News Release #318

Released to Media on September 16, 1999

New Ulm – Thousands of Catholics throughout Southwestern Minnesota are completing a year of preparation for the coming millennium. On October 3, 1999, the Diocese of New Ulm, comprised of 82 parishes, will begin a three year commitment to a program called RENEW 2000.

The Most Rev. Raymond A. Lucker, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of New Ulm, has asked that all parishes in the diocese participate in the renewal program in response to Pope John Paul II's request that all Catholics unite in spiritual preparation for the new millennium. RENEW 2000 is the program the people of the diocese will be using to foster renewal of their faith in preparation for a new era.

Coordinated by parish volunteer leaders, small groups of eight to twelve people will meet in homes weekly for a six-week period during the five seasons of RENEW 2000. The small groups called Small Christian Communities will reflect upon and discuss five major themes during the next three years: reconciliation and unity; repentance and conversion; evangelization; openness to justice; and ecumenism.

Based on a year of parish leadership training, Jane Hanson, diocesan Director of RENEW 2000, estimates that nearly 800 small groups will be participating in the three year process. "RENEW 2000 could touch the lives of thousands of Catholics during the next years. Our goal is to experience God's presence in our daily lives, share that experience with others, and work for reconciliation, peace, and justice in our community and world."

For more information contact: Jane Hanson, director of RENEW 2000, (507) 359-2966.