Amidst the events in an ever-challenging world --- including war, upcoming elections, economic uncertainties and a looming national report on sex abuse in the church --- nearly 39,000 catechists, clergy, religious and youth from around the U.S. found their way to Anaheim last weekend in search of information, education and --- maybe most of all --- motivation.

They found it in the 2004 Religious Education Congress whose workshops, speakers, liturgies and special events spoke (at least in some way) to the theme of "Steeped in Mercy, Balm for the World."

For many who have been humbled and even shaken by the events of recent years, it was exactly the balm they sought, and they left Anaheim renewed not only in faith but in their baptismal call to be ministers of God's healing love and mercy --- to be, indeed, balm for the world.