Religious educators attending the 2008 San Fernando Regional Congress at Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills Sept. 20 will have the opportunity to select from a combined total of 75 diverse workshops in English and Spanish focused on living and sharing the Catholic faith.

Centered on the theme, "Be the Generosity of God," the day will begin at 8:30 a.m. with morning praise and a greeting by San Fernando Region Auxiliary Bishop Gerald Wilkerson, who will also preside at the closing liturgy at 3:45 p.m.

"Once again this year we have some wonderful presenters to enlighten us and to help us live the truths which we teach," said Bishop Wilkerson.

He noted that Pope Benedict XVI affirmed catechists in a speech made during his recent visit to the U.S., saying: "I wish also to express a particular word of encouragement to…teachers of catechesis who strive to ensure that young people become daily more appreciative of the gift of faith. Religious education is a challenging apostolate, yet there are many signs of a desire among young people to learn about the faith and practice it with vigor," said the Pope.

Congress participants will have the opportunity to attend three workshops, two morning sessions and an afternoon session following the luncheon/exhibit break from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. All workshops may be used as credit for catechist re-certification or for religion in-service credit for parochial school teachers.

Among the many workshop presenters and their topics will be: LMU theology professor, Dr. Michael Horan, "Thinking Broadly About Sacraments: Advice to Catechetical Ministers"; author and bilingual consultant, Ida Miranda, "Initiation and Religious Education with Children and Their Families in the Catechumenate"; and Bishop Wilkerson, "Challenges to a Catholic Identity."

Second-time speaker Maureen Pratt, a Catholic News Service writer and Tidings' columnist, will present a new workshop titled, "Pass It On: Teaching Youth about Faith & Health." According to Pratt, teaching youth about the relationship between health and faith is critical in a pluralistic culture.

"Youth get all kinds of messages from society. It's important to get a faith-based perspective and information on health and healthful living," said Pratt. In her workshop, she will discuss the seven pillars of health and how adults can help youth make positive, faith-based decisions that will impact their present and future health.

Many exhibitors will be onsite with Catholic books and resource materials for purchase. For information on registering, directions and the day's agenda, log on to http://www.archdiocese.la/regions/sf/pdf/SFRegionalCongressBook.pdf or contact Margaret Sardo, religious education regional coordinator, msardo@sfpr.org or Juan Garcia, jgarcia@sfpr.org at (818) 365-5123.

Pre-registration by Sept. 5 is $25; $30 post-Sept 5. On-site registration will take place from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Lunch will be available for purchase.