Annual Diocesan Conference Set for October 8-10
What is Congress?
A three-day gathering of people offering educational and spiritual enrichment and growth in faith for all Catholics. Friday offers the newly added Annual Catholic School Teachers' In-Service followed by Saturday's event offering workshops, Liturgy, and exhibits for priests, religious, catechists, deacons, lay ministers, Catholic school teachers, youth ministers, and lay faithful. A Young Adult Night on Saturday evening and High School Youth Day on Sunday welcome over 1,400 young people. Nearly 3,000 people participated last year.
Our Annual Conference attracts Catholic educators, Lay Ministers, Catechists, Religious, Clergy, Directors of Religious Education Programs, and Youth Ministers. In addition, over 1,400 youth and chaperones participated in Youth Day last year. A Young Adult Evening is also offered for our Young Adult community.
more information about Diocesan Congress . . .
What is Youth Day?
Youth Day is our largest gathering of High School Youth in the Diocese of Fresno. Sponsored by the Office of Ministries Youth and Young Adult Office, we seek to foster in our young people what an amazing and privileged place they occupy in the life of the Catholic Church. Last Year nearly 1,400 youth and their chaperones participated in Youth Day. The event offers great speakers and opportunities for prayer and worship with our Bishop John T. Steinbock.
more information about Youth Day . . .
What is the purpose? - To grow in our understanding of our Catholic Faith - To affirm our individual giftedness as Catholics, educators, young people and leaders in our church - To receive suggestions, models and practical insights into new and exciting alternatives in your parish programming of religious education and parish life -To help leaders develop competencies for ministry and spiritual enrichment Who is invited to attend? - All people in the pews - All people interested in learning more about the Catholic faith - All who want to learn how to teach others about an all-embracing GodWhat will happen on Saturday?
- The day will begin with a welcoming and gathering prayer service
- Lots of camaraderie with fellow pilgrims from other parishes
- An opportunity to meet new people who are earnestly seeking God
- Several major publishing companies and many other exhibitors with books, videos, DVDs, CDs, music, religious articles, gifts, etc.
- An opportunity to attend a keynote presentation and three educational/spiritual workshops on a variety of topics in 7 different languages.
- A Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass) presided by Bishop John T. Steinbock will be celebrated.
Where does it take place?
The 22nd Annual Diocesan Congress will take place at the Visalia Convention Center, adjacent to the Marriott Hotel in downtown Visalia. A 114,000 square foot facility located at 303 Acequia Avenue, Visalia, CA with 2,400 free parking spaces within four blocks of the Convention Center. Break out sessions will be held at the Convention Center, Marriott Hotel meeting rooms and the Comfort Suites Visalia meeting rooms.
