By Megan Erbacher
The Message editor
Father Jonathan Meyer told a gymnasium full of about 225 high school students and their chaperones that Bishop Joseph M. Siegel had everything he needed in that room to set the Diocese of Evansville on fire.
Father Meyer, a priest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, told those present that God has a plan for them, and he doesn’t need anything except for the young people in the room and their receptive, “yes.”
“What I want you to realize is that our ideas and our plans are so small compared to what God has in store for you,” Father Meyer said.
On Sept. 29, about 225 high school students and their chaperones gathered at Holy Redeemer Parish in Evansville for the 2024 Diocesan Youth Day. The afternoon included a cookout lunch provided by St. Philip Knights of Columbus, snow cones, board games and yard games, live music by the Josh Goodman band and Brandon Field, and stage games included heads and tails and reverse charades (led by Bryan Macke).
Father Meyer served as the keynote speaker, and he spoke on two topics: “Engaging the Culture as a Young Catholic: The Church’s Mission to Evangelize” and “His Love Endures Forever: Encountering Christ in the Eucharist.” After Father Meyer’s second talk, Eucharistic Adoration was led by Father Tyler Tenbarge, and 10 diocesan priests heard Confessions.
Bishop Joseph M. Siegel celebrated Mass, with several diocesan priests concelebrating, to close Diocesan Youth Day.
Father Meyer was ordained to the priesthood June 28, 2003, and he served as the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. He served at several parishes before being named pastor of All Saints Parish in Dearborn County in 2021, where four historic parishes — comprised of seven churches — became one under his leadership.
Father Meyer maintains a presence on the internet with his weekly homilies and other teachings.
In 2022, he began ministering as a National Preacher for the Eucharistic Revival. For the past 13 years, he’s spent his spare time coaching track and cross country at public schools.
During his first keynote, Father Meyer said before he was ordained to the priesthood, he had a plan for his life. But, he admitted his plan was shallow, empty and about his desires. He said God opened his mind and helped him realize his true calling.
“We have to get out of the way and realize that we are good, and realize that we are chosen and realize that we are amazing,” Father Meyer said.
“We have no idea, until we absolutely surrender ourselves to God, the plans he has for us,” he said.
He asked those present: “Do you believe in yourself? Do you believe God is calling you to amazing things?”
“Why are you afraid,” Father Meyer asked.
“God wants you to use your unique gifts to change the world. … God wants to set the Diocese of Evansville on fire through you — through your yes!”