Name: Chris
Date: September 04, 2003
Comments
I remember my first Youth Day back in 1979
with Ron Griffin and his group performing the theme song that year,
"He Calls Us Each by Name." And how approachable Cardinal Timothy
Manning was -- right there out with the youth in the Arena entrance.
I remember how he stopped by and met some of from our Youth Group at
St. Mary's in Whittier -- talking with us, laughing, and sharing our
bag of Fritos Corn Chips!
Name: Father Drew
Date: September 12, 2003
Comments
I attended 2001 & 2002. I was so impressed
by the organization, speakers and Masses that, God willing and the
creek don't rise, I shall continue coming to Los Angeles from North
Carolina each year. We are truly Church Catholic. May God continue
to bless all who make it so wonderful -- participants, lectors,
those behind the scenes, and all who help set up and clean up.
Pax et bonum
Name: Sharon Hines-West
Date: September 16, 2003
Comments
I attended my first Youth Day in 1973. I
followed that up with Youth Days in 1974, 1975, and 1976. In fact, I
still have the booklet from the 1974 Youth Day. The Theme was JOY:
Jesus/Others/You. Bob Hurd was there with his St. John's Seminary
group, White Bird.
I attended my first full congress my senior
year of high school. I remember meeting Cardinal McIntyre around
10:00 p.m. one evening as we passed each other in the parking lot.
Name: Tom Selbach
Date: September 17, 2003
Comments
I attended for the first time in 2003, and
was stunned by the sheer size of the offerings and the number of
attendees. The liturgies beautifully reflected not only the
multicultural nature of the hosting L.A. Diocese, but of the
worldwide church. And who could forget the sight of Cardinal Mahony
dancing with the Native American dancers at the opening liturgy?
As a church musician, I was thrilled &
inspired by the musical offerings--and by seeing dance incorporated
into the services. The workshops by some of the best people in the
field show us parish musicians a fuller range of what is possible,
and what really works. A truly memorable weekend.
Name: Skye
Date: September 26, 2003
Comments
I attended the Youth Days back in the '70s
and I still have my songbook as well -- AND I still use it! And I
still have the same guitar, as well. I also remember the E.
Kubler-Ross workshops were the most popular and always filled up. I
never got to see her, but it must've left an impression on me anyway
because now I do the same type of work. And if I still lived in
California I would come and do a workshop. So who knows ... maybe
someday....
Name: Val Rios
Date: October 06, 2003
Comments
My first CCD Congress experience was in
1971. I was 18 and completely overwhelmed by the entire experience.
I especially remember the closing liturgy. Never before had I
witnessed so many clergy, religious and laity truly worshiping in
one setting. It was indeed a spirit-filled event!
Name: Vera Saville
Date: November 04, 2003
Comments
I have been attending the Congress since
1987. It has always been a special event in my spiritual life as
well as my social life in the Church. I have met many friends
through the Congress and have brought many friends. I buy the tapes
and share them with parishioners that can't attend. I particularly
appreciate Fr. Richard Rohr. I've order many cassettes by him which
have truly enriched my life and my friends' with whom I share and
dialogue.
Name: Frances Ramirez
Date: November 20, 2003
Comments
I remember my first Congress was in 1988.
Kathleen Kelly took me it was totally awesome. I have never ever
experience anything as wonderful. I will continue to go as long as
the good Lord will allow me. I will always remember Kathleen every
Congress we had such a fantastic time. And so, Kathleen, my memories
are for you and will miss you totally. See you at Congress 2004.
Name: David da Rosa
Date: December 29, 2003
Comments
Congress is like a reunion. I was active at
a Newman Centre in Arizona, studied at GTU in Berkeley and
ministered in the San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles and Orange
dioceses. Congress is a place where I reconnect with the people I've
met in all those places.
Name: Rogelio Martinez
Date: January 04, 2004
Comments
I think this Congress will be even better
than the other years.
Name: Carrie-Lou Gray cgray@usc.edu
Date: January 07, 2004
Comments
I attended my first Congress in 1970, and
never in my wildest dreams thought the 34 years later, I would still
be attending. The group who did most of the music was The Dameans.
In 1978, I met Buddy Cesar while my husband and I were stationed in
Louisiana. Congress has been a part of my fondest memories over the
years, from announcing our impending marriage in the hospitality
room for our parish. Congress has been a place to share memories,
laughter, and even tears. Thirty-four years later, I am proud to
share the Congress experience with my oldest child, Veronica, who is
now a Confirmation Program Coordinator, and my youngest child
Matthew, who works actively in Youth Ministry and assists with YDCT.
Congress has fulfilled many needs I have
had during hard times in my life. In 1991, after having gone through
a rough divorce, it seemed as though God had planned for me to be
there, as there were many workshops about a divorced Catholic's
place in our church. It has provided healing in the grieving process
as well. I just do not know how I would feel if I missed it.And,
just like Frances ramirez, Kathleen Kelly had much to do with my
being at many Congresses over the years.
See you very soon!
Name: Bobby C
Date: February 04, 2004
Comments
I am, proudly, one of the newer "alumni" of
Youth Day. I attended the 2000 and 2001 Youth Days. I think my
favorite memories are just the ones shared with members of my own
youth group. We did have SO much fun. One thing that stands out in
my mind, still, nearly 3 or 4 years later, was Jesse, and his
wonderful songs. Hey Lord! I can see your fire... funny, I still
remember the exact moves that went along with the song. :)
Name: Liz
Date: February 19, 2004
Comments
I attended Youth Day 2004 with my teenage
niece and nephews. It was an awesome experience to see thousands of
young people sharing their Catholic faith. The workshops we attended
were entertaining, and their messages were clear. God loves us no
matter what. We need to place our trust in Him through good times
and bad. We're sinners and need to ask Him for forgiveness. Though
we are all separate individuals, with God, we can accomplish great
things! Thank you for a wonderful day!
Name: Bobby
Date: February 23, 2004
Comments
2004 Congress is my first time to attend. I
have heard about it before but did not pay much attention. I thought
it was just one of those day long seminars...What I experienced
beginning with the Youth Day was beyond what I could conceptualize
or imagine....It is hard to describe....someone has to experience
it....the dynamics, the organization, the fellowship, the music, the
liturgies, prayers, resources, the community in a bond of love and
united in one faith and yet with such openness...the atmosphere, the
facilities....it was heavenly!!!
Name: Angelo
Date: February 23, 2004
Comments
I attended the last Congress (Feb. 2004)
and it was FANTASTIC. I loved the people, and the other teens my age
around. The two workshop my group choose were WONDERFUL. It really
touched me, as a matter of fact it inspired us all to attend next
year's Congress with our whole group. Well this is for now and hope
to see you all next year.
Name: Anne
Date: February 25, 2004
Comments
My husband and I both attended the Congress
this year for the first time. As a youth minister, I was able to
gain so many ideas and insights throughout the weekend! On a
spiritual level, our presence at the Congress together strengthened
the relationship between my husband and I. We really enjoyed the
young adult events especially! We both can't wait to come next year!
Name: Sandy Wood
Date: February 26, 2004
Comments
This year's (2004) Congress was my very
first. I was completely overwhelmed. I was truly touched by the
spirit with tears. I wept because I felt true love from God. There
is no other reason for tears in my life. God forgives me for all
past wrongs and I truly felt it this past weekend. Thank you for
helping me truly know and feel this blessing. I hope to never miss a
Religious Education Congress in Anaheim!
Name: Gabrielle
Date: February 27, 2004
Comments
Wonderful! No words to describe how many
people were "oozing" with mercy, thus dripping their own balm for
our world. Loved the Hawaiian Liturgy, especially the dressing of
the Altar and the procession of the Gospel. How come there aren't
any pictures of the dressing of the Altar during the Hawaiian
Liturgy?
The youth of the church are doing fine
after participating with them in the Liturgical Movement in the
Hawaiian Liturgy. Wonder Liturgy, Wonderful people, Wonderful
experience! Looking forward to next year...
Name: Mary Lou McGee
Date: March 15, 2004
Comments
I know how much I have treasured Congress
over the years and having the “privilege” to coordinate Congress
2004 this year was the best memory of all for me.
Name: Kathleen E. Neff
Date: April 04, 2004
Comments
I do not remember the year, but my Aunt
from Venice, CA met up with me for dinner and we decided to attend
the play "Herstory," offered as an evening event. There were many
technical difficulties and we sat for more than an hour past the
time it was to have started (and we had not yet eaten dinner.) We
were so glad we stayed...it was amazing. The music, the voices of
the two talented actresses, and the human touch to the age-old story
of Christ and his mother, told through her words, was truly a
spiritual experience. And it was a momentous and amazing thing to
attend this with my beloved Auntie. We still talk about that time at
Congress at "Herstory".
Name: JOSEPH M. LEWIS
Date: June 29, 2004
Comments
If only we could have been fair in 1968
when I graduated from VERBUM DEI.You know nothing good ever comes
from VERBUM DEI
Name: Linda Price
Date: August 04, 2004
Comments
I attended my first Congress in 1980, Many
Gifts, One Body. I was a catechist and a mother of two small
children. I actually cried during some of the liturgies they were so
moving and beautiful. The feeling I got of "Church" still gives me
chills as I attended more Congresses. My husband now attends with me
and it is even more wonderful to see his joy and since he is a
convert, his further understanding of Church. I owe alot to Congress
for now I am a Director of Religious Formation and I know that in
1980 the Lord was molding me for future work with the faithful.
Name: Bryce
Date: November 04, 2004
Comments
Well, I've never been to one of these. But
Ron Griffin was my father. He passed away when I was 2, and now I'm
just a few weeks from my 16th birthday, and I have found this website.
Name: Thomas Paez
Date: April 01, 2005
Comments
In 1987 when I was a junior at St. John
Bosco High School. I had the opportunity to go see Pope John Paul II at the
Universal City Amphitheater, on September 17 Youth Event. I was so
touched by his presence and his words. I would like to have some
pictures of that event! I hope and pray that somebody can help. It
really would mean a lot.
Name: Soji Oduyomi
Date: April 06, 2005
Comments
God is able to. I am here to comment on
what God done during the Congress. God is able as I say it. thanks
