Loyola Marymount University will be sending about 100 delegates to the four-day Religious Education Congress hosted by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles that starts Feb. 20 and concludes Feb. 23 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The theme of youth day is “You are Enough! You Belong” and the theme of the adult days is “Called to Compassion.”
Catholics from around the world seeking to enrich their spiritual life are expected for the jam-packed three days in which speakers, including a strong contingent of LMU faculty members, will discuss many current topics.
“Speaking at the congress is an opportunity for LMU faculty to impact the wider Catholic community,” said Brett Hoover, professor in the Theological Studies Department. “Because congress speakers often have a national profile and draw people from beyond the region, it can also lead to greater exposure in other parts of the country. This offers faculty a chance to work toward LMU’s mission in the larger faith community.” Hoover will be speaking about immigration in the context of Catholic social teaching. “We cannot serve faith unless we are in the spaces where faith is discussed by larger numbers of people,” said Hoover.
The congress also features massive liturgical celebrations that are fueled by LMU students and alumni who serve as sacristans and musicians. “Congress gives LMU students a chance to get involved in religious education and liturgy in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and throughout the world,” said Jonas Bognar, the campus minister for Liturgy and Sacramental Preparation. “It also affords them the opportunity to meet bishops, women religious, priests, deacons, lay leaders and religious educators from around the world, providing valuable networking opportunities.” Bognar said the liturgies are the highlight of the weekend. “It provides an opportunity for folks from various parishes and communities to come together to sing music from different parts of the world and pray with fellow Catholics in a multi-cultural context, reflective of the diversity that is LA.”
Bob Hurteau, director of the Center of Religion and Spirituality, first attended Religious Education Congress when he was a child in the 1970s and has been managing LMU’s exhibition presence since 2005. “Congress is a great place to meet and greet many members of the LMU family,” said Hurteau. “The greatest benefit to LMU of having a booth at the congress is to be able to meet this large group of people who are committed to the Church’s ministries. The School of Education, the Department of Theological Studies, and the Center for Religion and Spirituality naturally find the Religious Ed Congress to be a place where we can recruit for our programs and make better known LMU’s efforts to form people for service in the Church.”
LMU is also present at congress through the Congress Film Showcase hosted by the CSJ Center for Reconciliation and Justice on Friday night. This is a window into media resources that can enhance parish and other religious education programs.
All LMU faculty, staff and alumni attending congress are invited to attend a Cookies and Coffee reception on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 4 p.m. in the Convention Center room 202.There will also be a lunch for LMU on both Friday and Saturday; stop by LMU’s exhibit booth for more details.
