Religious Education Congress in Anaheim

For some, they would consider my trip yesterday to the exhbitors' hall at the LA Archdiocese-sponsored Religious Education Congress a trip into apostate Hell. After visiting, I say there is a lot of missed potential here.

First, I have not gone to this before although, as a catechist at my church, I could easily snag one of the badges (thanks to a priestly friend of a priestly friend who "loaned" me an extra badge he had). I read the catalog - some of the seminars looked good and others are pure dreck. One of the gifts we pray for, after all, is discernment, but not everything offered was heresy and apostasy as some claim.

From my pics, it is clear that attendees ran the gamut of Catholicism, from very liberal to very traditional. Which, really, does embody the term "catholic," does it not? I saw edgy t-shirts, I saw full wimples.

I tagged along with my priest, who wanted to order some new vestments for our church. We also looked at some literature that I thought was good for young adults in our parish. The exhbitirs' hall was a Catho-shopper's dream! You could buy everything Catholic there. I looked at some chalices, wondering if in 18 years time I would be there purchasing one for my son.

Oh, why do I say it is a missed opportunity? Change the name and broaden the appeal. You can still have seminars for teachers and catechists, but have some for other professions and general laity as well. Mahoney can have his monstrosity of a Mass, but a TLM can be offered. Did you know that during this Congress, you could go to one area where volunteer priests would hear your confession? The point is, people come to this from overseas - make it a Cathopalooza for everyone, because it is exciting to be among your own. It is a pleasant reminder to see groups from churches break for lunch in the outdoor areas and offer Grace before eating, and no one looks at them oddly because everybody is doing it! I could see seminars offered for Catholic lawyers, healthcare workers, cops, you name it.

The Busted Halo Show from the Catholic Channel on Sirius/XM was broadcasting live from the exhibitors' hall.

Sister is amused by a comment made behind her. Oh, I thought someone said nuns were only old ladies . . .

Carmelites at the Congress. Traditional robes and yet note Sister is texting!

We went to Chagall Designs, the outfit that has provided vestments to St. Joseph Church for some time. I liked this vestment and if I had an extra $800 or so, I would have gotten it as a gift to my parish. But I did buy a retreat workbook that Fr. John wanted and presented him with that instead.

I liked this St. Joanne of Arc doll by Soft Saints - alas, they don't make one with detachable head for St. Thomas More. But I like this doll. BTW, my birthday is April 26th. Just sayin' . . .

Me and Fr. Dave Dwyer of The Busted Halo Show. He is hifreakinlarious - try and catch his show. He's got one of the greatest laughs - loud, joyful and braying - on radio!

These sisters stopped to talk to and encourage new Jesuit novitiates.

Okay, Father clearly has an agenda that some Catholics don't agree with. But I give him credit for not being afraid to express his views publicly.

The booth for the Diocese of Orange.

Eco-friendly perhaps, but really, not so friendly to the wallet.