Local singers on Youth Day schedule

As professional Catholic music ministers, they had been asked by the Catholic Association of Musicians to submit a proposal regarding music ministry at World Youth Day.

"We were thrilled to be asked to submit a proposal," Mrs. Hayes said. "Then we put it out of our minds."

But in June, the couple found out that the Vatican had approved their proposal. "We are honored to be selected," Mrs. Hayes said. "We hope to bring His Word to the youth of the world through the gift of song."

The couple will be part of the Catholic Association of Musicians showcase performing on August 17 at the Piazza Del Popolo in Rome. Mrs. Hayes said that the largest crowd she has ever sung for was 20,000 people. She was told to expect up to two million people at the Rome concert.

The couple is looking forward to leading youth from many cultures in song. "Youth are so open and receptive to what you offer them," she said. "Kids are open and honest and give 100 percent. They are extremely exuberant."

Mrs. Hayes knows what it's like to be a young person in the Holy City. "The very first time I was in Rome, I sang in St. Peter's Square," she said. "It was back in 1973, and I was 18. I was with a youth music group."

In addition to ministering to the youth, Mrs. Hayes said she and her husband are looking forward to being with other Catholic musicians. "It will be extra special for us to be meeting with fellow artists," she said. (MM)

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