‘Going Bananas For Jesus XIX’ to be held in NP March 17-19

North Platte St. Patrick students are wearing GBJF 2017 #LIVING WATER wristbands as they prepare to host the three day retreat in March 2017. Young people are encouraged to attend and even apply to be part of the Banana Bunch that will help lead the weekend. (Courtesy Photo)

Organizers are putting the pieces in place to celebrate the 30th year of “Going Bananas For Jesus XIX.” The bi-annual event will take place in North Platte, Neb., March 17 – 19, 2017. Catholic youth, in grades 6 – 12, will be invited to a three-day event that includes lots of fun and a focus on faith.

Co-Mama Banana, Brenda Conell, says Jesse Manibusan and ValLimar Jensen will headline the weekend. “Both Jesse and Val are Catholics and musicians with the ability to connect to every age with messages of faith,” say Conell. “We are so fortunate to have such high-caliber presenters in North Platte, as they both travel the world speaking to thousands and thousands of people.”

Conell says organizers are using wristbands and social media to spread the word about Going Bananas For Jesus. “Our goal is to make sure everyone knows about our event, so they can save the date and plan to attend,” says Conell. People can find Going Bananas For Jesus on facebook, twitter, and the Grand Island Diocese web page.

“We are also distributing the wristbands, posters, and early marketing materials to every parish,” says Cathy Hiatt, also a Co-Mama Banana. “We want people to look at the wristbands say a prayer for the youth in our diocese,” says Hiatt.

The Going Bananas for Jesus XIX North Platte team is looking for a fun and energetic group of young adults to help lead the retreat weekend, too. The “Banana Bunch” will be divided into three teams responsible for acting, singing, and entertaining their peers throughout the weekend. “We hope to build our Bunch with youth from across the Grand Island Diocese through an application and audition process. We are auditioning for singers, actors, and/or hosts,” says Morgan Harms, “it’s similar to the animator application process used for the National Catholic Youth Conference.”

Applications are available by emailing [email protected]. The deadline is September 30th.

Anyone who would like more information can email the organizers, or simply like the Facebook page as all registration information will be posted there.