News Release #364

Second Annual Bishop Lucker Lecture

March 18 in Redwood Falls

Bishop to present 2004 Distinguished Service Award to two area couples

New Ulm, MN - The Catholic Diocese of New Ulm will sponsor the Second Annual Bishop Raymond A. Lucker Lecture on Thursday, March 18, 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center, Redwood Area Schools, 100 George Ramseth, Redwood Falls, MN.   The keynote for the evening will be Sr. Donna Markham, O.P., speaking on Leading in Hope.   Markham’s presentation will focus on “how are we called to be bearers of hope in times of difficulty in our family, community, and parish?”

Markham is the newly elected Prioress of her Adrian Dominican Community and holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Detroit . She delivers nearly 40 addresses each year to audiences around the world and is widely published, having written over 100 articles.   Her most recent book is Spiritlinking Leadership: Working through Resistance to Organizational Change, Paulist Press, 1999.

2004 Diocesan Distinguished Service Award: Following the lecture, the Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt, Bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm, will present the 2004 Diocesan Distinguished Service Awards. This award is presented to individuals who have given outstanding service to the Diocese of New Ulm over a period of years. It is given in the formof an engraved medal and framed citation signed by the bishop. This year’s recipients are Jerry and Julaine Balbach of New Ulm and Kevin and Teresa Kuester of Glencoe . Both couples have been recognized for their long-time involvement as presenters in the New Ulm Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program.

Following the presentation of the awards, the evening will close with a reception.

There is limited seating and tickets are required. Ticket cost is $5. To register please contact the Diocesan Pastoral Center , 1400 6th Street North , New Ulm, MN   56073; (507) 359-2966; e-mail: dnu@dnu.org .

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Note: For further information in regard to the Bishop Lucker Lecture and/or the 2004 Distinguished Service Award recipients,   (photo is available by request)   please contact the diocesan Office of Communications (507) 359-2966; cclancy@dnu.org.