RIVER FALLS – Former Major League Baseball All-Star Mike Sweeney is coming to St. Bridget Catholic Church, River Falls, on Saturday, Feb. 28 to lead the Men’s Rally for Christ.

The rally will be held 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 7 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 7:30 a.m. A light breakfast and lunch will be served; freewill offerings are accepted.

Sweeney and his wife, Shara, recently returned from a private audience with Pope Leo XIV in Rome, where they shared a little baseball fun. In a nod to the pope, Mike’s presentation is titled “Knighted by the Lion, the Call to Masculine Sainthood from the Chair of St. Peter.”

Sweeney said, “I’m blessed to have a World Series ring and played in five All-Star Games, but nothing compares to the crown of sainthood we will receive by the grace of God in heaven. My goal is to help men attain that goal of sainthood.

“I’m excited to be a mouthpiece for our Holy Father and to bring the message of masculine sainthood to men who will pack the pews at St. Bridget Catholic Church.”

Now in its fourth year, the rally was formerly called Knights for Dads. Doug Weiss, rally coordinator, said the event began with the support of the Knights of Columbus at St. Bridget Church in River Falls, St. Patrick’s in Hudson, and St. Mary’s Big River. From there, it has grown with the support of 15 Knights of Columbus councils and draws attendees from 34 different communities in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota.

“This year, we’re hoping to grow even more by using billboard advertising and reaching out to more college and high school students, as well as area men’s groups,” Weiss explained.

Thanks to Sweeney, attendees can enter two drawings for tickets to the Royals vs Twins baseball game in the Twin Cities.

Sweeney isn’t the only rally leader. The event welcomes:

• Bishop James Powers, Diocese of Superior, who will say Mass.
• Luke Spehar, singer-songwriter to lead lively praise and worship music.
• Sweeney to lead praying the Rosary.
• Dominic Hietala, River Falls High School senior, to provide a testimonial.
• Alex Call, Los Angeles Dodgers’ outfielder and River Falls High School alum, to share his testimonial by video.

Advance registration recommended: Go to  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/mensrallyforchrist#/.