By Cain Madden

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — The youth ministry at St. Mary Basilica wants to help Mississippi’s children network for the future.

“When kids graduate and go off to college they will run into one another,” Youth Director Carrie Golden Lambert said. “We wanted to start something so that kids could get to know other kids from different parts of the state.”

Lambert said she would be taking registrations until Feb. 27 for the Multi-Parish Youth Day, though Feb. 19 will be the cut-off date for T-shirts.

For the fun day, which will start at 10 a.m., Lambert said children do not have to be Catholic, they just have to be in grades 6-12.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. Feb. 27, and at 10 a.m., when the event goes live, participants will start with different icebreaker games to help the students interact.

One of the big events of the day will be Nicole Marquez, an inspirational speaker who travels all across the country giving speeches.

Marquez started a life on stage at a dance recital when she was only 3 years old. From teen television reporter to spokesperson to dancing in a national Coca-Cola commercial, Nicole continued to perform in one way or another.

After she graduated college with a degree in theater and dance, she worked in regional acting troops before moving on to Broadway. That dream was cut short when she fell from the roof of her apartment building. Now she brings a message of faith and perseverance and hope.

“She is very incredible,” Lambert said. “People of all ages — children, teens and adults — have found her message moving.”

Other activities during the day include Drew David and Will Carter performing praise and worship music; a pizza party at lunch; and after lunch participants will have a time for meditation or prayer.

Lambert encouraged people from all over the state — the participant from the farthest away so far is from Greenville — to register as soon as possible via e-mail at stmaryyouth@cableone.net or calling her at 445-5616.

“This is a great opportunity for the teens and tweens to come out and bond with one another,” Lambert said. “They can get to know each other in a safe environment filled with fun, mentoring and inspiration.”