More than 40,000 people are expected for the internationally acclaimed Los Angeles Religious Education Congress March 1-4 at the Anaheim Convention Center, the largest catechetical conference of its kind in the U.S.

Its "Stand in the Light" theme "nudges us to bask in the incredible radiance of a God whose glory and brightness penetrates everyone, everything and everywhere," says Religious Sister of Charity Edith Prendergast, director of the archdiocesan office of religious education sponsoring the annual event.

Kicking off with "Live out Love" Youth Day March 1, Congress' spirited opening rite of prayer and song March 2 will feature Cardinal Roger Mahony and a host of liturgical ministers. Over 280 workshops covering biblical studies, catechesis, spirituality, social justice, music and personal development will be offered over the course of the weekend in addition to 14 Eucharistic Liturgies reflecting the multicultural diversity of the archdiocese.

Scores of experts will address catechetical and contemporary church issues, with not a few speaking on the future of parish ministry, according to Sister Prendergast. Keynote morning speakers include Divine Word Father Bryan Massingale, who will talk March 3 on the challenges of becoming beacons of hope in a secular society, and anti-poverty activist Jim Wallis, who will explore the impact of spiritual revival on social change March 4.

Several speakers will address emerging parish leadership models. They include Deacon William Ditewig, USCCB Secretariat director for its Diaconate and Evangelization offices, who will discuss the evolving role of deacons in the contemporary church, and St. Joseph of Carondolet Sister Carol Quinlivan and Father Jim Clarke from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, who will co-lead a workshop on alternative models of leadership such as parish life directors.

First-time international Congress speakers include Jesuit Father Michael Paul Gallagher, theology professor at the Gregorian University in Rome, discussing the impact of culture on faith, and Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, leading a workshop on the place of religion in a technological society. Edwina Gateley, internationally known speaker, author and advocate for marginalized women, will appear at this year's Congress with stories of Biblical and contemporary women's faith journeys.

Global images will surround Congress participants. Catholic Relief Services will present a hands-on interactive exhibit on international AIDS orphans on the ground floor. A nearby art exhibit will feature photos of children and adults from Brazil, India, Jamaica and Kenya taken by documentary filmmaker Gerard Thomas Straub as well as inspirational paintings of "Jesus --- The Way, The Truth, The Life," by Brother Michael O'Neill McGrath.

Multi-cultural exhibits representing several of the ethnic ministries in the archdiocese will be displayed on the second level of the Convention Center. Congress' popular "Sacred Space" area, offering Eucharistic adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a labyrinth, meditative music and inspirational art, will be housed this year on the center's third level.

Lunchtime entertainment will take place both in the arena and Hall B. Comedian and character-actor Doug Brummel debuts at Congress this year with his one-man show, "Lighten Up!" scheduled March 4 for arena lunchtime entertainment. Evening music concerts include "Fiesta," featuring leading Latino composers and artists, on March 2 and "Light the Night," presenting contemporary liturgical artists in a program of song, dance and ritual on March 3.

Some of Congress' special events at hotels adjacent to the Convention Center include a young adult dance at the Marriott March 3 from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and the premiere of the Catholic Hollywood Film Showcase in Anaheim Hilton Hotel's Pacific Room A the evenings of March 2-3 from 8-10:30 p.m.

The Film Showcase will screen films, documentaries and an animated short, "The Very First Noel," from Catholic production companies. Produced by Jesuit Father Ron Schmidt and Congress Choir music director John Flaherty, the film showcase will screen films from seven companies: Pluma Productions, Loyola Productions, Family Theater Productions, Paulist Productions, Mud Puddle Films, Hope Media Productions and the San Damiano Foundation.

The Congress film showcase was inspired by positive reaction to the screening of a short film co-produced by Father Schmidt for the 2005 World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany. The purpose of the showcase, according to Father Schmidt, is to expose Catholics to the work of the Catholic film community in Hollywood that is growing in impact and influence.

"Film is the primary cultural influence of our age, and Catholics need to be there," said Father Schmidt.

For Congress film showcase information, contact Father Schmidt at (310) 801-6992 or email him at reschmidt@hotmail.com For general Congress information, log on to www.recongress.org.