Once upon a time, August was relatively quiet, with respect to activities in local churches and schools. But with the introduction of an expanded school year, it’s almost impossible to find an idle or empty time on the calendar.
And a busier August is but a prelude to an even busier September and October, which in 2014 will once again bring a series of major local (in many cases annual) events in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. They include the following, most taking place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and many of which The Tidings will preview in greater detail in the weeks ahead:
Aug. 29-31: SCRC Conference, Anaheim. The annual Labor Day weekend gathering — the country’s largest Catholic Charismatic Renewal Convention — celebrates 43 years with the theme, “YOU Are the Light of the World.” More than 40 speakers, concerts (including the Jacob and Matthew Band) and special guest speaker Msgr. John Esseff (Blessed Mother Teresa’s spiritual director) are among this year’s highlighted events presented by Southern California Renewal Communities at the Anaheim Convention Center. Information: (818) 771-1361 or www.scrc.org.
Sept 13: Queen of Angels Foundation Procession and Mass, Cathedral. This annual celebration, highlighting the founding of the City of Los Angeles in 1781, begins with a 3 p.m. blessing and invocation at Queen of Angels Church (La Placita) near Olvera Street, followed by a 4 p.m. procession to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for Rosary and Mass at 5:15 p.m., Archbishop José Gomez presiding. A festival with multicultural food and entertainment follows on the Cathedral Plaza. It is presented by the Queen of Angels Foundation, in collaboration with the Cathedral, La Placita and numerous lay service groups. Information: (213) 687-2645 or http://www.thequeenofangels.com/.
Sept. 14: Catechist Commissioning Service, Cathedral. Celebrated on Catechetical Sunday (3:30 p.m.), this annual liturgy with Archbishop Gomez presiding recognizes catechists and catechetical leaders who have completed formation through various programs of the Office of Religious Education, including Bible Study, master catechist certification and ministry to youth. Information: (213) 637-7358 or http://www.la-archdiocese.org/org/ore/.
Sept. 15-16: Los Angeles Catholic Prayer Breakfast and Youth Rally, Cathedral. Carmelite Sister of the Most Sacred Heart Regina Marie Gorman will address both the “Cool 2b Catholic” Youth Rally (Sept. 15, 4-6 p.m.) and the tenth annual Prayer Breakfast (Sept. 16), which begins with the recitation of the Rosary at 6:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 7 a.m. and the breakfast presentation and keynote talk at 8 a.m. on the Cathedral Plaza. Tickets are free for the Youth Rally, and $35 (advance) for the Prayer Breakfast which fills up quickly; reservations are essential for both. Information: (800) 838-1356 or http://lacatholicpb.org/.
Sept. 20 to Oct. 25: Regional Congresses. Presented by the Office of Religious Education, these fall gatherings offer all-day Saturday workshops on topics addressing all areas of parish ministry. The schedule: San Fernando, Sept. 20 at Bishop Alemany High School, Mission Hills; San Pedro, Sept. 27 at St. Pius/St. Matthias Academy, Downey; Santa Barbara, Oct. 11 at Bishop Garcia Diego High School, Santa Barbara; San Gabriel, Oct. 18 at Bishop Amat High School, La Puente; Our Lady of the Angels, Oct. 25 at St. Mary’s Academy, Inglewood. Information: (213) 637-7358, the various regional offices, or http://www.la-archdiocese.org/org/ore/Pages/upcoming.aspx.
Sept. 28: Distinguished Alumni Dinner, St. John’s Seminary. As part of its 75th anniversary festivities in 2014-15, St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo will host its seventh annual dinner honoring men who have studied there. This year’s event — beginning with 4:30 p.m. Vespers and followed by reception and dinner outdoors on the Seminary grounds — honors Bishop Gerald Wilkerson, Msgr. Helmut Hefner, Msgr. Norman Priebe, Father Thomas Peacha and Michael Clements. Information: (805) 389-2035.
Oct. 4: Celebration of Cultures, Cathedral. This annual event, coordinated by the Office of Ethnic Ministries, celebrates the vast cultural diversity of the Catholic Church of Los Angeles, and the unique gifts that different ethnic groups bring. Archbishop Gomez will preside at the 9:30 a.m. Mass (streamed live), followed by the Festival of Cultures (11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.). Themed “Lord, Make Us Instruments of Your Peace,” it is open to all. Information: (213) 637-7356 or http://www.la-archdiocese.org/org/oem/.
Oct. 6-10: Respect Life Week. The Office of Life, Justice and Peace in coordination with the Department of Catholic Schools has prepared a curriculum with a series of suggested activities that can be incorporated into all middle and high school classes. The local observance coincides with the national observance of Respect Life Week. Information: (213) 637-7236.
Oct. 14: “Christian Service 4 Life,” StubHub Center, Carson. LIFE SoCal and the Office of Life, Justice and Peace coordinate this fourth youth-oriented event that celebrates and encourages actions by youth that help build a culture of life. The featured speaker is Immaculee Ilibagiza, Rwandan genocide survivor, who will offer her personal testimony. Archbishop Gomez will be present as will various speakers to inspire middle and high school students. Reservations are encouraged. Information: http://lifesocal.org/ or (626) 755-7323.
Oct. 21: Red Mass, Cathedral. Sponsored by the St. Thomas More Society, the Red Mass (5:30 p.m.) is a Catholic Church tradition dating to the 13th century and the beginning of the judicial year, with members of the legal community invited to attend. Auxiliary Bishop Gerald Wilkerson is this year’s homilist; Archbishop Gomez will preside; and final remarks will be offered by California Supreme Court Justice Ming W. Chin. Information: (626) 914-8492 or [email protected].
These events and more will be featured in greater detail in The Tidings as the dates of the events come nearer.
