Vocation Fairs expose youth to variety of ministries October’s fair to be in Bird Island

The Office of Vocations for the Diocese of New Ulm, together with some of the parish religious education programs, will once again offer five regional vocation fairs during the 2003-2004 school year.

"We were pleased with the response from students and presenters alike to our previous vocation fairs," stated Sr. Sue Torgersen of the diocesan Vocations Office. "Our young people have enjoyed their opportunity to interact with priests, brothers, sisters, and missionaries in an open and informal atmosphere."

Vocation fairs provide youth with an opportunity to visit with those who represent a variety of vocations, and to develop an understanding of their lives and ministry.

The format for these vocation fairs will be similar to those held in the past. At each site the vocation fair will begin with prayer, followed by introductions of the vocation representatives who have come to share their stories.

Young people will have the opportunity to attend two of perhaps a dozen or so 25-minute break-out sessions in which they will meet with a priest, brother, sister, or lay missionary.

Parent Session:

Parents are also invited to take part in a special parent session during which they will explore the meaning of their own vocations as spouses and parents and the place they can make for family prayer.

Reserve your spot!

Please make reservations by calling the contact person listed for the parish you wish to attend. Since space is limited at the sites reservations will be necessary.

St Mary’s School, 220 S. 10th St.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Religious Education Program: Grades 7-12.

There are approximately 50 students from the St. Mary parish religious education parish program, and as many as 150 students from surrounding parishes can be accommodated.

Contact: Cindy Rudeen: 320-365-3583

Church of St. Catherine, 900 E. Flynn St. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Religious Education Program: Grades 7-12.

There are approximately 100 students from the St. Catherine parish religious education program and as many as 120 additional students from surrounding parishes can be accommodated.

Contact: Liz Mahal or Bev Sullivan: 507-644-2278

Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 605 N. State St.

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004, from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m.

Religious Education Program: Grades 7-12.

There are approximately 200 students from the religious education parish programs of the New Ulm parishes, and as many as 200 students from surrounding parishes can be accommodated.

Contact: MJ or Dave Guilianelli: 507-233-9501

Church of St. Andrew, 1094 Granite St.

Wednesday, Mar. 24, 2004, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Religious Education Program: Grades 7-12. Because of the facility size this program will be limited to the participation of those from Montevideo, Clara City, and Granite Falls. A special feature of this vocation fair is that it will serve as a gathering for families in the intergenerational parish faith formation initiative of these three parishes.

Contact: Sr. Mary Weidner, OSB: 320-564-2335

Church of St. Anastasia: 400 Lake St. SW

Wednesday, Apr. 28, 2004, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Religious Education Program: Grades 6- 10.

This vocation fair will be limited to students from the St. Anastasia and St. Boniface religious education programs because of facility size and the number of students involved in these two programs.

Contact: Alex Barraza or Mary Lohaus: 320-234-6129

For further information about the 2003-2004 Vocation Fairs contact the diocesan Office of Vocations, 1400 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073; (507) 359-2966.