Catholics Convene in Anaheim

Tens of thousands of Orange County Roman Catholics will gather at the Anaheim Convention Center this weekend to hear speeches and attend workshops.

One of those faithful is Shirl Giacomi, an administrator for Diocese of Orange Bishop Tod Brown. This year's annual Religious Education Congress of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles reminded Giacomi of Brown's recent contest to name the Orange County diocese's newly acquired Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove.

``One of the names submitted was the Church of What's Happening Now,'' Giacomi said. ``Although that's not one of the names that will be picked, it does describe what's going on today (at the convention). There are workshops on everything you can think of.''

The convention, which began Thursday and runs through Sunday, ``is an incredible four days. There's time for prayer and reflection and a number of liturgies,'' Giacomi said.

The focus is on Catholic education, but the convention doesn't just draw teachers, Giacomi said.

"Even if you're not teaching there's something here for liturgists, for
people just interested in social justice,'' Giacomi said.

Cardinal Roger Mahony will speak Saturday about immigration reform, one of his pet projects since stepping down from leading the Los Angeles Archdiocese.

The convention will also feature evening concerts and book signings. The theme this year is ``Voice Infusing Life.''

"This theme challenges us to listen for God's voice and to allow his
word to take root in our hearts and in our ministries,'' said Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of the Los Angeles Archdiocese.

"I am heartened that so many are participating in this year's Congress. Their leadership and spirit of service to our church are vital to the ongoing spiritual renewal of our parishes and the new evangelization of our society and culture.''

-- City News Service