Youth Day apparel

Be sure to order your official Youth Day apparel today! Pre-orders, including group customizations, are now available online at www.seraph7.com. Youth Day T-shirt pricing starts at just $15 per shirt. Sweatshirts are available beginning at $25. Take advantage of pre-order pricing and have the shirts shipped to your doorstep. Options to pick up shirts at Youth Day are also available. Group customization is available for pre-orders for an additional $2 per shirt (minimum quantity of 8). Custom pre-orders must be placed by Friday, February 23, 2018 and all standard pre-orders must be placed by Friday, March 2, 2018.
See the Youth Day page here »

Youth Day Feature: Rev. Daniel Horan, OFM

Youth Day 2018 features an Arena Keynote, Session and Liturgy along with a choice of two workshops from among 13 speakers. Each Emailing we spotlight one of those speakers:

Franciscan friar Fr. Daniel Horan is a theologian who teaches spirituality and theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He previously taught at Boston College as well as Siena College and St. Bonaventure University in New York, and has lectured across North America and Europe. Fr. Horan is author of numerous academic and popular articles and books, including "All God’s Creatures: A Theology of Creation" and "God is Not Fair and Other Reasons for Gratitude."

Session C - Becoming a Living Prayer
Thursday, March 15 - AM and PM sessions - ACC North 161

St. Francis of Assisi remains one of the most popular figures in history and is spotlighted in a new way with Pope Francis, who takes his name and pastoral inspiration from the saint. Most are familiar with Francis’s life and writings, but few are well versed in "Franciscan spirituality" or "Franciscan prayer." This workshop presents new insights from the Franciscan tradition brought together in a dynamic, creative and engaging spiritual vision. The themes presented provide an introductory approach to the many riches of the tradition named for St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, guiding our youth in renewing their communication with God and seeing the world in a new way.
Find our Youth Day page here »

Congress Speaker Feature: Cardinal Luis Tagle

Over the three days, Congress 2018 will offer 334 workshops presented by 185 speakers. Topics range from personal growth to music to spiritual topics — in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Each Emailing we spotlight one of our speakers:

In 2012, Cardinal Luis Tagle was installed as the 32nd Archbishop of Manila, Philippines, by Pope Benedict XVI. He formerly served as Rector at Our Lady of the Pillar Seminary in Imus, Cavite, Philippines, and as an instructor of theology and a spiritual director. Cardinal Tagle has made numerous presentations at conferences worldwide. He has served as a member on several commissions, appointed by various Popes and more recently was named as one of the Synod Fathers for the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization.

Friday, March 16, 10:00-11:30 am - Session 1-24
Forgiveness as a Path to Peace (*)
Our rich Christian tradition of forgiveness is being rediscovered as a precious “resource.” Join Cardinal Luis Tagle as he leads us in the search for peace in our hearts, families, parishes, communities and the whole world.

Saturday, March 17, 3:00-4:30 pm - Session 6-01
Ways of New Evangelization in Asia (*)

The call of the New Evangelization is heard with particular attention in Asia. With poverty, conflicts, disasters and displacement of people reaching disturbing levels, come learn how the Church in Asia is exploring new expressions and methods of evangelization.
See our other speakers here »

Liturgy Spotlight: St. Patrick Mass

Saturday, March 17, 2018
St. Patrick: The Immigrant Saint
Convention Arena – 5:15 pm
Rev. David Loftus, presider (photo)
Music by Liam Lawton

Although many legends abound concerning St. Patrick, a study of his life reveals a true journey of "rising up" to overcome many challenges and return with a heart on fire for Christ. St. Patrick was a victim of human trafficking and slavery of his time and was an immigrant to his beloved Ireland, where he spent his life evangelizing and catechizing the people there. This Mass recognizes that there are many people today who are suffering in modern-day slavery and human trafficking and we must seek their freedom; that those who migrate to our shores can bring blessings with them.
 

Did you see our video about Liturgies at Congress 2018?
See the listing of Congress Liturgies here »

Special Hotel rates for attendees

We had an error for one of the hotels online. The rate for The Anaheim Hotel is $162.00 / $180.00 and their phone number is (714) 772-5900. Also, if you are planning to stay in Anaheim, make your reservation soon, some hotels are already sold out. To get the quoted rates, contact the hotel directly and be sure to mention that you are attending the 2018 Religious Education Congress and ask for the REC or Religious Education Congress Block Group Rate.
Find the Hotel listing here »

Spotlight on: Congress Souvenirs

Friday through Sunday in the

Arena Lobby & Hall A

Don’t leave Congress without getting one of the Congress logo-ed souvenirs. We have an annual offering of pens, pins and magnets, but every year there is something new -- mugs, pads, letter openers, and more. Stop by and see what's new for this year. And look for the Congress 2018 logowear in Hall A.
Find our Congress Spotlights here »

Don't miss this Disney ticket offer

Religious Education Congress attendees may purchase specially priced Disneyland resort eTickets. There is special pricing for Twilight Convention tickets (after 4 pm), 1-day 1-park, multi-day and park hopper tickets. This eTicket offer is only available online at http://mydisneygroup.com/ZMRC18A.
See other Congress Updates here »

Just for Southern Californians

Ralphs Grocery Company, the Southern California supermarket chain, has a program to help non-profit organizations with annual contributions. We invite you to re-register your Ralphs Rewards Card again this year to benefit the RECongress. The current term began September 1 and runs through August 31, 2018. This is an annual program that must be renewed each year. You may register online or by calling (800) 443-4438.

Sign up for the free Ralphs rewards Card and register your card with the Community Contributions Program. It’s never been easier to contribute to the RECongress.
Name: Archdiocese of Los Angeles - Religious Education
Organization Number: 90658

Find step-by-step instructions and information online and
Go to the RECongress Ralphs page »

A Look Back: RECongress 2008

SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2008 - SUNDAY ENGLISH ADDRESS
MIKE PATIN
“The Passion Epidemic”

Passion — is it a goal, by-product, or result of ministry? Pope Paul VI said the world listens to witnesses more than teachers. How fascinating is your Jesus? How passionate is your discipleship? What’s your passion temperature? We’ll discuss passion-robbers and passion-restorers. Warning: Possible side effects of being challenged.
Since 2003 Mike Patin has worked full time as a speaker and “faith horticulturist,” speaking to youth, adult and family audiences in diocesan, regional, national and international settings. He has worked with teenagers and adults in a variety of settings since 1984, and has served on the Board of Directors of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.
See the Guidebook from RECongress 2008 »