will eat, laugh, talk and pray Saturday at St. Thomas 
University.
The theme of their fun: ``With Jesus a Better Tomorrow.''
Christian Youth Rally is hosted by the Haitian Priests Association of South 
Florida and is part of an outreach effort to guide young people away from 
drugs, violence and risky behavior. The day will feature music, food, voter 
registration and workshops.
Keynote speakers include Miami police Sgt. Joe Schillaci from A&E's The First 
48, Gepsie Metellus, executive director of Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, 
and a representative from Congressman Kendrick Meek's office.
Some topics of the day: illegal drug use, sexual awareness and self-esteem.
The Rev. Jean Jadotte, of Notre Dame d'Haiti Catholic Church, said he hopes 
young people attending will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of 
Christianity.
''The rally is to help young people through some of the pressures they face,'' 
Jadotte said. ``We want them to understand how to have a good relationship with 
Jesus Christ.''
Speakers will also discuss high drop-out rates.
''The rally is to make the young people aware of the dangers of dropping out of 
school,'' Jadotte said.
The Rev. Patrick Charles, of St. James Catholic Church in North Miami, hopes 
the rally's site will inspire some.
''Being on the university's grounds will be good because kids can begin 
thinking about going to college,'' Charles said.
The Rev. Fritzner Bellonce, an associate pastor at St. Bartholomew Catholic 
Church in Miramar, knows firsthand the pressures facing young people today. He 
recalled being tempted by nice cars and fast money as a young man growing up in 
Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
''It hasn't been that long since I was their age,'' said Charles, 30. ''I know 
what is going on in their minds. I know what they feel.'' Bellonce said young 
people often get tempted to make quick money, skip school or alienate 
themselves from adult figures. He hopes the rally will help some avoid making 
those mistakes.
Marie-Louise E. Fabien, 21, attends St. Bartholomew. She said she hopes the 
event will help her change the lives of other young people.
''Some people get into drugs, and it's a terrible thing,'' she said. ``I want 
to get useful tools that will help me in life.''
Most South Florida Catholic churches plan to send delegations of young people 
to the event. Jadotte hopes this will help young people meet each other in a 
positive way.
''We want to show them that there is a future in Jesus,'' Bellonce said.


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