The Religious Education Congress is sponsored by
The Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese
Office of Religious Education

See comments for Congress 2012,  2011,  2010,  2009,  2008,  2007,  2006,  2005,  2004,  2003,  2002,  2001,  2000,  1999

View our current comments or submit your own

Comments for Congress 2008

Name: Vincent Travers, OP
Date: July 1, 2008
Comments

Congress 2008 was, for me, traveling down from the Yukon in Canada, a life-giving experience.

Name: Mary Caldera
Date: June 2, 2008
Comments

What city does Fr. Joe Kempf live in, Lancaster or Palmdale, and what church?

Reply

Fr Joe Kempf is actually from Assumption Church in O’Fallon, Missouri.

Paulette Smith, Congress Event Coordinator

Name: Lynette Castiglione
Date: May 25, 2008
Comments

I attended this year's Congress and it was great as usual -- and added one more youth then last year, and that was awesome too. However, I didn't like the theme of this year's Youth Day. I felt it was recruitment for the military. If we are suppose to promote peace then we should do this in a peaceful way and have the musicians pick the theme. They're what makes Congress so special. Also, technically, you needed help with a lot of feedback from mics, and had to wait an hour for set up to begin. Overall, great Congress.

Name: T Clarke
Date: April 30, 2008
Comments

Even though every year the Registration Guidebook says no children, I always see children at the conference, especially on Saturday and Sunday.

A professional conference I am attending at the Anaheim Convention Center has arranged for child care through a company called KiddieCorp. It is an extra cost, but maybe something like this can help.

I love children, but I believe that they should not be brought to EVERYTHING. I really find they add to crowds and cause problems in the vendors.

Name: Barbara
Date: April 23, 2008
Comments

When will the list of hotels be released for the 2009 Congress? I have called the Hilton and they say they have nothing yet.

Reply

We expect the first hotel contracts for Congress 2009 to begin being signed in May 2008.

Paulette Smith, Congress Event Coordinator

Name: Dioscelin
Date: April 20, 2008
Comments

The 2008 Congress was AWESOME! I would like to see the musical group Ceili Rain again next year. They were AWESOME!!

Name: Kathleen Green
Date: April 17, 2008
Comments

Hi there -- In years past there has been a song sung in -- I believe Swahili -- I think I have the name correctly as 'za muranza' or 'nza muranza.' I am involved in a music festival in the Antelope Valley, and think this would be a great addition to our set! It was lead by ValLimar Jansen at least a couple of years ago. I am unable to find it on the OCP, GIA or WLP websites. Could someone point me in the right direction.

Reply

Hi Kathleen,
The song that you are asking about is Mozambican entitled Nzamuranza. Words and music copyrighted in 1998 by the General Board of Global Ministries. This is all of the information that I have on this song and I hope that it is helpful.

Peace,
Paulette Smith, Congress Event Coordinator

Name: Jeanette Poulin
Date: March 20, 2008
Comments

Good Morning, and thank you again for a wonderful 2008 RECongress. I have a wish...is it possible that Dr. Aurelie Hagstrom might come again to present at Congress? At the 2006 Congress she presented an awesome talk called: "HOW IS MY DAILY LIFE VITAL TO THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH?"..about our role as baptized into Christ people. As a 65-year-old I find many of my contemporaries sadly lacking in the understanding of our Baptismal call. Anyway, I neglected to evaluate that year so that is why this late inquiry now. I "watched" for her name last year as well as this year. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to write to you. Even though you reach to 35,000+ of us, you still manage this "hands on" chat of mine to happen!
God Bless You!

Name: Raymond Marquez
Date: March 18, 2008
Comments

Will videos of the liturgies be made available? The altar servers from my parish served at the Black Cultural Liturgy in the arena on Saturday, and the parents were asking if a video was available.

Reply

We do not (yet!) record liturgies or concerts because of music copyright issues.

Name: Sister Anne Burgard, SNJM
Date: March 17, 2008
Comments

I went to next year’s calendar to schedule in Congress, since I value your wonderful offering and have over the last 30+ years. To my horror I noticed that the Congress has been scheduled for the first Sunday of Lent – the Sunday for the major RCIA Rite – the Rite of Election! I cannot believe the lesson learned years ago is being ignored – that bishops, priests, catechists, and catechumens are worldwide celebrating the rite, and Los Angeles Archdiocese Congress dates and the presence of bishops and Cardinal at the Closing Mass make that rite impossible that day not just in LA. Thousands working in RCIA in other parts of the world will be faced with conflict of choice or inability to attend.

I remember years ago a similar overlap and the consequent promise of administration to never present that stumbling block again. Yet here we go for next year. I realize that you cannot change at this late date – but the joy I felt at seeing a scrutiny at the Closing Liturgy was destroyed by the fact of the oversight for next year.

I spent 27 of my ministry years in the Los Angeles Archdiocese and have considered it home, though I have been transferred north. I was proud of the growth and integration of the RCIA process into the life of your archdiocese, and have in subsequent work held that for others to see as a model. Your choice for next year’s dates say to me otherwise and sadden me deeply. Diocesan conversion to liturgical renewal was only exterior – choosing next year’s Congress dates show that clearly.

With regret, Sister Anne Burgard, SNJM

Reply

We are fully aware of the scheduling.

Name: Anthony Apodaca Lay MSC
Date: March 14, 2008
Comments

I have been working Blue Angels for the last 8 years or so, it was fun as always! A big thank you for those who I asked to pray for my Grandma, she went into ICU during the weekend. My wife and I had to leave for a few hours. Update: she is much better now, is in rehab and back to complaining! So Thank You everyone for your prayers! -Blue Angels ROCK!

Name: Annie
Date: March 13, 2008
Comments

Hi!! Do you all have the tentative dates for Congress 2010 yet? I already have 2009 on my calendar but due to the nature of my job and scheduling, I need to schedule 18-24 months in advance for some things ... like Congress! If you have even a tentative date, that would be so helpful! Thank you for all that you do to bring this wonderful event to us!

Name:  Gary Gorball
Date: March 12, 2008
Comments

How do we contact a speaker to arrange for them to come to our church? Specifically Sr. Anne Bryan Smollin.
Thank You, Gary

Reply

You can contact our Programming Coordinator, Jan Pedroza, at congress@la-archdiocese.org for speaker contact information. As for Sr. Smollin, her info appears on ZoomInfo -- http://www.zoominfo.com/people/Smollin_Anne_60557978.aspx

Name:  Debbie Wiseman
Date: March 8, 2008
Comments

I enjoyed Congress this year. I would like to know when next year's dates will be definite. I am a nurse and I have to put in for my time off way in advance. I already put in to take the tentative dates off.

Name:  Elisabeth
Date: March 8, 2008
Comments

I was very pleased with RECongress this year. The speakers and liturgies were great...the Prayer Jam alone was without a doubt worth the price. My one grumble would be that there were one or two volunteers who were less than kind with participants. During the David Haas workshop I was standing up near the entrance due to a tailbone injury. The volunteer was very cold when I told her I could not sit for the entire session. I ended up leaving the session because she was not flexible. What a disappointment.

Name:  Mary Ann
Date: March 7, 2008
Comments

My son and his girlfriend were only able to attend one workshop and had to leave unexpectedly. However they both felt that ONE was worth the $140 they spent and the time it took too. Wonderful! They will be back next year. It was his girlfriend's first time ever attending. Thank you Edwina Gateley! Hope she is back next year!

Name:  Eileen Lawrence
Date: March 7, 2008
Comments

I'd heard that the Hawaiian Mass at Congress was the most joyful and had been looking forward to participating in it. I was disappointed that one was not part of the program this year.

Name:  xavier
Date: March 7, 2008
Comments

From the comments of many participants, it seems that religious experience depends either on "doing" something in the liturgy, or being entertained by the liturgy or certain superstars that people have requested. I do not see how this is any different than seeing Celine Dion in Las Vegas, and the subsequent good feeling.

Name:  Kieran
Date: March 7, 2008
Comments

I just wanted to say that Ceili Rain was amazing. If you are reading this and you didn't see them, then you should definitely either look them up or watch them sometime. Hopefully they will be invited to next year's Congress, because they were great. I can't wait for next year, it was an amazing weekend!

Name:  Annie
Date: March 6, 2008
Comments

I would just like to say, Everyone was so kind and gracious at Congress, from the concession stands to the people in the crowds, I find it a shock to come back to the real world. It is quite bubble-bursting to step back into reality. Thanks for the joyous, soul-refreshing weekend!

Name:  aryana
Date: March 6, 2008
Comments

Is there away to find out which Parishes attended Youth Day?

Reply

That's an interesting request. Yes, we should be able to put that together. We will add it to our Congress 2008 Statistics page when it's been compiled.

Name:  Anita Fonnet
Date: March 6, 2008
Comments

Thank you for this spiritually uplifting experience. I also want to thank you for being so kind and loving when I have contacted you in the past. Your labors are appreciated.

Name:  Enid Sevilla
Date: March 6, 2008
Comments

Yes, I also felt like I've been on a retreat. I love the labyrinth. Just couldn't squeeze myself in for Confessions. I'll have to skip a session next time to do this. The one big pleasant surprise was Wil Hernandez. He was good and his topic was truly substantial and uplifting. Bishop Luis Tagle's simple presentation was the one that evoked strong emotions as he touched on something that stirred within me. The organizers were awesome! Just this little pocket of faith in the world that weekend should be a testimony to God's Presence still strong and active. Congratulations on all that you do to bring up the memories in each of us that we belong to God.

Name:  Linda
Date: March 6, 2008
Comments

I was not able to attend the Congress at the last minute due to sickness. I would like to order CDs of the various workshops but the order form file on the website does not open – it comes up on my computer as not available. Please look into this feature. thanks,

Reply

The links do work, however, it may be a browser setting that is not allowing you access. You can try copy-and-pasting the link or typing in the URL of the secure order form – https://www.csctapes.com/tapes/rec08.htm (Note the 's' in https: - it is a secure page.)

Name:  Phil Strong
Date: March 6, 2008
Comments

Hello, You guys ROCK! You have such an impact on the Church worldwide .. if only we had more like Cardinal Mahony and his staff. I noted that Sr. Edith did not give us the total number in attendance at our sending forth, I don’t see it here either and am curious as to that number. Please let us know.
Pax, Phil

Reply

We don't have our final numbers yet (we are missing our on-site registration tally), but we keep updating our online Stats page at archive.recongress.org/2008/stats.htm . (You can change the year in the URL to get statistics from other years.)

Name:  Jackie
Date: March 6, 2008
Comments

Thank you for all of the work you put into Congress 2008. It was a great experience! You executed the theme very well throughout – thanks! I see that the dates for Congress 2009 are "tentative" – when will they be confirmed? Because of the nature of the ministry I’m engaged in, I plan 2-3 years ahead at a time. I am calendaring at this time. I want to participate in Congress in the future, so the sooner I have the dates, the more I can plan around Congress. Thank you!

Name:  Barbara Baker
Date: March 6, 2008
Comments

Thanks for the great post-Congress update. I am already looking forward to next year. Congress to me is like a retreat/renewal. I always come away with new incite and information to be used in my class as well as my personal life. Thank you once again for all the hard work that goes into Congress. You are all an awesome team. May you all receive many blessings for your hard work.

Name:  Dioscelin
Date: March 5, 2008
Comments

The Congress was a good experience, and the band Ceili Rain was great! I would really love to see them again next year!

Name:  Michelle
Date: March 4, 2008
Comments

Hi I received the following in an email with an attachment:

      Greetings from the Religious Education Congress!
     The attached file is in QuickTime format and sent from someone at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress.

I just want to find out how to open the QuickTime format. I cannot see the picture. Thanks for your support.
This was a great initiative. Michelle

Reply

Again this year the Congress Tech Center offered a free email ePostcard to send as a souvenir of Congress. To play the Congress ePostcard, you need to have QuickTime loaded on your machine. You can download a copy of the QuickTime Player at www.apple.com/quicktime/download/

Also, (for those who didn't have an email address to send to) you can see who sent an ePostcard from Congress 2008!

Name:  Mike
Date: March 1, 2008
Comments

Where are the pictures for Youth Day 2008?

Reply

Remember, Youth Day is only the beginning. And as of today, we're still taking pictures! We've posted what we could in one evening. The others will have to be organized and uploaded. It may take a week or so. Don't worry, we're excited about them too!

Name:  
Date: February 29, 2008
Comments

There doesn't seem to be anyplace on the website where you can see details on the keynotes or morning addresses.

Reply

That information appears in our  Registration Guidebook -- available online at archive.recongress.org/2008/guidebook.htm. (Also on that page, you can find our mew link for an iPaper version of our Program Book.)

Name:  Jesse
Date: February 28, 2008
Comments

Tomorrow is Youth Day and I come from San Bernardino and we travel with a small group of 15. You should ask small groups to go out and help on stage like the other kids. It would be great!! Thanks

Reply

Yes, Registration booth hours are:

Name:  John T
Date: February 26, 2008
Comments

Will the Registration booths be open all day throughout the weekend for those who are not yet registered? ... And, are those not registered able to attend evening liturgies and concerts?

Reply

Yes, Registration booth hours are:
Thursday, February 28 -- 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Friday, February 29 -- 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday, March 1 -- 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sunday, March 2 -- 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

And, yes, the evening liturgies and evening concerts are open to (unregistered) guests of Congress attendees.

Name:   Rob Currie
Date: February 25, 2008
Comments

I am very much looking forward to the REC. I noticed another written comment about the LA Marathon and I, too, am interested in participating in it. Would there be other REC participants planning on running the marathon who would know about transportation possibilities from the Anaheim Convention Center to the start of the marathon (beginning in the valley at Universal Studios Hollywood)? Looking forward to both opportunities - REC and LA Marathon.

Reply

There is a Message Board in the Convention Center Prefunction area; that might be a good place to leave/look for information about those interested in the Los Angeles Marathon.

Name:  Jocelyne Smith
Date: February 25, 2008
Comments

I see online that workshop 6-03 is still open, I am registered for a different workshop and am very interested to find out if it would be possible to switch to this one? Thanks to please let me know.

Reply

Yes, you do have two options:

  • You may exchange tickets at the Registration Booth Ticket Exchange window (if they have the tickets available) or,

  • You can use the ticket you were assigned for the workshop you would like to attend. Once all properly ticketed people are admitted, they will open up the workshop to others -- provided there is available seating.

Name:  Eileen Lawrence
Date: February 25, 2008
Comments

Many of us travel a far piece to attend Congress. I'd like to stay for the entire weekend but the hotel special rates expire after Sunday morning and I cannot afford full price for one more night. Is it possible to negotiate "Congress prices" for Sunday night stay?

Reply

We contract with hotels, guaranteeing the number of rooms used for our event. We don't have enough people staying Sunday night to contract for any type of room block.

Name:  Joni Schmanski
Date: February 18, 2008
Comments

There is someone from our parish who has registered and paid her fee.  She is now unable to attend.  Is it possible to get a refund of the $60 fee?

Reply

Our policy states that refunds for Congress 2008 are only though January 5, 2008. However, those tickets are still valid and may be passed along to anyone wishing to attend Congress. We won't be able to change the name or workshop selections, but the tickets may be exchanged (after Friday noon at Congress) or may be used for Arena or Hall B workshops (which are the most popular session for each period).

Name:  Kraig Beardemphl
Date: February 15, 2008
Comments

I noticed priests are given a discount for Congress.  Are other Religious, such as Sisters also given a discount?  If not, why not?

Reply

We do not offer Congress discounts. The special rate is for priests hearing Confessions, since we have had longer and longer Confession lines at our Sacred Space at Congress.

Name:  Felipe
Date: February 14, 2008
Comments

Hello to all and Blessings.

I have a question regarding the 5:15 p.m. Liturgies on Friday and Saturday of Congress. Page 20 of the Registration Book lists the character, presider and music for the Liturgies, but not their respective locations. Is the location of the liturgies listed somewhere on the Congress website, or will this information be available at Congress. Also, the Registration Guidebook lists the presider of the Saturday Spanish Liturgy as "TBA," has a presider been assigned?? Thank you very much and great job with the Congress as always.

Reply

We do not have location information in time for it to appear in the Registration Guidebook. However, it is printed in the Program Book you receive at Congress. You can find a copy of the Program Book online at archive.recongress.org/2008/guidebook.htm. We also included this information in our monthly Emailing Updates Jan-18-2008 (REC08 #7), and on our Congress 2008 Updates Page

The presider for Saturdya's Spanish Liturgy is Bishop Rutilio Del Riego Jáñez. Auxiliary Bishop of San Bernardino, Calif. 

Name:  Leslie Frates
Date: February 13, 2008
Comments

Not so much a comment as a question:
What happens if your workshop tickets get lost in the mail?

Reply

If you don't receive your Congress tickets let us know your name, registration number (if you know it) and your complete mailing address either be emailing congress@la-archdiocese.org or calling 213-637-7348. If we find the tickets were mailed to an incorrect address, we'll fix it and re-mail (if there is time). If we find the address was correct, we will reprint a set of tickets and have it available at Registration Will Call. Ticket Pick-Up is available on site at the Convention Center at the Registration Booth located in the Prefunction area. Hours will be on Thursday, February 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on any day of Congress beginning at 8 a.m.

Name: Christine
Date: February 11, 2008
Comments

We love Ceili Rain!  Can I bring my husband and daughter who aren't registered to the evening concert?

Reply

Yes, family and friends of those who are registered are also welcome to attend the evening liturgies and evening concerts. 

Name:  Linda Price
Date: February 11, 2008
Comments

My husband and I have attending Congress together for the last five years and love Congress. Being Texans it is very special to come to another state and attend with over 35,000 Catholics!!! My question is: Are there going to be shuttle buses from the Howard Johnson Hotel to the Convention Center like last year?  It sure helps since it is a big 4 blocks and when you have arthritis in your feet it is greatly appreciated.
Linda

Reply

Yes, there will be shuttle service again this year to many of our contracted hotels. You can check with the hotel front desk or the shuttle driver for scheduled service times.  

Name: Barbara
Date: February 10, 2008
Comments

Hi to the "Anaheim Congress"

I just heard Sr. Edith Prendergast's comments on the K-EARTH 101 FM radio station in Los Angeles. Her comments were so wonderful, and she emphasized the hope we all share and how wonderful she expects Congress to be this year.
Great job !!!

Name: Monica Taylor
Date: February 08, 2008
Comments

Will you reconsider scheduling REC on a different day other than on the same day as the Los Angeles Marathon? Perhaps there are others in Religious Ed who have conflicts with the date.  On a personal note, I love participating in REC's Closing mass choir led by Mr. John Flaherty. It brings me great joy and is truly uplifting. My young children and I also love to cheer on my husband and fellow family members along the L.A. Marathon route. How could I possibly choose?
 

Name: Cecilia Longoria
Date: January 31, 2008
Comments

I have attended Congress since 1989. Each year that I attended, I have been inspired by speakers, the workshops and the 
exhibitions where I have found many many gifts and books that have changed my way of life and brought me closer to HIM.
This year I will be going to Congress but did not register for the workshops due to a life changing situation. My daughter will be 
attending and I will be with her. My question at this time is, I would like to purchase items from the Exhibit Hall but according to 
your rules, I cannot visit the exhibitions because I am not registered. Is  there anyway I can get a name tag just to purchase 
and visit the exhibitions and also to attend the Masses? I can understand that rules are rules but exceptions can be made, I'm 
sure.

Reply

I am sorry but we can not make an exception as we are asked this same question by hundreds of others who want to
visit the exhibits without paying the registration fee. At this time, we do not offer an Exhibit Hall-only pass. Visiting the exhibitors is a "perk" of your registration fees for Congress, as are all the other events we host.

Thank you for your understanding,
Jan C. Pedroza, Congress Programming Coordinator

Name: Debbie Wiseman
Date: January 24, 2008
Comments

I need to know when your dates for 2009 Congress are. I need to submit my vacation for next year by 1/31/08. Please let me know the dates. Thank You.

Reply

Though it's not set in stone (yet), Congress 2009 is tentatively set for:
February 26 (Youth Day)
February 27-March 1, 2009 (Congress days)

Name: Jack Kelly
Date: January 22, 2008
Comments

We are loyal Congress participants for the past six years. The recent announcement of the death of John O'Donohue saddened us. In his honor, could you produce a collection of the many talks he gave at Congress over the years and sell it as a part of your tapes and CDs? It would be nice to have some of his sessions that we missed.

Reply

Great idea! I will contact his agent to discuss if we can pursue the idea.

Paulette Smith
RECongress Event Coordinator

Name: Joanne
Date: January 20, 2008
Comments

I have not yet looked more closely at the Registration Book -- but are there any options for child care (5-year-old girl) on Friday? Just thought I'd ask. Thanks

Reply

We do not offer child care. Congress is an adult/young adult-ONLY religious education event. All workshops are directed to these age groups. Our only age policy states: "If you must bring your child(ren), they MUST be registered and they must accompany you. We ask that they be your sole responsibility so they do not disturb the other delegates."

Name: Angela Elenes
Date: January 18, 2008
Comments

Is there an admission fee at the door without going to workshop schedule?

Reply

Our fee at this point (after January 5, 2008) is the same whether you pre-register or register on-site at Congress: $70. (The pre-registration will allow you to choose workshops; you are assigned Arena workshops at Congress.) It's an all-inclusive price, which covers three days of workshops and liturgies, and entrance to the Exhibit Hall, all noontime and evening concerts as well as the variety of multicultural exhibits and other opportunities. We don't offer a one-day admission price. However, our fee is certainly less than what you'd pay as a "day rate" at some other conventions. 

Name: Mary
Date: January 17, 2008
Comments

When can I expect to receive my schedule?

Reply

The benefit for those who register online is receiving an email (if they leave an email address with payment information) when their credit card is charged. And again when their registration is processed (but only if they leave an email address with their workshop submission). However, this is no email notification of which workshops you actually receive. Tickets are the only notification of which workshops are assigned, and will begin being mailed at the end of January 2008.

Name: Cole
Date: January 4, 2008
Comments

Is there an age limit for the Congress? I am a volunteer teacher assistant at my school and I am 16 years old. I've been to Youth Day before and LOVED IT! I am wondering if I can come to Congress to learn more about my faith. Thanks!

Reply

Youth Day is designed for those of high school age and older. Congress is geared to the young adult and older. Our only age policy states: "Congress is an adult/young adult-ONLY religious education event. All workshops are directed to these age groups. If you must bring your child(ren), they MUST be registered and they must accompany you. We ask that they be your sole responsibility so they do not disturb the other delegates."

Name: Teena
Date: October 24, 2007
Comments

An FYI to pass on or post on your website --

Disneyland Resort Express Bus information at www.mousesavers.com/shuttle.html#dlrexpress

City tours and popular attractions  at graylineanaheim.com

And the Disneyland link shows https://secure.hes-services.com/DLR/RECongress08.htm, this is valid, right?

Thanks!
Teena

Reply

Yes, the Disneyland ticket link is the one for discounted tickets for Congress-goers.

And thanks for the information. Note: Congress has arranged shuttle service with Prime Time Shuttle: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) transportation at the discounted rate of $13 per person, one way; from John Wayne Airport (SNA) the one-way discounted rate is $8 per person. Coupons with additional information are available in the Registration Guidebook (downloadable in the Info section at  http://archive.recongress.org/2008/pdf/Info2008.pdf). For more information or to make a reservation, contact them online at www.PrimeTimeShuttle.com or call 1-800-RED-VANS.

Name: Jazo
Date: October 30, 2007
Comments

Hey!

I'm a 15-year-old youth from Northern California and my first experience with Youth Day was last year!  It was incredible!  All the music and atmosphere really made it very cool.  So, I was wondering because the Congress is in SoCal, can us NorCal-ers still participate in being in the choir?

Reply

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate people in the choir from Northern California because the rehearsals for the choir are all held down here and there are about six. But THANK YOU for your interest.

Mike Norman, Youth Day Coordinator

Name: Teena
Date: October 24, 2007
Comments

An FYI to pass on or post on your website --

Disneyland Resort Express Bus information at www.mousesavers.com/shuttle.html#dlrexpress

City tours and tours to popular attractions at graylineanaheim.com

And the Disneyland link shows up as https://secure.hes-services.com/DLR/RECongress08.htm  – this is valid, right?

Thanks!
Teena

Reply

Yes, Teena, the Disneyland ticket link is the official one for discounted tickets for Congress-goers.

And thanks for the information. Note: Congress has arranged shuttle service with Prime Time Shuttle: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) transportation at the discounted rate of $13 per person, one way; from John Wayne Airport (SNA) the one-way discounted rate is $8 per person. Coupons with additional information are available in the Registration Guidebook (downloadable in the Info section at  http://archive.recongress.org/2008/pdf/Info2008.pdf). For more information or to make a reservation, contact them online at www.PrimeTimeShuttle.com or call 1-800-RED-VANS.

Name: Diane Stocum
Date: October 2, 2007
Comments

Hi Folks,

I stayed at the Anabella Hotel last year and enjoyed it because of it being close to the convention center. I use a cane and being so close was a dear. As I left last year I was told I would have a room there next year. So this year, yesterday, I phoned them for a reservation and was told they were already sold out. You folks still have them on your listing as having a vacancy. You might want to take them off. I found the reservation person very rude too. I did find a room at the Stovall's and they were REALLY helpful.

Just thought you'd like to know.
Diane Stocum
 

Name: Lydia Blanco
Date: October 1, 2007
Comments

I absolutely LOVE Fr. Tony Ricard and I don't understand how he is on the schedule for only one workshop?? I also remember attending a mass that he gave a couple of years back that was amazing!!!! Any way we can see more of him??? PLEASE!
 

Name: Nancy Jensen
Date: September 30, 2007
Comments

I very much hope Tony Alonso will be at Congress again this year. His singing was the highlight of Congress for me last year, deeply moving and inspiring.
 

Name: Mark Bauman
Date: September 24, 2007
Comments

What is up with the 2008 theme and logo? There’s nothing distinctively or recognizably Catholic about it. It could be the theme and logo for a New Age convention. Or an artists’ convention. Or a self-help, personal fulfillment seminar. There’s not even anything remotely or recognizably RELIGIOUS about it. What is that thing? A prism? What’s wrong with a biblical text, such as “Lord, I (we) want to see” (Luke 18:41)? And what's wrong with a cross? I plan to attend, but this logo and theme are disappointing. The Church will not and cannot evangelize or catechize if it fails to be Church. So much for the symbols of the Tradition... or the texts... or the Tradition.
 

Name: Al
Date: September 17, 2007
Comments

Hi LA Congress :) I'm a young adult leader from the SF Archdiocese (San Jose). Will there be Traditional Latin Mass or Extraordinary form of the Mass @ this year's Congress? I saw it on EWTN last week and it was awesome! It would be amazing to have praise and worship on Friday night then the Solemn Traditional High Mass on Sunday - wow! Thank you and God bless you all for your hard work! Al

Name: Noe
Date: August 23, 2007
Comments

Hi, I am currently in my second Confirmation year, I am 15 years old, and I really love the music that is played during Youth Day I was wondering if there was any possibility that I could play an instrument along side the groups that play for Youth Day 2008? I really understand if I can't but it would be a wonderful experience.

Reply

Each year (around October) we put out a flyer asking for musicians for the Arena Liturgy – this involves choir members AND instrumentalists. There is an audition day and that is when people are assigned to the group. That audition day is typically in January (and rehearsals are in January/February, as well). As to playing with other parts of the day – those bands are bands that are already a group and we couldn't let anyone play then. To get one of the flyers, contact John Rinaldo at jmrinaldo@la-archdiocese.org.

Mike Norman, Youth Day Coordinator
 

Name: Denise
Date: August 3, 2007
Comments

I have been attending Congress for years and have enjoyed all of them. However, there is a big problem with the number of people attending the event. IT IS TOO CROWDED! While I love the fact that people from all over the country attend, it has gotten too crowded to enjoy. Many people come in on Saturday and Sunday with their children to shop and walk around and they have no tags. That makes it very difficult for everyone to navigate the exhibit hall.

Name: Valerie McKechnie
Date: July 25, 2007
Comments

Hello: I would like to recommend that you look into getting Father John Riccardo to be a speaker at Congress 2008. I just viewed an amazing DVD called "Common Ground: What Protestants and Catholics can learn from each other" which aired on TBN, and was very impressed with the dialogue between Fr. John and a protestant pastor. His explanation of the Catholic faith was brilliant. This DVD should be in the library of every RCIA office in the country. Please look into getting him for a future Congress. Thank you, Valerie McKechnie

Reply

We love getting suggestions for speakers. If you would like to recommend a speaker, we would need a sample – be it DVD, audio or book – of the speaker so we can get a feel for his style and content.

Paulette Smith, Congress Event Coordinator

Name: Jackie Kuehn
Date: July 9, 2007
Comments

Please put Father Greg Boyle on the first day of Congress. He is truly a saint and doing the hard work for the gang members. Everyone should hear his talk. He should be in one of the main halls, not the small room at the last session on the last day.
 

Name: Christina
Date: July 4, 2007
Comments

I have been attending Congress for about seven years, and this past year Congress 2007 I was very disappointed that Paul Flores was not a speaker. Is there any way to get him back for Congress 2008?

Name: Kris
Date: June 25, 2007
Comments

Just tried to make a room reservation at the Anaheim Marriott for the 2008 Congress only to be informed that not only was the Congress block sold out but the entire hotel was sold out. How can this be? I never received an email from Congress that the hotels were available for booking. In fact, Congress's own web site does not have a link yet (as it did last year) for hotel reservations. Please tell me this is a mistake and that the rooms will be available for booking. This same thing has happened at the Marriott now for three years in a row. Something has to change.

Reply

The Hilton has rooms available. We will be posting an updated hotel listing shortly. Updates can be found on our Hotels Listing page.

Paulette Smith, Congress Event Coordinator

Name: Barb
Date: June 5, 2007
Comments

Hi! I am a Canadian that has been attending Congress for 5 years, and God willing, I will continue to do so. I have often tried ordering a Registration book, but I'm told you don't send them to Canada. Is there any way I can get a book? Also, I was so disappointed that Fr. Tony Ricard did not do a Mass this year. Please, please slate him in for next year. His Mass is always a highlight of the Congress. Thanks, and keep up the good work!

Reply

We do mail Registration Guidebooks to all those who have RECongress attendees in the last year. Beyond those people, in an effort to save rising postage costs, we prefer that those who live outside of the United States download the Guidebook from our web site. (Just click the Guidebook button on our home page.)

Concerning Fr. Tony Ricard as a celebrant, each year we rotate presiders, trying to vary the different characters of liturgy – Hispanic, Young Adult, Celtic, Contemplative, jazz, etc. – from year to year at Congress.

Paulette Smith, Congress Event Coordinator

 

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