Another successful festival!

Cottonwood, MN - On Sunday, October 26, 2003, St. Mary’s parish in Cottonwood hosted the 13th Annual New Ulm Diocesan Junior High Festival.

Seven hundred and twenty-seven 7th and 8th grade youth and their adults leaders from across the diocese gathered this day to celebrate what it means to live their Catholic faith.

The Diocesan Youth Council chose the theme, "See Jesus, Be Jesus" in anticipation of the Holy Father’s theme for World Youth Day in 2004 of "We wish to see Jesus" (Jn. 12: 21).

Keynotes, Johnny and the Peaches had participants up and dancing to their music. They shared stories that show the power that each young person has to "Be Jesus" to others and to make a real difference in the world.

Bishop John C. Nienstedt presided at the celebration of the Eucharist and spoke about Mother Teresa’s example of "Seeing Jesus" and "Being Jesus".

A special choir composed of people from New Ulm, Hutchinson, and Ortonville was formed for the occasion.

For information regarding next year’s Junior High Festival, please contact the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry, (507) 359-2966; or e-mail cblickem@dnu.org.