RECongress 2018 App is coming

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— Access documents and other event information
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Download Speaker handouts
Some of our speakers have handouts for their workshops. Last year, as part of our two-year plan to reduce printed materials, we provided both digital and paper copies. This year we are not printing speaker handouts. We encourage you to check online if any of your workshop speakers have handouts, print them out and bring them with you to Congress. You might also find that the PDF downloads are available for viewing on your smart phone.
Find the Speaker Handouts here »

Registration help at Congress

If you discover you need help on-site at Congress, be on the lookout for our staff wearing a red vest. There are several on the registration crew who are there to help you find the right line, help solve your registration questions, and help you register. You can find them wearing the bright red vest with the word "Registration" on the back. These people will be walking about in the Registration Area (between Hall B and Hall C).
Read how to survive RECongress »

"My Congress tickets still have not arrived"

If your tickets have not arrived by the time you're heading off to the Religious Education Congress, please email our office to see if perhaps your tickets were returned by the Post Office. If they have been returned to our office, we can mail them back to you. If the tickets were lost in the mail, you will have to bring your email confirmation and a form of ID to the Existing Ticket Holders line in the registration area at Congress and we will reprint your tickets for you.

"Can I stand-by for workshops that I didn't get?"

Yes. A line will form outside each workshop location for people that have tickets to attend a different workshop. A few minutes before the workshop begins, attendees in the stand-by line will be permitted to enter IF there are seats available in the room. (There are fire code regulations that prohibit people from standing in the back without having a seat.) Sometimes you will get in, but oftentimes you might not. We cannot guarantee that you will get into your preferred workshop if you were not originally assigned to it.
See our Congress updates page »

Watch RECongress Live! online

This year, watch our two live streaming channels of Arena (English) and Hall B (Spanish) events live from Congress on the Internet. Find the schedule of our live events from Congress 2018 on RECongress.org/Live. Watch beginning with Youth Day on Thursday and running all the way through Sunday's Closing Liturgy ... and even beyond with our posted videos. And don't forget to post comments on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/RECongress) and follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/LACongress).
Go to the Congress Live page »

Disney ticket offer ends next week

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 Monday, March 12, 2018. Tickets are valid from Saturday, March 10, 2018 through Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
See other Congress Updates here »

Tips to "survive" RECongress: Tip #9

PLAN AHEAD FOR EVENING MASS AND DINNER:
Know where and when you will meet with other members of your group. Especially for Saturday dinner -- make advanced reservations during the week to avoid long waits; nearby restaurants such as Buca di Beppo, Tony Roma's and Downtown Disney locations get extremely busy. (There is a restaurant listing in the Program Book, and a reservation booth in the Convention Center Prefunction Lobby.) Find our other tips to "survive" Congress here.

Sneak at peek at the 2018 Program Book »

Audio Recordings at Congress

Most of our Congress workshop sessions are audio recorded with speaker permission. Audio CDs are available at Congress for purchase at the CSC Digital Media booth, located along the east wall in Exhibit Hall A. Downloadable MP3s will be made available after Congress. You can order on site, from the order page in the Program Book or online — during Congress and after. NOTE: Delegate recording of any workshop or general assembly session is not permitted.
Go to the Congress Recording page »

Scooter / Wheelchair Rentals

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your ability to attend or enjoy RECongress due to handicap access or mobility concerns, the RECongress' Mobility Team will be available to help with wheelchair transport, special seating and any access issues within Congress. You can find the Mobility Team located just outside Congress Headquarters (AR-1), in the Arena Lobby area.

NOTE: The Convention Center does not provide wheelchairs. You may contact Alpha Drugs Pharmacy at either of their two locations in Anaheim: 1240 S. Magnolia, (714) 220-0373; or 515 S. Beach Blvd., (714) 821-8959.

OC Medical has scooters and wheelchairs for rent to attendees during the Religious Education Congress. Contact them to reserve equipment at 755 N. Euclid Street in Anaheim, (800) 593-4942 FAX (714) 956-4692. Store hours are Monday through Friday from 9am-6pm, Saturday from 10am-2pm. Online at www.ocmedicalsupply.com.
See the Congress Updates page »

Airport Shuttle Service

The Religious Education Congress has made arrangements for discounted airport transportation with Karmel Shuttle, offering direct service between Los Angeles International (LAX), John Wayne (SNA), and Long Beach (LGB) airports to and from the Anaheim Resort. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.
3 WAYS TO REGISTER:
1) Click this link — exclusively for Religious Education Congress attendees.
2) Visit www.karmel.com and enter Promo Code: REC18.
3) Call toll free 1-888-995-RIDE (888-995-7433) and mention promo

    code “REC18” at the time of reservation.
Find additional shuttle information here »

Visit the Technology Center in Hall A ...

Friday through Sunday

                      – Tech Center in Hall A
Don't forget to check the online Tech Center schedule for computer demonstrations by BeMediaMindful.org, the Catechetical Institute, Credible Catholic, Gradelink, Oremus, St. Camillus Center, along with Congress speakers Lisa Hendey, Sr. Rose Pacatte and John Rinaldo, and more. Los Angeles Regional Bishop David O'Connell starts off events at the Tech Center on Friday with an online video chat with students from All Souls Elementary School in Alhambra.

See the Tech Center page »

... and don't forget your FREE ePostcard
In addition to the Congress-logoed items of souvenir shirts, pens, pins and magnets, you can also claim a free souvenir ePostcard. The electronic postcard is only available on Sunday and only at the Technology Center, located in the center of Hall A under the "Computer Demonstration" banner. Take a souvenir picture at Congress 2018 to email home and to your friends!
View the ePopstcards from last year »

Youth Day Feature: Brandi Milloy

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:

Brandi Milloy is host and producer for POP¬SUGAR Food’s shows "Eat the Trend" and "Get the Dish," is a regular contributor on the Cooking Channel’s "Unique Sweets," and serves as a judge on chef Guy Fieri’s show, "Guy’s Grocery Games," on the Food Network. Milloy has also appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "Access Hollywood." Off camera, her appearances have spanned from local high school events to regional and national conferences.

Session M: Overcoming Obstacles

March 15, 2018 - AM and PM sessions - Convention North 153

After being diagnosed with scoliosis (a curvature of the spine) at 12 years old, Brandi Milloy was fitted with a back brace that she wore for nearly four years. Targeted for her differences, she was bullied, ridiculed and ostracized by her peers. She excelled in soccer; however, the same month she was offered a chance to play college soccer, doctors told her she would need to undergo extensive back surgeries forfeiting her chances at being a college athlete. Despite these obstacles, Brandi continued to pursue her dream of going to college and becoming a journalist. Her talk will focus on the importance of keeping the faith, trusting in God’s plan and trusting in God’s timing.

CONGRESS NOTE: Brandi will also be engaging Maria Shriver in a discussion about her new book, “I’ve Been Thinking...: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life” on Friday, March 16, 7:30 pm in the new Convention North 154 (lower level). This first-come, first-served event will be followed by a book signing.
Find our Youth Day page here »

Speakers: Noelle Garcia/David McHugh
Over the three days, Congress 2018 will offer 334 workshops presented by 185 speakers. This Congress, we happen to have three married couples as speakers: Diana Macalintal and Nick Wagner; Anne Frawley-Mangan and Michael Mangan; and Noelle Garcia and David McHugh. And Noelle and David are presenting one workshop together:

Noelle Garcia is a national speaker, singer, performer and recording artist with World Library Publications. She travels around the country speaking at parishes and conferences, leading music ministry and sharing faith at events including World Youth Day 2008, the National Catholic Youth Conference, the L.A. Congress and has appeared on CNN’s “Latino in America” documentary and EWTN’s “Life on the Rock.” She is the wife of fellow musician and youth minister, David McHugh, and resides in Dodge City, Kan.
 

David McHugh lll is Coordinator of Youth Ministry at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City, Kan. He is an accomplished musician and inventor of “Percoustix,” a drum trigger for guitars that he uses in ministry to lead worship. McHugh has been leading youth and music ministry for 14 years. He is a presenter at youth events at his home parish and travels nationally presenting at conferences at parish and diocesan events as well as assisting his wife, Noelle. Together they have a music CD, “Wonderfully Made.”

Friday, March 16, 3:00-4:30 pm - Session 3-14
Noelle Garcia

13 Reasons Why You Matter (*)

The World Health Organization reported that in 2015 suicide was the third leading cause of death in adolescents. As a Church, we must address the deep spiritual void that can lead to the loneliness and burden of suffering that can trigger someone to commit suicide. Noelle Garcia will share her witness as someone who struggled with self-harm, depression and suicidal thoughts as a teen and how a radical encounter with the love of God changed her life. We will discuss this issue from a spiritual and pastoral perspective as well as have some time for prayer and support of one another as we seek to bring light into the darkness.

Saturday, March 17, 3:00-4:30 pm - Session 6-10

Noelle Garcia and David McHugh

Ministry Through Vocation (*)

“I’ll be right back, honey, I just need to do one quick thing at church.” Does this sound familiar? Do you have a hard time finding the right balance between your vocation and your ministry? Then this workshop is for you! Noelle Garcia and David McHugh will share the hilarious, heartbreaking and ultimately faith-filled struggles of learning practical ways to balance ministry and family life: Leftover pizza is key.
See our other speakers here »

Liturgy Spotlight: Misa del Pueblo Inmigrante

SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 5:15 pm - Convention Hall B

Misa del Pueblo Inmigrante (Spanish)
Bishop Gerald Kicanas, presider (photo)
Music by Pedro Rubalcava, Santiago Fernandez & Ivan Diaz

Immigrants, refugees and exiles still face many challenges. The Misa del Pueblo Inmigrante brings these struggles to the fore and reminds us that as Lent is a journey from death to life, so we also must follow Jesus through the cross to the resurrection. We recall that each of us, in different ways and degrees, is on a journey toward the Kingdom of Heaven, our true home. While we are on the way, we are invited by God’s mercy to share in the struggles of our neighbors traveling alongside us.
See the listing of Congress Liturgies here »

Entertainment: Sunday Lunchtime Concert

Sunday, March 18

11:45 am - 12:30 pm - Hall B
Anna Betancourt,
Estela García-López & Rudy López
“The Lord Invites Us”
You are invited to a concert to celebrate the richness and treasure that is our children with music created for these new generations. In our children, the future becomes present and alive, and with music, we have a tool to strengthen their faith and to lead them on the path to follow our Lord. Come ready to sing. It will be fun! “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14).
Find other Congress Entertainment here »

Film Showcase 2018

FRIDAY, MARCH 16 - Convention 201

At this year's Film Showcase, CIMA (Catholics In Media Associates) will present filmmakers Kenneth Carlson (Director and Producer) and Maria Shriver (Executive Producer) of the documentary "The Heart of Nuba" with the 2018 CIMA Social Justice Award.
 

"The Heart of Nuba" was a featured film at the 2017 Congress Film Showcase, and has since played a critical role in the recent ceasefire in the Nuba Mountains. Director Kenneth Carlson returns to the 2018 Showcase to discuss this significant event and share new scenes from the documentary.
Find other Congress Entertainment here »

Some Congress Reminders

Have your tickets for Congress? - other questions? click here
If you have your tickets for Congress, you can bypass the Registration area and go directly to Program Pick-up, located in the Prefunction Lobby near Hall A, to collect your Congress bag, lanyard and Program Book. Program Pick-up opens Thursday at 5:30 pm; Friday at 7:00 am; Saturday at 7:30 am; and Sunday at 8:00 am.

Live Streaming in Hall B - click here
As an alternative to dealing with the Arena crowd, you can watch Friday’s Opening Event (8:30-9:30 am) with a live broadcast in Hall B.

Registration & Program Books Online - click here
Our 2017 Registration Guidebook and even our 2017 Congress Program Book — the one given away at Congress — are now available online in PDF (requires the free Adobe Reader) and also the iPaper format (requires no software download).

Hotels - click here
RECongress has contracted with local hotels to offer special rates for attendees. When making hotel reservations, be sure to ask for the Religious Education Congress rate. Check online for our most current listing of hotels.

Show Your Badge & Save Program - click here
Congress attendees can receive discounts during Congress with the "Show Your Badge & Save" program. Discounts are currently available at Catal Restaurant & Uva Bar, House of Blues Anaheim, IHOP, Joe's Crab Shack, Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, Oggi's, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, Roy's Restaurant, The Fifth, Tortilla Jo's and at attractions, and much more.

Chair Massage at Congress
On Friday and Saturday (10 am-4:30 pm) and again on Sunday (10 am-2:30 pm) in the Hall A Prefuntion Area you can take a break from the bustle of Congress with a chair massage. The cost is $1 per minute.

A.A. Meetings
Join a lunchtime meeting with other Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) men and women. This is an open meeting for anyone working a 12-Step program, or anyone interested in 12-Step recovery. The meeting room is location on the Marriott’s lower level, in the San Diego room.

Anaheim Protesters
If there are protesters at Congress, please do not engage in conversation with them. Ignoring them is the best way of responding. We have developed a plan with Convention Center staff to handle any potential protests.

Ralphs Rewards Program - click here
Don't forget to sign up at your Southern California Ralphs store for the free Ralphs rewards Card and register the card with the Community Contributions Program.
Find Congress updates here »

RECongress Emailing

Be sure to sign-up for our twice-a-month Emailings (around the 1st and 15th) about the latest updates and information about Congress 2018. You may opt out from our Congress Emailing at any time from the "Manage Your Subscription" link below.

Find past Emailings at archive.recongress.org/emailing.htm

© 2018  Los Angeles Religious Education Congress