The New Ulm diocese became involved in the national event in 1995 when the conference was held in Minneapolis. Then, 10,000 youth and their leaders gathered. In 1997, between 17,000-18,000 gathered in Kansas City, Missouri. This year the conference hosted the largest gathering of 22,100 youth and leaders from throughout the nation. The New Ulm delegation was the fourth largest group registered for the conference. The thirteen buses that it took to move this group filled the entrance way to the hotel each morning and night.

Each day a new theme was introduced filling morning through night with a variety of activities. Thursday the theme of "Jesus is the Gateway" was expressed by keynote speakers and by the use of the scripture John 10:1-10, "I am the gate. Whoever comes in by me will be saved." They listened to the invitation of Jesus and the challenge to join in the work of spreading the Good News. Friday the theme was, "We are here in Community." The scripture used was Ephesians

4:23-24; 32, "Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ." They were reminded that they are all included in community and have a responsibility to build up and maintain the community of God. There are times when forgiveness is needed. There is a need to be constantly open to the love of God. Saturday the theme was, "What Do We Offer?" With the scripture of Acts 2:1-13 being expressed, "All of us hear them speaking in our own languages about the great things God has done." Each person was reminded that they are a unique manifestation of the work of God. The beautiful mosaic of our young church is illustrated by our varied skin colors, languages, cultures, ages, and interests. The speakers told everyone how they could join their potential together and do more as they prepare for the new Millennium as church leaders.

One of the main speaker’s presentation included a high school senior from Columbine High School, Colorado. She spoke of her experience of the violence and destruction that happened in her school. She spoke about her experience of God during this tragedy. She said it was wonderful to see how many people could turn to God for strength. Her challenge was, "Go out and preach the word." Michael Pritchard, a humorist, actor, youth activist, and TV show host, talked about the importance of community. He talked about growing up Catholic and what that has meant to him and how relationships became important to him. Suzie McConnell Serio, Saturday’s speaker was a two time Olympian and starting point guard for the WNBA’s Cleveland Rockers. One of the other speakers that had a great impact on the crowd was Craig Kielburger, a sixteen year old founder of Free the Children, an international children’s organization whose purpose is to free children from poverty and exploitation and empower them to become leaders in the world.

There were many other workshops and opportunities to meet hundreds of youth and adults from across the nation.

On Saturday morning Emily Wiering, from St. Dionysius in Tyler in the New Ulm diocese, presided at the morning prayer service for the entire assembly. It was an honor for the New Ulm diocese to be represented by her. Emily participated in a special training event during the summer that helped her prepare for the prayer and liturgy for this national event. She did a wonderful job and served the nation well.

The Youth Congress also occurs during this Conference. Angie Haen from Renville and Nate Entinger from Silver Lake were representatives of the New Ulm Diocesan Youth Council. They met with youth and Bishops from all over the United States to reflect on and discuss scripture.

After returning to the diocese, youth from the group began to share their faith stories with others. Thousands of people will hear these stories in the months ahead. These 9-12th grade youth and their adult leaders have been refreshed in their faith and transformed by their experiences as they go out and share the message with a grateful heart.