News Release #422

Catholic Diocese of New Ulm to host closing celebration

 in recognition of 50^th Anniversary Year

New Ulm, MN - In recognition of the conclusion of the Catholic Diocese of New Ulm’s 50th anniversary year-long event, a Closing Celebration will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2008, at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in Marshall. The celebration will begin at 3:30 p.m. with a brief program reflecting on the 50 year history of the Diocese of New Ulm, followed by an overview of a future "Pastoral Covenant" with the Southwest Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, along with reflections by Bishop John  M. LeVoir on his hopes for the future of the diocesan Church.

At 4:30 p.m. participants will be invited to gather with Bishop LeVoir for vespers, (prayer service) followed by a supper served in the parish hall.  As in the two previous 50th anniversary celebrations, a collection will be held to raise awareness of the building efforts of the five Habitat for Humanity Chapters in the Diocese of New Ulm, as well as the home construction projects sponsored by the San Lucas Mission in Guatemala. Proceeds from the collections will be divided among the Habitat for Humanity Chapters and the San Lucas Mission. So far, over $2,000 has been collected and shared with these groups.

This celebration is open to the public however registration is required for meal preparation. Please contact your local Catholic parish in the Diocese of New Ulm or the Catholic Pastoral Center  (507) 359-2966; email: dnu@dnu.org by November 10^th to register.