News Release #338

Released August 13, 2001

New Ulm – The Diocese of New Ulm is having a party! The "big party" will take place Sunday, August 19, at the Redwood Falls Civic Center from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The events of the celebration include several presentations about the call of baptism and discipleship and festive song throughout the afternoon led by nationally recognized composers Marty Haugen, Donna Peña, and Jaime Cortez. Event coordinators have planned for many of the activities to be presented bilingual (Spanish and English). A bilingual mass will be celebrated with Bishop John C. Nienstedt presiding. Activities are planned for young children including storytelling and drama, with childcare provided for the very young.

The "big party", a grand scale diocesan festival, marks the culmination of three years of Renew 2000 and the beginning of the new millennium. Renew 2000, an international program focused on strengthening faith through small group faith sharing and prayer, was begun in 1998 in preparation for the celebration of the new millennium. Over 80 parishes in the diocese participated in Renew 2000. Approximately 6,000 individuals participated in small group activities that discussed major themes throughout the three year period including, faith, justice, and ecumenism. Attendance is expected to reach 1,500 parish leaders, families, and individuals from the 15 county area.

The Diocese of New Ulm is comprised of 15 counties including: Big Stone, Brown Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Nicollet, Redwood, Renville, Sibley, Swift and Yellow Medicine, a total of 10,000 square miles, serving a Catholic population of 72,000.