Pope Benedict XVI has named Rev. John M. LeVoir, 62, as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm,. The announcement was made today in Washington by Msgr. Martin Krebs, charge d'affaires of the Apostolic nunciature to the Holy See.

A women’s spring luncheon, featuring Debbie Mayer with music by The Prairie Fiddlers, will be held at Litchfield Assembly of God Church on May 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a catered lunch, music and inspiration.

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at Rennie’s China Closet and Arts or by calling Donna Hansen (320) 593-7651 or JoAnn Deviney (320) 693-2425, 12 years and older, reservations required.

Mayer lost her three daughters in a car accident four years ago, while they were driving to their brother’s wedding in Willmar.

Rick and Bebe Svenddal, missionaries to Columbia, will speak about their journey of faith and offer their perspective on how God can use people at any age on April 6 at Victory Christian Fellowship in Grove City. Service is at 10:30 a.m. with potluck following.

The Catholic Area Faith Community of the Good Shepherd, which consists of Church of St. Philip in Litchfield and Church of Our Lady in Manannah, will sponsor a “Parish Mission” Jan. 27-31.

The mission events are open to everyone, and refreshments will be offered after each evening service. Child care will be offered for families who need it.

For Michelle McLain, Wednesday, Aug. 1, was an ordinary day.

The public is invited to a Norwegian language worship service at 7 p.m. Sunday at Calvary Lutheran Church, 302 Olena Ave., Willmar.

A joint ecumenical Thanksgiving eve worship service is planned for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at Ostmark Lutheran Church.

A year-long celebration begins in November to observe the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of New Ulm, which was established Nov. 18, 1957.

The Rev. Samuel Morsching remembers his call day well.