Teens pass on Catholic faith at R.ED Night

by Kathy Sonnek

Looking for a night dedicated to growing in the love of Jesus and a greater understanding of the Catholic church? Then look no further than R.ED Night, held on the first Wednesday of each month, October through May, from 6:45 to 8:15 pm. It is here in the Holy Trinity Cathedral Middle School gym in New Ulm that about 300 teens, grades 7 through 12, gather for a fun-filled and inspirational evening of praise and worship music, dynamic speakers and encouragement in living the Catholic faith.

Youth ministers Dave and MJ Guilianelli, along with a team of teen leaders and adult volunteers, work to make each session a joyful and informative experience, encouraging area teens to make Jesus a relevant part of their lives and to bring him to others. "It makes me feel connected to God because it is more youth oriented," explains Amanda Schlumberger, 16, from New Ulm Public High School

The past year’s line-up of speakers has included Catholic HEART Workcamp staff members Michelle Zabukovec and Jeff Earl talking about choosing to be Catholic; Monsignor Greg Schaffer on life in Guatemala; Scripture Scholar Father John Echert on the Book of Revelation; Father Tom Margevicius on intimacy with God; Father Tony Hesse and Father Todd Petersen on vocations; and nationally known speaker Tammy Evevard on the value of being a child of God.

Brittany Huber, 13, of New Ulm Middle School says the speakers give information "about stuff you actually care about." R.ED Nights are open to students attending both public and parochial schools. Toni Hall, 14, of New Ulm Holy Trinity Middle School says, "I like to meet new people because most of them attend a different school and I like the speakers."

Closing out the year in May is diocesan speaker and musician Patti Cogley on living the faith.

Each R.ED Night is designed for teens and by teens. This year’s R.ED Night team members are Nick and Dmitri Baumgart, Dan Besser, Dave Franta, Eric Gleisner, David and Shawna Guilianelli, Tim Guldan, Michael Henle, Doug Meyer, Kristen Neigebauer, Emma Olson, Kacie Petersen, Kayla Rasmussen, Anne Rupert, Laura Schwarz, Liza Smith, Andi Soerhren, and Sam Waibel. Adult volunteers are Val Besser, Rick Christiansen, Father Tony Hesse and Esther Babel.

R.ED Night will continue in the fall with more music and speakers to enrich the lives of young Catholics. If you or your group would like more information, please call Dave in the Youth Ministry office at (507) 233-9501.