All 17 Archdiocesan High Schools as well as four area private Catholic high schools will send representatives to the 2^nd annual METANOIA rally.

On Monday, October 30th, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Catechetical Formation hosts its 2^nd annual METANOIA Rally for freshmen and sophomores in high school at The Liacouras Center at Temple University.  METANOIA is a Greek word meaning “to turn around.”  Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will provide opening remarks and lead participants in prayer to open the day.

This year’s rally will have a community service and special intentions prayer component.  Students attending METANOIA have been asked to bring canned and non-perishable food items to be distributed to local food cupboards.  During the program students will be particularly asked to pray for an end to human trafficking, for the 20 million people in Africa suffering from starvation and malnutrition, and for refugees from Syria.

The four-hour program will include various nationally known speakers and entertainers.  The featured keynote address will be delivered by Catholic Motivational speaker and author, Mike Patin.  Musical recording artist Ike Ndolo and his band will provide the entertainment.  Additionally, two students (one from Lansdale Catholic High School and the other from Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School) will give witness testimonials on how God has helped them through the struggles in their lives.

The Archdiocesan Educational Fund (archedfund.org) awarded the Office for Catechetical Formation an $80,000 grant to fund METANOIA.  Former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Matthew H. McCloskey, Jr. created and funded the Wayne-based private foundation in 1967 to support Catholic Education and ministry throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

The Archdiocese will also promote portions of the program via social media using the hashtags #METANOIA17 and #EquippingSaints and have asked the high schools participating to utilize their own social media platforms to promote the event broadly as well.

Background information on Mike Patin:

Mike Patin uses energy, humor, and stories to affirm God’s goodness and presence among us while inviting others (and himself) to take the “next step” in our journey with God.  Mike has worked in ministry settings since 1984, first as a high school teacher and coach, and then in diocesan ministry for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Since 2003, he has worked full-time as a speaker and “faith horticulturist.”

Throughout his ministry, Mike has been privileged to speak to groups ranging from 10 people to 23,000 people in over 130 dioceses in the United States and Canada. He has spoken at parish missions, conferences, rallies, retreats, leadership institutes, and in-service programs addressing youth, adults, families, clergy, seminarians, school faculties, businesses, athletic teams, and hospital staffs.  For more information about Mike Patin please visit, http://www.mikepatin.com/.

Background information on Ike Ndolo:

Born in Missouri after his parents moved to the United States from Nigeria, Ike Ndolo developed a love of music at home, growing up to the ringing of hymns from his mother’s voice. He continued his musical development at Saint Timothy Catholic Church in Mesa, Arizona, where he was mentored by legends Tom Booth and Matt Maher.  Ike’s debut album We Are the Beggars features 11 powerful originals alongside three refreshing and inventive covers. Produced by top 10 contemporary hitmaker Robbie Seay and featuring the ambient electric guitar work of pro Taylor Johnson throughout the record, it would be easy for a young artist to fade into the background. However, Ike comfortably commands your undivided attention as you wait in eager anticipation for the next note.

In addition to traveling the country to lead others to Christ, Ike has a great zeal for missionary work, from Mexico to as far as China.  Currently adjunct worship leader at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Tempe, Arizona, Ike is constantly evolving as a musician and a man of God.  For more information about Ike Ndolo please visit, http://www.ikendolo.com/.

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Editor’s Note: For information on the Office for Catechetical Formation please visit www.phillyocf.org. For information about Faith in the Future, please visit www.faithinthefuture.com/. For information about Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit www.aopcatholicschools.org/.