Congress 2003 marks the culmination of 18 years of service that Adrian Whitaker has provided the Los Angeles Office of Religious Education in coordinating the nation’s largest annual conference of Roman Catholics. It’s an event that – for her – has grown from 10,000 in attendance to over 36,000 each year. And it is still growing! We, the Office of Religious Education, and all those who have worked with her sincerely appreciate and acknowledge her many, many long hours of hard work. Here are just a few of those who would like to acknowledge Adrian’s work, love and friendship.
Date: February 20, 2003
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In gratitude for Adrian’s 18 years of faithful service as Coordinator of the Religious Education Congress. Her generous caring spirit, leadership and untiring commitment have touched many lives. May her future be blessed as she continues to be a "Bearer of Hope."– Sister Edith Prendergast
Director, Religious Education
Date: February 20, 2003
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I
t has been an honored blessing serving on Adrian’s team. We have been hospitality co-chairpersons for as long as Adrian has been director of Congress. Now as this journey together ends we look forward to another long joyful path of friendship together. With best wishes and love,– Annette Ciketic and Natalie Sutlovich
Date: February 20, 2003
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This will be the third Congress that I have had the privilege to be involved with and participate in. I am amazed at how much preparation is necessary. Details are important and Details are what Adrian is all about. She works very hard to insure the comfort and care of the presenters and the best possible experience for the delegates. I hope that Adrian knows she will be missed by many and that her legacy in the success of the Religious Education Congress will always be remembered. Good Luck to you, Adrian.
– Jan Pedroza, Congress Consultant
Date: February 20, 2003
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Working with Adrian can never be described as dull. She can juggle 10 things at once and still she keeps her sense of balance along with her sense of humor. Thanks for inviting me into this world of conference planning, it’s been a wild ride and I’ve really enjoyed working with you. I look forward to many more years of our continued friendship.
With love, Joyce Fitzgerald
Date: February 26, 2003
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Your contribution to the various Assemblies and other programs sponsored by our Office has been invaluable. Thank you for your generosity of spirit and your willingness to be of service above and beyond. You are one classy lady!
Jane Griep, Administrative Secretary Office of Continuing Formation for the Clergy
Date: February 26, 2003
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Your contribution to the various Assemblies and other programs sponsored by our Office has been invaluable. Thank you for your generosity of spirit and your willingness to be of service above and beyond. You are one classy lady!
Jane Griep, Administrative Secretary Office of Continuing Formation for the Clergy
Date: February 26, 2003
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Boss,
It was an honor to have been your secretary from 1997 - 1999. Your love and dedication to Congress is so inspiring and encouraging. I will hold these years close to my heart. I learned so much from you and you made every day very special and it was a pleasure to work with you. Thank you for all you are!!!! I can't imagine Congress without you but the good thing is that I don't have to imagine my life without your friendship and support. You are the BEST!!!!!!
Your friend always, Zonia
Date: February 26, 2003
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Adrian,
Your commitment to excellence, ethics and community has been an inspiration to us all. Thank you for your presence and all you have done to help form us all.
Fondly,
Bob Duff
Date: February 26, 2003
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Estimada Adrian Desde hace ya varios años había escuchado del Congreso de Educación Religiosa, desde Chile lo sentía como un sueño el tener la posibilidad de conocerlo, paso el tiempo y no solo lo conocí sino que tuve el privilegio de participar en el cómo conferencista, luego en mi llegada a la Oficina de Educación Religiosa vi cual es el enorme trabajo que esto conlleva para tener el enorme nivel que tiene. Nada de esto puede ser posible sin una cabeza que interactúe con los distintos aspecto de una organización tan compleja como esta. Mis felicitaciones, en estos 18 años siento que has realizado una labor enormemente positiva. Mis agradecimientos en particular por el espacio que tiene la comunidad hispana. Mis bendiciones que de aquí en adelante continúen las enormes bendiciones que el Señor té esta dando día a día. Gracias por tu trabajo, ha sido un gran don compartido.
Alberto Embry, Consultant, Office of Religious Educación
Date: February 26, 2003
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Adrian,
Many blessings to you and your new endeavors. We appreciate the kindness you always bestowed on us.
God Bless!
Purchasing/Mail Center Staff
Date: February 26, 2003
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Adrian,
Thank you for letting your "light" shine throughout your 18 years of service with the Office of Religious Education.
May the Lord bless you abundantly as you continue your journey with Him.
Thanks for always having a smile. I'll miss your presence here but look forward to meeting you again.
Love,
Norma Ortiz, Human Resources/Insurance
Date: February 27, 2003
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Adrian,
Your smile, energy and dedication will be greatly missed. I wish you the very best in your new endeavors.
Thanks for your friendship and God bless you
Love, Jeanne Zeind
Date: March 01, 2003
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I have worked with Adrian for twelve years as the General Service Contractor for Congress. Our firm provides the equipment and union labor for setup in the exhibit halls, and decorations in the arena. I admire Adrian for her integrity and professionalism. I wish her the greatest success and happiness in the future.
Joseph Sheppard, President, SDC Convention Services
Date: March 03, 2003
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Beings friends wih Adrian is easy. There are not too many people who have “everyone's” best interest at heart and can make it work so well. I feel privileged to have worked with you, Adrian, for 16 of your 18 years as a craftsman, designer and design consultant. You have kept the tone of the event from becoming a carnival side show (very hard to do) and made it a special place where friends and colleagues can get together at least once a year from all over the world to learn and share their experiences in religious education. Your leadership skills are remarkable as well as your diplomacy. I have learned so much just from being with you and I thank you for that.
Nicholas Karsai, nicholas@catholicweb.com
Date: March 11, 2003
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ORE and Congress have been blessed by Adrian's gifts and I will miss her! Adrian's leadership and support have been a huge part of the success of the RECongress. Her legacy will help make it possible for future Congresses to continue because she has put in place some great systems and shared her vision of service so eloquently.
Thanks for all the support, Adrian!
Love and prayers,
Gaile Krause
Date: October 17, 2003
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Adrian,
To say you are wonderful and a saint are such understatements. You mean so much to me personally and I thank you for all you are and have done. May God Bless you now and always.
Mark Ryan