PIQUA — The 40th Annual Northern Area Congress will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Upper Valley Career Center in Piqua from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This event is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Northern Area Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, and is an annual gathering of leaders and teachers of religion in the area.

This year’s theme is “Agents of Mercy.” Archbishop Dennis M Schnurr is the keynote speaker and will reflect on “Mercy and Justice in the Ministry of a Religious Educator.” Schnurr has led the Archdiocese of Cincinnati since 2009.

After the keynote address there will be two workshop sessions, allowing each participant to choose from 16 workshops. These workshops are recommended for teachers or catechists of various age levels and ministerial need. Participants of diverse ministries will find enrichment for their faith life and take home a clearer vision of their call to proclaim the Gospel.

Participants can also review the newest religious education and spiritual resources as they browse the many displays by publishers, religious bookstores and Archdiocesan offices.

For more information or a brochure, contact the director of religious education at your local parish or the Archdiocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis in Sidney at 937-498-1192. Or you can email the office at [email protected]. The early registration deadline is Sept. 11 and can be completed online. The full brochure of this event is online at www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/evangelization-and-catechesis.

Approximately 200 people in the Miami Valley attend this event each year and more are always welcome, organizers said.