The Social Justice Committee of the San Gabriel Regional Pastoral Council will present a workshop on social justice, "Connecting the Ministry of Jesus and His Gospel to our Parish Communities," on Sept. 7, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Holy Family Church in South Pasadena. Presenters will include Father Christ Ponnet from Pax Christi, Javier Stauring from the Office of Restorative Justice, Tony Fadale from JustFaith, and Jesuit Father Scott Santarosa, pastor of Dolores Mission in Boyle Heights. The workshop will explore what the Church teaches about social justice, how people can make social justice come alive in their parishes, and ways to build a successful social justice ministry. There is no admission fee and lunch will be provided. Spanish translation will be available. People planning to attend are asked to contact Cambria Smith: mailto:[email protected].Congress 2014 theme selectedThe 2014 Religious Education Congress has announced its 2014 theme: “Hope: A World Afire / Esperanza que Enciende al Mundo.” The Congress will begin with Youth Day on Thursday, March 13, 2014, followed by Congress Days on Friday, March 14, through Sunday, March 16, all taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center. The event is presented by the archdiocesan Office of Religious Education.For more information, access: http://www.RECongress.org.LMU Center for Religion & Spirituality announces fall offeringsFall course offering from the Center for Religion and Spirituality at Loyola Marymount University include professional certificate programs in pastoral liturgy, pastoral music and the cultural orientation program for international ministers, plus Spanish professional certificate programs in pastoral care and pastoral liturgy.Additionally, a series of one-day programs are being offered, including:—The annual Bioethics Institute Lecture, “The Ethos of American Bioethics: Between Individual Liberalism and Social Solidarity,” with Dr. Roberto Dell’Oro on Sept. 24, 7 p.m.—The annual Hispanic Ministry and Theology Lecture, “Angels, Saints and Sinners: Béisbol, Baseball and Ethics,” with Dr. Carmen Nanko-Fernández, on Sept. 29, 6 p.m.—“Vatican II at 50 Symposium” (cosponsored with Mount St. Mary’s College), on Oct. 10, 3 p.m.—“Science and Spirituality of Happiness” workshop, with Dr. Jay Kumar, on Oct. 19, 10 a.m.—“Transforming Trauma: A Review and Expansion of a Contemplative Approach to Healing” workshop, with Dr. James Finley, on Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m.—“Moral Injury: Warriors, Families, and Communities” workshop, with Mr. Mark Mitchell, on Nov. 16, 9 a.m.For more information about these offerings, or to register, access http://extension.lmu.edu/crs. The Center for Religion and Spirituality can be contacted at (310) 338-2799 or at: mailto:[email protected].Divine Mercy Congress set Sept. 14-15The Lay institute of Divine Mercy will hold its 2013 Southern California Divine Mercy Congress on Sept. 14 (8 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sept. 15 (10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) at Christ the King Church in Los Angeles. The Congress, whose theme is “We Have Found Mercy,” will include workshops, Masses, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and more. Cost is $35 per person, or $50 for two registering together. For information, including the schedule and registration form, call (323) 393-4144; visit http://www.divinemercy.opoka.org; or email [email protected].