Florida Catholic | Build Up A Church Concert

Diocesan youths praise God at concert

AMY M. FERRARA | FLORIDA CATHOLIC STAFF

Published: 10.05.07

Youths get into the act, invited by Christian artist Josh Blakesley to approach the stage to join in hand motions to accompany his songs.

NICEVILLE | Hands clapping and Christian voices singing were the norm Sept. 22 at Okaloosa-Walton College’s Mattie Kelly Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Guided by his ministry to spread God’s love with music, performer Josh Blakesley entertained a crowd that included members of the diocese, many of whom are participants in local youth groups.

"It’s really neat that in the heart of the diocese, we can draw youth groups together," said Father Roy Marien, pastor of Christ Our Redeemer Parish in Niceville.

The performance was part of Christ Our Redeemer’s "Build Up a Church" concert series. Seventy-five percent of the proceeds go to the Christ Our Redeemer building fund for a new church facility, and 25 percent will support standing ministries and charities in the parish.

"We’re always looking for ways to evangelize," added Father Marien. "Start with the kids. The parents are interested in what the kids are getting out of their faith."

Blakesley seemed like a perfect fit for Saturday evening entertainment to engage both children and adults. His music style is contemporary and his charisma makes it easy for the crowd to follow his movements. Even when he stopped singing to give further testimony of his personal Christian faith, Blakesley kept the audience entranced with the rhythm of his voice and the few chords he strummed on his guitar.

His own musical journey parallels his pilgrimage to be an active Catholic.

In 1992, his involvement in a high school peer ministry team led him to see the power of God’s work in teenagers as these young people became believers of Jesus Christ. Since then, he has strived to use his creative gifts to write and perform music in Jesus’ name.

Blakesley’s connection to young people is also the result of experience. He has been an active participant in Catholic youth events for nearly 15 years. In 1993, he was a praise and worship leader for the papal visit at World Youth Day in Denver.

For the past 10 years, he has led music at various Steubenville Youth Conferences throughout the country, and he has worked with Catholic Heart Work Camps and Life Teen Camps. Today, in addition to touring for his music ministry, he works as the young adult coordinator and assistant music director at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Parish in Alexandria, La.

Once the parish moves into its new church building, Christ Our Redeemer plans to host several more concerts of various music genres throughout the year.

Return to Diocese of Pensacola - Tallahassee Front Page

Diocesan youths praise God at concert

Other Stories