Diocesan Youth Council makes a difference in New Ulm diocese

by Bill Casey

The Diocesan Youth Council has been making a difference in the New Ulm diocese for many years. They work hard to create programs that reach out to youth. At this time each year we review to see who will be graduating. It is a hard time to see so many great youth move on but we know new members will be joining the Council. Anyone in grades 10-12 in the fall is eligible to apply. We are at the end of our application process but interested applicants may call the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, (507) 359-2966 to see if there is still room.

The Diocesan Youth Council meets every month for a Sunday afternoon at the Youth Center near Renville. Lots of decisions and plans for the High School Youth Rally and the Junior High Festival are made here. They constantly learn more about taking leadership responsibility. They are challenged to think about where they are at in their faith. During one of the weekends there is a retreat to build community and to help strengthen the faith lives of the youth. Many of the Council members also attend the TEC Retreats. They are actively looking to see how they can be of service to others. Some have been involved in the Youth Ministry and Theology Program at St. John’s University at Collegeville. Most have been involved in summer leadership camps. As they learn more skills they are able to help with summer camps and are able to take on leadership roles.

The Youth Council is intended to cover each of the regions of the diocese. There are normally 2 people from each of the 6 geographical regions and 3 at large members for a total of 15 members. They represent the voice of youth on many issues in the Church today. Some parishes have had many youth represent them over the years and some parishes have not had representative members. It is always nice to see different parishes represented each year. There are 3-5 adult leaders working with the Council from year to year including the Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

On April 7 we celebrated twenty-five years of hosting youth rallies. We invited past Diocesan Youth Council members to celebrate with us. It was very rewarding to connect some of the past members with new members and compare how past and present things were done. There were many interesting stories shared during the two days together. The biggest realization is that a commitment has been important over all of the years. There is a big commitment to serve others and to work together as a team. As we continue to train Council members we hope that these young people of today will continue to have a huge impact on the future of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of New Ulm. There are past members that have gone into religious life, some are studying to become priests, and some are parish youth ministers. We need to continue to pray for the young people of the Church that the good guidance and direction will be a moving force in the Church for many years to come. We are always grateful for those that take ministry seriously and know that they can make a difference in the lives of others.

Bill Casey is Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of New Ulm.