GBPS - LA RECongress 2027 Tour for Catholic Educators

Arrival Day:

Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Arrival transfers from LAX by luxury coach.

11:00 am: Visit HomeBoy Industries. In 1986, when Homeboy Industries’ founder, Gregory Boyle, became the pastor of Dolores Mission Church, it was the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles. The parish included Aliso Village and Pico Gardens, then the largest public housing projects west of the Mississippi. They also had the highest concentration of gang activity. That was saying something, given Los Angeles’ reputation as the gang capital of the world. At the time, law enforcement tactics of suppression and criminal justice policies of mass incarceration were the prevailing means to deal with gang violence. But where others only saw criminals, Father Greg saw people in need of help. Today, Homeboy Industries is the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world, welcoming thousands through their doors each year. The visit will be followed by lunch (included).

After Homeboy Industries you will be taken to your Hollywood Hotel.

Evening free to relax and catch up on your sleep.

Morning: Cultural and Educational Exploration

8:00 am: Departure from the hotel via luxury coach for a scenic tour through the iconic West Hollywood district. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and notable landmarks en route to your first destination.

10:30 am: Arrival at St. Finbar Catholic Parish School, Burbank.

St Finbar Catholic Parish School, Burbank

We are delighted to include a visit to St Finbar Parish School in Burbank, California, as part of our 2027 experience. St Finbar is a Catholic primary school with a strong sense of faith, belonging, community and service. Closely connected with St Finbar Catholic Parish, the school has a rich relationship between school and parish life, creating opportunities for students and families to experience faith as something that is lived, celebrated and shared beyond the classroom. With a focus on nurturing the whole child, St Finbar seeks to create a welcoming environment where young people can grow in knowledge, confidence, character and faith.

Our visit will provide a wonderful opportunity to experience the everyday rhythm of Catholic primary education in a Californian school setting. We will meet members of the St Finbar community, experience the atmosphere of the school, explore its strong connection with parish life, and share stories and perspectives about Catholic education, faith formation and community.

For educators visiting from Australia, this will be an opportunity to step into a Catholic primary school community, discover the similarities and differences between our educational contexts and be inspired by the ways school and parish can work together to nurture faith in the lives of children and families. More than simply a school visit, it is an opportunity to connect, learn, share ideas and celebrate the rich and diverse story of Catholic education. We will attend the after school staff meeting, which is an enriching encounter.

Afternoon: Cinematic and Entertainment Experience

3:30 pm:  Depart for the Universal Studios Outside Promenade, a distinctive area renowned for its entertainment and leisure offerings.

Enjoy leisure time at the Universal Studios Outside Promenade. Engage in shopping, networking, or simply relish the ambiance.

5:00 pm: Reconvene at the hotel for a brief rest and refreshment.

Tonight we venture out for a Six Taste food tour of Hollywood.

Six Taste Food Tours offer a fun guided walking experience along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, combining famous sights, local history and food tastings from a variety of eateries.

Early Morning:

7:00 am  Breakfast at Hotel

Check-out from hotel and leave bags in designated area for loading onto the coach.

8:00 am:   Depart from the hotel on the coach.

8:30 am:  Arrive at St. Genevieve School

St Genevieve School, California

Our journey through Catholic education in California continues at St Genevieve School in Panorama City, Los Angeles. St Genevieve is a Catholic coeducational prep – Year 12 school with a strong commitment to faith, learning, community and the development of the whole person. Embedded in the Catholic tradition, the school seeks to create an environment where young people are encouraged to discover their gifts, grow in confidence, develop their faith and prepare to make a meaningful contribution to the world around them.

Our visit provides a wonderful opportunity to step inside the everyday life of a Catholic school in California and experience the distinctive culture, energy and spirit of an American Catholic education community. We will have the opportunity to meet members of the school community, see learning and faith in action, share stories and perspectives, and explore the similarities and differences between Catholic education in Australia and the United States.

More than simply a school visit, this is an opportunity to connect across cultures, build relationships and be inspired by the possibilities of Catholic education. We look forward to a warm welcome from the St Genevieve community and to sharing in their story for a little while. St Gen’s is no ordinary school!

3:30 pm Depart from St. Genevieve School and travel to the Anaheim hotel. 

Check-in and Rest: Check-in to the Anaheim hotel and have some time to rest and freshen up.

Evening Free - Get a good night's rest as tomorrow we attend Youth Day at the LA RECongress.    

7:30 am Depart for Anaheim Convention Centre.

YOUTH DAY
Humble. Chosen. Loved. "I Am!" 

Whether we are just beginning middle school, or about to graduate and start our adult lives, we as young people are searching for identity, belonging, and purpose. We are constantly surrounded by messages that tell us who we should be, what we should value, and where our worth comes from. As we prayed with the Scripture readings for Youth Day and reflected on the needs of young people, we felt called to remind each other of a deeper truth: our identity is not found in the opinions of others, our achievements, or the world around us. Our true identity is found in Jesus Christ. The theme HUMBLE. CHOSEN. LOVED. “I AM.” speaks directly to young people today because it addresses one of the deepest questions every person asks: “Who am I?” And by addressing this question, this theme reminds us that before anything else, we are children of God: known, chosen, and loved by Him. 

The word Humble reminds us that humility is not about thinking less of ourselves or putting ourselves down, but about recognizing that our worth comes from God. It is understanding that we are created, loved, and sustained by Him. True humility allows us to open our hearts to God’s love and trust in His plan for our lives. 

To be Chosen reminds us that God sees each of us individually and calls us by name. Just as God chose David, not because he was perfect but because his heart was turned toward Him, God continues to choose each of us for a purpose. We are not accidents or forgotten by God. We have been created with dignity, meaning, and a mission. 

To be Loved reminds us that God’s love is unconditional. In moments when we may feel lonely, overwhelmed, or uncertain about our identity, God reminds us that we are known and loved before we accomplish anything or prove ourselves to anyone. Our value comes from being children of God. 

The statement “I AM” connects us to the heart of the Gospel by reminding us of who God the Father is and who we are in relationship with Him. In Scripture, God the Father reveals Himself as the great “I AM”, the God who has always existed, who always will be, who is faithful, and who remains with His people. Jesus, the Son of God, reveals the love of the Father, and invites us into a relationship with Him. He reminds us that everything begins with knowing Him. Before we can truly understand who we are, we must first know who Christ is. Our identity is rooted in His identity. Through Jesus, we discover that we are not alone, forgotten, or without purpose. We belong to God.

Jesus also says, “Whoever receives the one I send receives me.” This reminds us that encountering Christ is not only about discovering who we are, but also about recognizing that we are sent on a mission. When we experience God’s love, we are called to share that love with others and become witnesses of Christ in the world, no matter how old we are. 

HUMBLE. CHOSEN. LOVED. “I AM.” is ultimately an invitation for us as young people to encounter Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with God by reminding us that we belong to Him. In a world where many are searching for purpose and belonging, this theme proclaims the truth that each of us are known by God, chosen by God, and loved by God. Through Christ, we discover our true identity and the mission we have been given. 

Stella Lujan and Gianna Gil
St. Francis of Rome, ​Azusa 

Welcome Dinner:

7.30 pm: Gather for a welcome dinner at Bubba Gump Restaurant, Anaheim, only a short stroll from our hotel. Enjoy a delicious seafood meal together as we are welcomed to Anaheim.

23 -25 APRIL  2027  LA RECongress Adult  Days

Remain in Me. Live Boldly!

The theme of the 2027 Religious Education Congress, Remain in Me. Live Boldly!, was inspired by the Sunday readings for our weekend gathering. When Jesus says, “Remain in me” (John 15:4), He offers us far more than a command; He extends an invitation. The Greek verb menō means to abide, dwell, stay, or make one’s home in. In these words, Jesus invites us into a way of life rooted in deep communion with Him—a
life in which our hearts learn to rest, trust, and belong. To remain in Christ is not simply to do more, but to allow His presence to become the dwelling place of our lives. From this abiding relationship flows the heart of authentic discipleship: communion with one another, courage for the journey, and a mission that bears lasting fruit. We do not bear fruit by our own strength alone; rather, we become fruitful when we allow the life and love of Christ to move through us.

When we remain in Him together, His presence strengthens us to live boldly, love generously, and bear fruit for the life of the world. Together, let us receive and live the beautiful invitation: Remain in Me. Live Boldly!

Sr. Rosalia Meza, VDMF
Director Office of Religious Education
Archdiocese of Los Angeles

7:30 pm Farewell Dinner at McCormick & Schmick's

Morning:

Check-Out: This morning ensure your bags are ready for storage and transfer by 10 am.

Breakfast at you leisure.

Downtown Disney District: Walk to the vibrant Downtown Disney District for lunch and shopping. Explore a variety of shops, dine at restaurants, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

10:00 am Christ Cathedral Orange County: Back to the hotel to collect luggage and we are then transfer to the iconic Christ Cathedral in Orange County for a tour.

Leaving Anaheim for Los Angeles we stop on the way at In-N-Out Burger for a quick lunch break before heading to Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral.

2.00pm: Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral. Standing in the midst of downtown Los Angeles, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels serves the total Archdiocese of over 5 million Catholics. As the heart of all 287 Parish Churches and communities, it is the place where the Archbishop celebrates the major Liturgies of the year with clergy, religious, and laity.

What historically took centuries to construct was accomplished in three years in the building of the 11-story Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. This first Roman Catholic Cathedral to be erected in the western United States in 30 years. The construction began on May 1999 and was completed by the spring of 2002.

Depart from Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral to the Los Angeles Airport.

Late Afternoon:

Los Angeles (LAX) Airport: Our group gets on board the arranged transfer for the journey to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for your early evening flight. Ensuring ample time for check-in and security.