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CONGRESS
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: ANGELA GIACOBBE 
(818) 716-7111

"CLOTHED IN LOVE, SUMMONED BEYOND"
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS
20,000 to attend  


Los Angeles --  The annual Los Angeles Religious Education Congress will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center from February 16-18, 2001. This three day Congress, for adults, is the largest annually held catechetical event in the world, according to Congress Coordinator Adrian Whitaker, who anticipates over 20,000 delegates will attend.

"Clothed In Love, Summoned Beyond," says Sr. Edith Prendergast, Director of the Office of Religious Education, "speaks of God's boundless love poured out for all and our responsibility to live lives of mercy and compassion as God so desires. In the spirit of the `new evangelization' we all are summoned to `go out' and awaken others to the wonders of God's transforming love and mercy."

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony along with priests and bishops will welcome the 20,000 delegates from the United States, Canada, Poland, Vietnam, Australia, England and Ireland. Approximately 200 distinguished speakers and Catholic theologians will give presentations in the 260 workshops covering all areas of religious education and catechetical leadership.

While a good portion of the Congress addresses Catholic issues such as biblical spirituality, adult catechesis, social justice, sacraments and liturgy, many of the 263 workshops will also speak to the issues we all face every day. A few topics, not specific to Catholics, include spirituality in a pluralistic culture, national, ethnic and religious hostilities, health and wellness, specialized ministry to youth and young adults, family relationships and parenting alone.

This year's speakers are local, national and international who have lectured throughout the United States, Canada, Ireland, Latin America and Europe. Archbishop Rembert Weakland. will be this year's keynote speaker on Saturday morning, February 17 and Bishop Samuel Ruiz Garcia, will give a Keynote Address Sunday morning, February 18.

Some other noted speakers presenting workshops are Robert Barron, Luis Antonio Tagle, Helen Prejean, Donald Cozzens, Bryan Massingale and Armando Noguez.

Special emphasis will be given to the Spanish speaking communities with over 50 workshops, designed specifically with the Hispanic community's needs in mind.

The Congress continues to feature 10 general Asian workshops, Vietnamese, Cantonese and Mandarin languages throughout the 3 days and a special Eucharistic celebration on Saturday evening, February 17. Archbishop Pham Minh Man will be presenting 2 sessions and concelebrating the Eucharistic Liturgy.

Thought provoking performances by acclaimed artists including the well known talented Marty Haugen, David Haas, Jesse Manibusan and Ceili Rain.

"Clothed in Love: Summoned Beyond" will conclude with Cardinal Roger Mahony celebrating the Eucharist Liturgy at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 18.

 

For registration information, please contact Adrian Whitaker at (213) 637-7332 or 637-7346. Handicapped facilities are available.

 


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