Youth Day Feature: Theresa Flores
Both Youth Day tracks get to see the Youth Day Arena keynote and two chosen workshops, including this one and others whose sessions are held in the Convention Center meeting rooms.

Session K - "A Bar of Soap Hope ... Human Trafficking: What It Is and How to Fight It!"
February 25, 2016 - Convention 204
Human trafficking is the second leading crime in the United States. Believe it or not, you and your friends could be victims of this tragedy. Come and find out how vulnerable someone might be to becoming trafficked, how they are exploited, and what the “red flags” are. Help us help the victims by giving them “hope” as we label SOAP with the National Human Trafficking Hotline phone number.

Theresa L. Flores, LSW, MS is a human trafficking survivor, best-selling author, licensed social worker and founder of SOAP (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution). In 2009, she was appointed to the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Commission and testified before the Ohio House and Senate in support of human trafficking legislation. Flores received The Courage Award from the governor of Ohio for her efforts and was honored with the 2013 Christian Service Award from the University of Dayton for her work with SOAP.

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RECongress Spotlight: Exhibitors

One of the perks of Congress are the Exhibitors in Hall A, 539 booths showcasing over 200 companies ranging from religious art to music, and from publishing houses to educational institutions, in addition to our own represented Archdiocesan ministries. Hours are on Friday & Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm.
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Liturgy Feature: Young Adult Liturgy

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2016 - 5:15 pm
Marriott Marquis

Rev. Joseph Espaillat, presider

Music by Meredith Augustin, Chris Nuno and Lauren Warner

Fr. Joe Espaillat is Pastor at St. Anthony of Padua Church in the Bronx, N.Y., as well as Director of Hispanic Charismatic Renewal for the New York Archdiocese and of the Hispanic Charismatic Catholic Center in the Bronx. Before this, he was assigned by Cardinal Timothy Dolan to open up an Office for Youth Ministry, where he became Director and is now Spiritual Advisor. Fr. Espaillat is keynote speaker at youth rallies around the country and has led diocesan youth conferences along the East Coast and in Alaska and Texas.
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Speaker Feature: Paul Canavese

Over the three days, Congress 2016 will offer 300 workshops presented by 200 speakers. Topics range from personal growth to music to spiritual topics — in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Each Emailing we spotlight one of our presenters:

Paul Canavese with his wife, Ann, are co-Directors of The Pastoral Center and the Web site GrowingUpCatholic.com. Based in Alameda, Calif., their family operates a mini-urban farm. Paul focuses his ministry on coaching parents, daily life discipleship and evangelization, and helping parishes implement Pope Francis’ vision. He is a presenter for The Pastoral Center at parish, deanery and diocesan events.

Engaging New Parents Through Baptism and Beyond (*)

Period 4-05, Saturday, February 27 - 10:00 - 11:30 am

Many families drift away from church during the stressful early childhood years. At parishes, we may struggle with the question of what we can offer them. We wonder how to communicate God’s Boundless Mercy to them. This is when we need to help parents step into their role as the primary cultivators of faith for their children. But we need to start with where they are. This workshop will explore how can we use the baptism preparation process to evangelize and support new parents, how we can continue to keep young families engaged, and what resources are available to support leaders in this ministry.
 

How to Coach Parents to Form Their Own Children in Faith  (*)

Period 8-02, Sunday, February 28 - 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Catechists cannot substitute for parents. For faith formation to last a lifetime, parents must be involved in the process. Parents want this, but often feel intimidated and don’t know where to start. This challenge is the very heart of evangelization and precisely the point at which we can show them the mercy of the church as we welcome and assist them. This workshop will present: 1) the role of parents, as taught by the Church; 2) practical ways parishes can engage, coach and empower parents; and 3) suggested resources to support parish leaders in this ministry. Special attention will be placed on sacramental preparation.
Go to the Speakers Page »

Special Hotel Rates

Don't forget to make your travel arrangements now. We have secured special rates for Congress attendees at a number of hotels with pricing to meet everyone's needs. Make sure when making your reservations you mention the Religious Education Congress so that you receive our special contracted rates.
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