DAVA Youth Gathering at Clarke January 29

The Dubuque Area Vocation Association (DAVA) Youth Gathering will be held Wednesday, January 29, at the Robert and Ruth Kehl Center on the Clarke University campus.

More than 700 students from schools in the Dubuque Archdiocese are expected to attend. The event begins at 6:45 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

“Our Faith on Fire series is about encouraging our youth to get or stay on fire for their faith, to grow in holiness, and remain active in their faith communities. In this way, they will respond generously to God’s call to serve others in leadership roles in the Church,” said Len Uhal, DAVA Youth Gathering planning committee member.

The keynote speaker for the event is Katie Prejean. Prejean is a world traveler and energetic voice of young Catholics. She speaks to audiences of all ages on topics ranging from the Eucharist, growing in relationship with Jesus, sharing the Good News, ice cream flavors, and the best Netflix shows. Her keynotes are engaging, humorous, theologically sound, and filled with stories.

Prejean will travel to Iowa for Faith on Fire to share with audiences how to grow in a baptismal call as missionary disciples. She will present at Xavier Catholic High School in Cedar Rapids on January 27 and Columbus Catholic High School in Waterloo the morning of January 29 before her evening event at Clarke University. With her unique blend of humor, engaging stories, and a lasting message of encouragement, Prejean ignites audiences to be on fire for Christ and the Church.

“It is great to have a speaker who is passionate about her faith and can relate to and inspire young people in sharing their faith too. She captivates her audience through storytelling, humor, and real life experiences,” said Lori Ritz, DAVA Youth Gathering planning committee member.

Prejean writes extensively and has published two books – Room 24: Adventures of a New Evangelist and Follow: Your Lifelong Adventure with Jesus. Prejean has a degree in Theology from the University of Dallas. She is married to Tommy McGrady and lives in Louisiana with their daughter, Rose, and dog, Barney.

Prejean will have merchandise available for purchase at the event.

For more information, contact Len Uhal at 563-876-3332.