News Release #374

Third Annual Bishop Lucker Lecture

March 3 in Willmar

Bishop to present 2005 Distinguished Service Awards

New Ulm, MN - The Catholic Diocese of New Ulm will sponsor the third annual Bishop Raymond A. Lucker Lecture to be held on Thursday, March 3, 2005, at St. Mary Church in Willmar, from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. The topic of this year’s lecture is “Welcomed and Welcoming” presented by Fr. Clemente Barron, C.P., a Passionist priest from San Antonio.

2005 Diocesan Distinguished Service Award: Following the lecture, the Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt, Bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm, will present the 2005 Diocesan Distinguished Service Awards. This award is presented for committed service and outstanding contribution to the Diocese of New Ulm. The award consists of an engraved medal and a framed citation signed by the bishop.

This year’s recipients are:
Gail Bromenschenkel , of St. Mary Parish in Sleepy Eye, for her work with the Hispanic ministry team at St. Mary’s; Wayne Kramer, of St. Mary Parish in Arlington, for his distinguished service to the Diocesan Pastoral Council and the Regional Pastoral Council, and the Knights of Columbus; Margaret "Margy" Manderfeld, of St. Mary Parish in New Ulm, who has worked for the Diocese of New Ulm since 1986. Since 1988, she has served exceptionally as the Executive Secretary for Bishop Raymond A. Lucker, second bishop of the diocese, the Reverend John G. Berger who was Diocesan Administrator from 2000 - 2001, and Bishop John C. Nienstedt, the current bishop. She also assists the Offices of Vicar General, the Chancellor, Priest Personnel and Pastoral Administrators, and the Bishop’s Delegate in Matters Pertaining to Sexual Misconduct. Ellen Nester, of St. Catherine Parish in Redwood Falls, has been recognized for her involvement with the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, serving as the Diocesan President, the Family Concerns chair, and is currently the Organization Commission chair. In addition to her local responsibilities, she represents the Diocese on the Provincial Board of the Council of Catholic Women. Anna Marie Reiter, of St. Pius X in Glencoe, has been recognized for her efforts to assist with the organization of Hispanic ministry. She is a member of the Hispanic ministry planning committee in the Glencoe area and for more than fifteen years she has helped to coordinate the seasonal ministry to migrant workers. Following the presentation of the awards, the evening will close with a reception.

There is no charge for this Lecture, however, preregistration is required. Contact the Diocesan Pastoral Center , 1400 6th Street North , New Ulm, MN 56073; (507) 359-2966; e-mail: dnu@dnu.org .

##