A record-breaking crowd of more than 9400 people gathered under the warm sun at the Diocese of Lansing’s St. Francis Retreat Center to enjoy an event that has become a staple in the Lansing area community. Faith Fest 2019 brought together Catholics and other Christians from the Lansing Region and beyond to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the retreat center, while listening to artists such as Matt Maher, Tenth-Avenue North, JJ Weeks, Brothers Walker, and Jason Gray. For the fourth year in a row, this Christian music festival did not disappoint. Matt Treadwell has come with his wife Cathy and their children since the first Faith Fest in 2016. “[Faith Fest] is a favorite event of the summer four years in a row.” he said.
In addition to enjoying performances by some of the best Christian music artists on the circuit, families explored booths with art, merchandise, prayer ministries, and a “Coffee-House Stage” featuring local music artists. A highlight of the festival was a series of vocations testimonies, including a spirit-filled sharing from Lansing seminarian Miquel Colunga, as well as a witness by Sam and Emily about the power of the vocation to marriage. Families also attended an outdoor Mass celebrated by Bishop Earl Boyea. The day concluded with a riveting glow-in-the-dark performance featuring Tenth-Avenue North and Jason Gray, among other artists. A fireworks display, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, brought the day to a close, as joy-filled families headed home, changed by the power of the Spirit that was so evident in everything at Faith Fest 2019.