Regional congresses throughout the five pastoral regions of the archdiocese take place once a year and provide further training for religious education coordinators and volunteers. Each offers numerous workshops on youth ministry, confirmation, liturgy, leadership, restorative justice and more.

This year's regional congresses began Sept. 22 with the San Fernando Regional Congress at Bishop Alemany High School, Mission Hills, and continue Oct. 6 with the San Pedro Regional Congress at St. Matthias High School, Downey. "Through our Struggle Lord, Increase our Faith is the theme.

"The focus is on increasing our faith, so that in the things we encounter, the ministries we serve, those we minister to, the goal is to have all of us increase our faith in Jesus," said Karina Plascencia, San Pedro regional coordinator.

There will be 45 workshops offered in English and 44 in Spanish, including workshops on global warming and responsibility for being good stewards of the earth. A youth track is available for high school teens. On site registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and morning prayer at 8:30 a.m. The day concludes at 5 p.m. To pre-register, visit http://www.archdiocese.la/regions/sp/catechetical.html.

The Santa Barbara Regional Congress takes place Oct. 13 at Bishop Garcia Diego Catholic High School, Santa Barbara. "Saved by Faith" is the theme. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and morning prayer at 8:45 a.m. The registration fee is $25 before Oct. 1 and $30 after. E-mail Sue Spies, Santa Barbara regional coordinator at sue@sbpr.org or call (805) 569-1135.

The San Gabriel Regional Congress takes place Oct. 20 at Bishop Amat High School, La Puente. "Called and Chosen to Be the Living Christ" is the theme. E-mail Eileen Gateley, San Gabriel regional coordinator at Eileen@sgpr.org or call (626) 962-7707.

The Our Lady of the Angels Regional Congress takes place Oct. 27 at St. Monica High School, Santa Monica. "Act with Justice, Serve Humbly" is the theme. E-mail David Lara at dlara@olapr.org, or call (310) 216-9587.

---Ellie Hidalgo