Annual Junior High Festival draws a crowd

of 500 youth from around diocese

Marshall, MN - The 16th New Ulm diocesan Junior High Festival gathered 500 youth (grades 6-8) from throughout the diocese who came to celebrate their Catholic faith.

Holy Redeemer Parish in Marshall served as this year’s host parish. The event was held Sunday, April 15, at the Marshall Middle School.

Bishop John C. Nienstedt celebrated Mass with the participants.

In his homily, Bishop empha-sized to the youth the role of the Church is helping them form their conscience. That they ought not to do this individually and in isolation.

“Conscience is something that must be developed. Conscience is a subjective reality within our hearts. It has to be educated and it has to be disciplined. Conscience is only formed through the knowledge of what is right and what is wrong. And that knowledge comes to us from Jesus Christ through the community of the Church..”

He continued, “I ask you in the theme of this weekend to love one another as Jesus has loved you. Allow the Church to be your friend, to be your guide.”