Catholic youth of all ancestries are invited to a St. Patrick’s Day Youth Mass and Social on Saturday, March 17, at the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria.

Those attending the first-of-its-kind event will also have the opportunity to view the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade through downtown Peoria, which steps off at 11 a.m. just outside the pastoral center, located at 419 N.E. Madison Ave.

Sponsored by the diocesan Office of Evangelization, the event is intended to give youth “an opportunity to see the authentic tradition the Catholic Church gives for St. Patrick’s Day,” according to Craig Dyke, director.

Doors open at 9 a.m., with Mass at 9:30. The celebrant will be Father Joseph Dondanville, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Kickapoo, with music provided by Station 12, a praise band from St. Jude Parish in Peoria that was featured at last year’s Diocesan Youth Rally.

After Mass, participants will gather outside to watch the parade, then return to the pastoral center for a social time at noon featuring pizza and green ice cream.

Those wishing to attend may register through their parish youth group or by contacting Dyke at the Office of Evangelization, (309) 671-1550, or by email at cdyke@cdop.org.

A $5 registration fee covers the cost of lunch.