| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT:
ANGELA GIACOBBE |
"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.