by Bill Casey

St. Michael parish in Morgan will sponsor the 12th annual New UIm Diocesan Junior High Festival on Sunday, November 3, 2002 at the Cedar Mountain High School in Morgan. Grades 7-9 are invited to attend along with adult leaders. The National Evangelization Team (NET) will share in the day and there will be featured speakers from APEX Ministries.

Gene Monterastelli and Brad Farmer, two professional jugglers, will share their talent and faith in an inspiring presentation. These two young men have worked with teens all over America. They have been featured at the National Catholic Youth Conference, appeared with Pope John Paul II in St. Louis in 1999, and have spoken at many rallies throughout the year. Gene explains that the word "apex" means the top-most point, like on a wave or a curve. When learning the basics of juggling, there is a particular area that you should direct your focus, that being the "apex" of each throw. By watching carefully you keep everything in order. In our lives as Christians, we believe that the "apex" is the life of Jesus Christ. When we keep our eyes focused on him everything else becomes more manageable and in the appropriate balance.

There will be food, entertainment, and Mass celebrated by Bishop John C. Nienstedt. Last year nearly 800 youth and their leaders attended and we expect a large crowd again. For more information contact your local parish youth leaders.

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