Religious Education Congress: A Celebration of Faith and Compassion

(Cover photo: L/R Alice Takamiyashiro, Bishop Marc Trudeau, Episcopal Vicar for the San Pedro Pastoral Region, MaryAnn McAdams, Tina Ceballos) 

RECongress draws Catholics from across the nation and around the globe. It is provided by the Office of Religious Education, a department of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Initially, it started as an "Institute" of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) in 1956, but it evolved into the three-day "Congress" format in 1967 and will celebrate its 70^th anniversary next year.

The 2025 Congress in Anaheim was a vibrant and inspiring event that brought together the Catholic community for four days of faith, learning, and connection. The annual event began with Youth Day on February 19, followed by three days dedicated to adult formation. This year's program featured over 140 English, Spanish, and Vietnamese workshops. The overarching theme, "Called to Compassion," resonated deeply with attendees, as dynamic speakers and engaging workshops beautifully captured the essence of compassion in faith.

MaryAnn McAdams, Assoc. Director of Bereavement & Religious Services chats with Archdiocesan Vicar for Women Religious, Sr. Maria Carlos-Valdez, E.I.N. 
Alice Takamiyashiro with reporter Gene Kang KTLA 5 News.
Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries (CC&M) proudly participated in the exposition hall in partnership with Global Atlantic Financial Group. Together, we hosted a booth that provided valuable information and resources on faith-based end-of-life planning and funeral funding. Visitors to our booth received personalized insights and learned more about the comprehensive services offered by CC&M. Additionally, CC&M and Global Atlantic co-sponsored the event bags, ensuring that every attendee received a valuable and memorable keepsake from the Congress.

Sisters Mary Luz Diaz, Maria Henith Cifuentes, and Margarita Mejia of the La Congregación de las Hermanitas de la Anunciación enjoying some CC&M giveaways. 
The energy was high throughout the event, with participants feeling inspired and engaged in their faith. It was a fantastic opportunity for CC&M to connect with the Catholic community, fostering unity and support. 

Alice Takamiyashiro of CC&M Community Outreach has been attending Congress for many years; she adds, "There is one attendee whose name has stayed with me over the years. Jennifer Ayon and her parents, Juan Manuel and Juanita Ayon, attended CC&M's Bereavement Training Program at St. Dominic Savio Parish in 2015. This was over 10 years ago, but we always remember each other and make a point to say hello at Congress. I met Jennifer as a young lady; she is now married with a precious little daughter and her father, an esteemed Deacon at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish (Rose Hill)."

CC&M Outreach Representative Rob Castillo shares his knowledge with two attentive Congress attendees.
During Sunday's closing Mass, Archbishop Gomez addressed the dedicated catechists, teachers, and ministry leaders present, acknowledging their vital role in nurturing faith. He shared a vision: "Our mission is to raise a new generation of saints and heroes for the faith."  He then recounted the inspiring story of Blessed Carlo Acutis, an Italian youth who made a lasting impact despite his brief life before passing away at age 15 in 2006.
 
For those who couldn't attend or wish to revisit the enlightening sessions, the Office of Religious Education now offers audio recordings of the workshops on its website, recongress.org. This resource allows everyone to continue their journey of faith and compassion, inspired by the teachings and experiences shared at the 2025 Religious Education Congress.