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SCHOLARSHIPS: More than 400 adults and youth applied for scholarships as individuals, from parishes, from dioceses and from national Catholic organizations to attend Encuentro 2000: Many Faces in God's House. Persons approved for scholarships will be notified by mail. Letters were slated to go out April 14. Scholarships of up to $500 will be awarded toward cost of hotels, registration and/or meals.
ETHNIC VILLAGE: An ethnic village to highlight the national backgrounds of many of the Encuentro 2000 participants will be a key feature at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The village will dot the gathering space. Groups or nations especially noted there will include the following: African-American, Arab-Catholic, Belize, Bolivia, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Eritrea, Guatemala, Haiti, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Native American, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Phillippines, Poland, Portugal, Samoa, Vietnam.
FILM PREMIERE: The premiere of Enduring Faith, a documentary which examines the struggle to establish an African American clergy in the Catholic church, will take place during the Encuentro 2000 film festival. The film is viewed through the prism of the Josephite Society, an English missionary group that came to America in 1871 to evangelize and convert the recently emancipated slaves. Dedicated solely to African Americans, the Josephites operated on the fringes of the church institution throughout the majority of their turbulent and often controversial history. The difficulties they experienced as they attempted to raise African American men to the priesthood illustrates the depth to which racism existed in the United States hindering the Catholic church's mission to African Americans. Enduring Faith brings to light a story little known and rarely discussed. It tells of the courage and ultimate despair of early black Josephite priests and the pivotal role of Rome in forcing the American church to open its doors to blacks. It also brings to the forefront the Josephite's undying efforts to bring Catholicism to African Americans and the unwavering stance of African American Catholics who clung tenaciously to the faith through trying times. The Encuentro 2000 Film Festival will showcase several movies that highlight the experience of different ethnic groups.
HOTEL UPDATE: As of April 11, The Encuentro 2000 block at the Holiday Inn City Center is sold out. The Holiday Inn Downtown is at 77 percent, the Figueroa is at 76 percent, the Hyatt at 55 percent, and the L.A. Athletic Club at 51 percent. For hotel reservations, contact Par Avion Meetings and Conventions, Inc. at 1-800-927-8137 or www.encuentro2000.org/housing.
CELEBRANTS AT WORSHIP SERVICES: On Thursday afternoon, July 6, Encuentro 2000 participants will be welcomed by Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles, and Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, President of the NCCB/USCC. Celebrants at the key worship services include the following: Bishop Gabino Zavala, Chairman, Encuentro 2000, Gathering Rite, Thursday afternoon; Archbishop Theodore McCarrick of Newark, Mass, Friday afternoon; Cardinal Bernard Law, Reconciliation Session, Friday evening; Cardinal Mahony, Jubilee Mass, Saturday evening.
MEDIA CREDENTIALS: Media who want credentials to cover Encuentro 2000 should consult the Web, www.Encuentro2000.org and hit "Media Resources" for the media advisory and credential application form. Media applications can be faxed to (202) 541-3173.
REGISTRATION: Early bird registration has been extended to April 30. To allow a greater number of participants to register at the "early bird" rate of $100, the Encuentro 2000 Organizing Committee has extended this cut off date until April 30. All registrations, via mail, fax, telephone or on-line must be postmarked or entered by April 30. The regular registration period begins May 1, with a registration fee of $125. Late registration begins June 3 - $150. For further information on registration contact Conference Registration at 1-800-805-3976 or go to www.encuentro2000.org/register.
WEB: To keep atop Encuentro 2000 developments go frequently to www.encuentro2000.org