Sneak a Peek at the Program Book

Get a head start on planning your trip to Anaheim.  You can now view the online version of the Program Book that attendees receive when they arrive for Congress 2018. Get a little extra time to plan out your weekend by downloading the Program Book for workshop and restaurant locations. Also available in PDF and iPaper formats.
WHAT YOU'LL FIND:
— Map of the new ACC North building
— Spotlight on events at Congress
— Workshop locations and maps
— Tech Center schedule
— Speaker Signing schedule
— Exhibitor and Categories listings
— Restaurant guide and map
— Audio Recording Form
Preview the 2018 Program Book »

Conversation with Maria Shriver

Friday, March 16, 7:30 pm

      – Convention North 154 (lower level)
Join us for a lively conversation with Maria Shriver, mother of four, award-winning journalist and producer. Congress speaker Brandi Milloy will engage Ms. Shriver in a discussion about her new book, “I’ve Been Thinking...: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life.” This first-come, first-served event will inspire all to become “architects for change” — individuals who challenge what is, imagine what can be, seek to make a difference, and move humanity forward. A book signing will follow this engaging conversation.
Find other Congress Spotlights here »

Front Row with Archbishop Gomez

Saturday, March 17, 10:15 am – Performance Stage, Hall A
Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez will host a live interactive discussion at the Performance Stage in Hall A and online via Facebook. The event will be moderated by Julianne Stanz, Director of New Evangelization for the Diocese of Green Bay, Wis., and a consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Catechesis and Evangelization. Everyone can grab a front row seat online through Facebook Live to ask questions and engage in dialogue with Archbishop Gomez about modern missionary discipleship.
Find other Congress Spotlights here »

One week left to order custom Y.D. shirts

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: Mary Bielski

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

Based in New Orleans, Mary Bielski is a youth minister, national speaker and founder of All4Him Ministries. With 15 years in youth ministry and 12 years as a national speaker, she has presented to over 75,000 teens and adults across the nation, from parish missions and diocesan rallies to young adult retreats and national youth conferences, including the Steubenville Youth Conference and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.

Session H: Living Justice, Living Mercy: Matthew 25  
March 15, 2018 - AM and PM sessions - Convention Hall B

Three billion of the world’s population struggle to survive off of less than $2 a day. Millions of people die of starvation, without homes or clean water, while I sip my Starbucks latte. In Matthew 25, the words of Jesus are very clear: We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in our world. What does solidarity with the poor mean? And how do we respond as Catholics? This session invites us into a journey with Christ’s heart in service with and for the poor.
Find our Youth Day page here »

Youth Day: Did you know?

TRANSPORTATION: Both car and bus parking is available. Parking is $12 per car and $30 per bus — CASH ONLY. Remember that all buses MUST be licensed with the Public Utilities Commission of California. Check www.cpuc.ca.gov/transportation to see a list of valid bus companies.

LUNCH: Food is available for purchase inside the Convention Center, in the Hall C food court as well as food trucks and seating in the Grand Plaza. The Convention Center strictly prohibits catered meals and the delivery of food to parish/school groups. Groups are welcome to pack their own lunches; however, delivery of pizza, catered meals or other fast-food will not be permitted. Groups will also be prohibited from bringing in large ice chests or coolers.
Find our Youth Day page here »

Congress Speaker Feature: Frank DiLallo
Over the three days, Congress 2018 will offer 334 workshops presented by 185 speakers. (An asterisk indicates a recorded workshop.) Topics range from personal growth to music to spiritual topics — in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Each Emailing we spotlight one of our speakers:

Frank DiLallo serves 124 parishes and 75 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio, as the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Office of Child and Youth Protection. With over 35 years of experience in education and counseling, he conducts numerous educator trainings and is a frequent local, state and national speaker on the topic of bullying prevention. DiLallo’s works include “Peace Be With You: Christ-Centered Bullying Solution,” and the forthcoming “Peace Be With You: Building Christ-Centered School Communities.”

Friday, March 16, 3:00-4:30 pm - Session 3-10

Aligning Responses to Bullying with Catholic Schools (*)
Jesus sacredly and consistently models what it means to love our neighbor with compassion and dignity for all. However, current terminology to describe bullying as well as traditional forms of discipline do not align with Jesus’ teachings. In this session, Frank DiLallo will make a compelling case for how common pejorative bullying responses make things worse and will offer some positive, practical and compassionate alternatives consistent with our Catholic faith. This workshop is an important update for educators to ensure meaningful and hopeful responses toward a Christ-centered school climate.
 

Saturday, March 17, 3:00-4:30 pm - Session 6-07

Bullying Out – Formation In (*)
Why does it seem that bullying is in and formation is out? Catholic formation seems impossible at times with the myriad of bullying behaviors, violence and negativity in our world. How do we effectively teach youth that bullying is unacceptable without shame or blame? How do we help youth make a deeper connection with the virtuous behaviors of Jesus we know from Scripture? This interactive session will demonstrate how to effectively make a connection with select Scriptures to reduce the harm of bullying behaviors.
See our other speakers here »

Liturgy Spotlight: Care of the Earth

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 5:15 pm - Convention Arena

Care of the Earth in the Perspective of the Filipino Culture
Cardinal Luis Tagle (photo)
Music by Ricky Manalo and Clarissa Martinez
 

Continuing our prayer and reflection from Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Sí, we are offering a Mass with a focus on caring for our common home. This year, members of the Filipino community will be sharing their pastoral response in liturgy. Since this is Lent, part of the response will focus on calling to mind the sins we have committed against nature and against our neighbors as well as a commitment to deepen our awareness of God’s action in all of creation. How do we help the earth "Rise Up"? How do we inspire our brothers and sisters in light of the Gospel to rise up and care for our common home?
See the listing of Congress Liturgies here »

Entertainment: Friday Evening Concert

Friday, March 16, 8:00 - 9:30 pm - Arena
Ivan Diaz & Friends
"Rise Up! ... to the rhythm of Latin music!"
Come and lift up your voice with Iván Díaz and friends in a night of praise, faith and joy. A celebration of music in Spanish from contemporary to beloved titles that will inspire you.
Find other Congress Entertainment here »

RECongress Spotlight: Speaker Signings

Friday through Sunday

   – Convention Hall A, northwest area
Authors and performing artists appearing at Congress have scheduled times to sign their books and CDs at the Signing Area. The tables are located in Exhibit Hall A. You can find the schedule online at archive.recongress.org/2018/signing.htm and check the posted schedule at Congress for updates to appearance times.
Find other Congress Spotlights here »

Special Hotel rates for attendees

We have contracted special rates for RECongress attendees at some of the nearby hotels to the Anaheim Convention Center. You can find our updated listing online. 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 »

Discounted Disney tickets

Religious Education Congress attendees may purchase specially priced Disneyland resort eTickets prior to your arrival. 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 and only through March 12, 2018. Tickets are valid from Saturday, March 10, 2018 through Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
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: CCD Congress 1970

In 1970 our annual event — then known as the  Confraternity of Catholic Doctrine Congress, or more popularly, the "CCD Congress" — made the move from the LAX area to the Anaheim Convention Center. (The cities of Orange County were still part of the Los Angeles Archdiocese). In spite of some fears that it would not draw a large enough attendance, there were over 10,000 in attendance (the Anaheim Room is pictured).
See the early years of Congress »