Diocesan Jr. High Festival October 26

by Sr. Sue Torgersen, CSJ

St. Mary’s Parish in Cottonwood will host the 13th Annual Junior High Festival for the Diocese of New Ulm on Sunday, October 26.

The Diocesan Youth Council chose the title of See Jesus, Be Jesus in anticipation of the Holy Father’s theme for World Youth Day in 2004 of "We wish to see Jesus" (Jn. 12: 21). Young people from grades 7 and 8 and their adult leaders are invited to come to Lakeview High School in Cottonwood, MN, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. for this celebration.

Keynotes are: Johnny and the Peaches, a four-man band from the Twin Cities Metro area, who specialize in a variety of musical styles, including Christian rock, blues, reggae, oldies, as well as some of their own original music. In addition to being musicians, each band member ministers in either a Catholic high school or parish faith formation program.

Some of our adult leaders may remember the enthusiastic response this group received from our youth when they played for our regional gathering at the 1997 NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) in Kansas City in 1997. Bishop John C. Nienstedt will preside at the celebration of the Eucharist and of course the festival would not be complete without taking time to share good food together as well as enjoying some great entertainment.

In 2002, nearly 800 youth and their leaders came to this Festival, and we would love to see just as many youth join us this year. For more information youth are to contact their local parish youth leaders.