Edition 03 e-Newsletter Advent 2019

What a joy! Jesus comes to meet us again!

By: Adriana Visoso / President of LaRED.

Dear members of LaRED,

Since the creation of our organization in 1997 we have walked with the hope of encountering the Lord and accompanying our Pastoral Juvenil Hispana (PJH) in the United States, as a synodal Church.

We are in celebration, along with Jesus, Francis, the youth and all of God’s people, due to the gift of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Christus Vivit” in which young people are reminded that “God Loves Them” (CV 112). This letter was formed in response to the deep reflections and dialogue of the Synod of Bishops last October on the topic “Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment.”

2019 WYD Panamá Closing . In preparation for our Advent journey, I will mention below some key events that give light to the journey of PJH where LaRED members go out to meet young people as an organized action of the Church.

These events include the XXXIV 2019 in Panamá; Encuentro meetings held at the regional, diocesan and parish levels, the proceedings and conclusions of the V Encuentro; the National Dialogue, the XX Encuentro Latinoamericano de Responsables Nacionales de Pastoral Juvenil (ELRNPJ) in Peru and programs of institutions and organizations that serve different areas in the lives of young people. National Dialogue. The Proyecto Juvenil Hispano that was presented in the annual membership meeting in October is a response to the listening and discernment generated by all of these mentioned events. We will share more details about this project on a later date.

Thank you to everyone who makes LaRED’s mission possible, to the new board of directors for your service and to the young people, our reason for existing as an organization, Thanks also be to God and our Mother Mary.

“Christ is alive! He is our hope and in a wonderful way he brings youthfulness to our world.” (CV1)

Have a wonderful Advent and a Merry Christmas! XX Latin American Meeting of Youth Ministry Peru 2019.

p. 1 p. 2 Our first President Hispanic/Latino in the USCCB

By: Paul Jarzembowski / Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, USCCB.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops proceedings. Archbishop Gomez brought many of his (USCCB), when gathered in Baltimore for their Fall 2019 own experiences to the Synod – from his work with General Assembly, voted overwhelmingly for their first young people in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to his Hispanic/Latino Conference President: Most Rev. Jose role as the Episcopal Advisor to the National Catholic H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles. This historic Network de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana - LaRED -, as election also marks the first occasion where the USCCB well as his engagement with youth and young adults President is also foreign-born, as Archbishop Gomez throughout the Fifth National Encuentro. The insights hails from Monterrey, Mexico. he learned in all of those roles undoubtedly played a part in his conversations about young people in the As staff to the Bishops Conference, I was able to Synod Hall. witness the election in real time. The outpouring of love and support by his brother bishops was palpable, Episcopal Conference Presidents are tasked with as the body rose to its feet in applause upon the leading and charting the course for their country’s announcement of his selection. Afterwards, many bishops, and by consequence, the Church across the bishops came up to him in person, congratulating and nation. They have a hand in many major decisions the wishing him well for the next three years of his term. Conference makes throughout the year, aided by the With each of those encounters, Archbishop Gomez’s General Secretariat staff in Washington, DC. trademark humility would always shine forth. With his wealth of experience and passion around Last year, I had the pleasure of accompanying youth and young adults, Archbishop Gomez begins his him and the other delegates to Rome for the 2018 term knowing the realities young people face – and Synod on “Young People, the Faith, and Vocational how the Church can be a refuge and “field hospital” in Discernment.” Almost every morning, we would pray the midst of those struggles. Let us pray for him as he together at Mass before he and the others would head embarks on this incredible journey. to Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican for the Synod

Paul J. accompanied by in Rome, and the new president of USCCB Most Rev. Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles and other Cardinals and bishops, representing the USA during the Synod about the Youth, Faith and Vocation. p. 3 Proyecto Juvenil Hispano (PJH)

By: Norma Velez de Garcia - Diocese of St. Augustine, FL / Member at Large of LaRED.

In our Annual meeting last October, in The need for advisers and good mentors for a working environment and with a lot of PJH also came up in addition to forming enthusiasm, the members of LaRED said teams that could respond to diversity in the “present”. With a prophetic voice, I share the church, congresses to strengthen cultural realities, challenges, needs, and hopes to awareness at all levels, etc. better serving young Hispanics in the United States. The result of this dialogue, listening, Together as part of getting involved, and pastoral de conjunto definitely focused the Regions committed to take action on us better on the vision and mission of the initiatives that are tangible, measurable, and Proyecto Juvenil Hispano (PJH). that will bring benefit to their communities. So, it is important in a spirit of Pastoral de We were able to understand how, through Conjunto to create spaces to share these the Proyecto, our parish, diocesan, and best practices with the entire membership. regional Pastoral Juvenil ministries can benefit. This Project will be an ongoing As we can see, it is not about reinventing the process that tries to respond to the needs wheel but rather about building, encouraging, and aspirations of young people while and motivating. It is a project for all of us encouraging them to be the protagonists of collectively that will help us to implement implementing an articulated and renewed best practices from the ground up to all levels. Pastoral Juvenil. The contribution and work of all will bear fruit as we start from the concept that Pastoral It is worth sharing a little history, sharing Juvenil is the presence and specific action of how this Proyecto came to be. This Proyecto the Church for, with, and by Young People. We is, indeed, an initiative of LaRED, a response must know how to articulate who the young Credits: AMM2019, LaRED. to the signs of the times, and was inspired- Hispanic/Latinos are: their desires, dreams, without a doubt-by the Holy Spirit. aspirations, and the best ways to connect their lives to the from the perspective In light of of the recommendations of the of a preferential option for the poor and with V Encuentro at all levels, the listening and a sense of liberation. accompaniment of the National Dialogue, and the XIV Synod of Bishops, the Board of LaRED Pope Francis refers to a Pastoral Care presented this Proyecto to the membership that is Synodal in his Apostolic exhortation at the AMM 2018 meeting in Chicago, IL. In Cristus Vivit: “I want to state clearly that that meeting, around one hundred members young people themselves are agents of youth were present made up of different dioceses, ministry. Certainly, they need to he helped archdioceses, and organizations that work and guided, but at the same time left free to with or support Pastoral Juvenil. And the develop new approaches, with creativity and a majority agreed to support this Proyecto. certain audacity. So, I will not attempt here to propose a kind of manual of youth ministry or a Going back to what was experienced in our practical pastoral guide. I am more concerned 2019 annual meeting at the La Salette Retreat with helping young people to use their insight, Center in the Boston area, it is important to ingenuity and knowledge to address the issues remember the excellent Regional work that and concerns of other young people in their own our membership did to significantly enrich language”. (CV #203.) and strengthen the vision for “this project.” Results did not wait to be seen. What most Dear brothers and sisters, this is only the Credits: AMM2019, LaRED. resounded in the reflections was the need beginning, you in your communities are the to implement Encuentros for young people, agents of change, you will be hearing more formation in every area (including Social from us later as we will be creating platforms Justice, advocacy, communication, and for you to be able to share your experiences conferences), to work together and identify on this journey with the whole membership. the Regions that have a more structured Meanwhile, I invite you to take action and to Pastoral Juvenil, promote historical moments remember that we are all LaRED. Let’s accept in Pastoral Juvenil, to be more intentional in the challenge and go offshore to launch la making known the resources that already red (the net) together, to create spaces for exist through the Institutes that form part those young people that want to build a new of our membership, to invite others to society, to Evangelize by promoting peace videoconferences/webinars offered, to utilize and justice, and (in these actions) to extend the resources that NFCYM offers, and to the Kingdom of God here on this earth. identify the existing programs that connect Campus Ministry with the parishes and PJH. p. 4 A “Pastoral Juvenil” continental event

By: Juan José Rodríguez / Regional Coordinator of Hispanic Youth Ministry - Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI).

Representing the Latin American Network of “Pastoral Juvenil” Centers and Institutes, of which SEPI is a member, I had the opportunity to take part in the XX Latin American Meeting of National Coordinators of “Pastoral Juvenil” (XX ELARNPJ) held in the city of Lima, Perú from October 18 to 23, 2019.

With more than 100 delegates among bishops, priests, religious brothers and sisters, as well as young people from all the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries of the continent, the Encounter, (whose theme was “Young people are Holy Land, the now of God”) was an occasion to reflect on the work being done in this ministry, Official photo of the XX Latin American Meeting of Youth especially now after last year’s important Synod on young people and Ministry Coordinators Perú 2019. the Post-Synodal Exhortation “Christus Vivit”.

During the final message, the delegates said: “We want a Church that chooses intergenerational work, with a diversity of gifts and charisms, and a permanent process of reflection and discernment to respond god’s call. We want a Church that walks and decides together, synodally, that puts itself at the service of others leaving differences behind, recogoizes its limits and betting on its strengths. With Pope Francis, we are challenged to look at each other critically, put ourselves in a permanent state of mission, to feel like spring. “

It continues: “We do not want a youth ministry locked up and indifferent, but transformative, synodal, missionary and prophetic,and Alvaro Salazar, Executive Secretary of Pastoral Juvenil Perú. that shouts to the world, (especially to other young people), that Fr. Martin Cipriano, SDB and Sister Luzbinda, CLAR. Christ is the center of our lives, He loves us, that He saves us, and He walks alive among us. “

At Mass in the Cathedral of Lima, Mons. Carlos Castillo, Archbishop of Lima and primate of Peru, told the youth in his : “You are called to the mission of announcing the Gospel in the heart of the lives of young people, with the last ones, the little ones. You are the means for the Lord to carry out His will in history. ”

Monsignor Juan A. Talamantes from Mexico and Monsignor Alfredo Vizcarra from Perú.

Participants of XX Latin American Meeting of National Coordinators of “Pastoral Juvenil”. p. 5 Why me? By: Brenda Noriega / Diocese of San Bernardino, CA.

Twelve years ago, at the age meeting in June, but this time of 18, I was in my youth ministry in Rome alongside my brother group on a Friday around 7:30 and friend, Brian Rhude. And PM during one of those prayer if that wasn’t enough for a sessions where all the lights are summer, Catholic Relief Services off except one light, the candle (CRS) invites me to represent on the altar, and you are in the the Episcopal Region XI on a form of a circle holding hands missionary immersion trip to with your friends. With tears in Liberia. I am very thankful to CRS my eyes that night, I began to for showing me their good work sing, more like, to pray: and inspiring me to continue advocating for charity and “Lord justice. Brenda Noriega with his Holiness Pope Francis during WYD Take my life anew Panama 2019. Before the waiting Those three weeks were a Wastes my years away… time of transformation and Take me to where people conversion. God called me to Need your Words, see the pain of all my brothers Where they need your fervor and sisters and to feel part of to live.” them, even if they did not live in my country or neighborhood. He When I was 25 years old, called me to reject capitalism God called me to serve as the and the throwaway culture that Hispanic Ministry coordinator kills the Christian Spirit. In July, I in the Diocese of Fresno. And thought that God was done with now I’m in the Diocese of San me for this year. Since no one Young Adults during the International Youth Forum Bernardino serving God as beats God in generosity, a couple in Rome, Italy. the Young Adults Programs of months after Rome and Coordinator. More than a decade Liberia, I was invited to represent ago of that prayer, but for God our country internationally on the time does not pass. first international youth council committee for the Dicastery of This 2019, God has called me Laity and Family Life in Rome. to things that I wouldn’t have And if that was not enough to imagined not even in my wildest blow my mind away, I was also dreams. I started the year invited to address the Bishops guiding a delegation of more of the United States during their than 110 young people to World General Assembly in November Youth Day in Panama alongside of this year. a great team. During WYD I had the privilege of representing the It has been a long year of youth of our country by sharing invitations to conferences, re- a meal with Pope Francis and 9 treats, national and international young people dedicated to God meetings, flights, traveling and from all over the world. During projects. It has been a long year that one-hour lunch, I listened asking God the same question to their realities and I realized “Why me?” And each time, my that the Church is truly universal, Loving Father continues to and faith unifies us transcending remind me that it was I who barriers and political ideologies. asked Him for it praying that song aloud. He reminds me This summer was filled with that He is only answering the joy, learning, and adventure. So deepest desires of my heart to During the Diversity Immersion Mission Trip in Liberia, invited by CRS. many things happened in a span serve Him from my weakness, of three weeks! I was invited to my recklessness, and my represent our country for the inexperience. p. 6 second time in an international Time of Advent

By: Dulce Gamboa/ Senior Catholic Latino Associate - Bread for the World.

Every year, the season of Advent compels us to reflect and prepare for the celebration of Jesus’s birth. We know that hope, peace, joy, and love is evoked by the fulfillment of God’s promise of a Messiah.

At the time of this prophecy, God’s people were experiencing a time of darkness and gloom due to war and conflict with their neighboring kingdoms and because of their continual straying from keeping the ordinances of the Sinai covenant.

This covenant did not only outline their relationship and worship to God but it also prescribed doing what was right and just in their relationship with one another, with special care for the poor and vulnerable among them. The nation had failed to meet their covenantal obligations; however, because of God’s redeeming love, He revealed to the prophet the coming of a Messiah that would rule with justice and righteousness. That prophecy increased the faith of those who, in the midst of what appeared to be an imminent destruction, now had hope and looked forward to the establishment of a kingdom of peace.

Today many people around the world are facing famines, wars, hunger, poverty, oppression, abuse of power, racism, a public discourse that attempts to strip the most vulnerable of their dignity, and so many other atrocities. Even so, the season of Advent is an opportunity to reflect on God’s promise of peace, what that means, and offers us an opportunity to take action in regards to it.

Christ, the Prince of God’s Shalom, has called us to be His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). An ambassador is someone that represents the values, culture, and interests of their nation in order to foster a better relationship with the host country. As Christ’s ambassadors, we represent the values, culture, and precepts of the Kingdom of God in this world, in order to restore the broken relationship of humankind with Christ.

As part of that mission, we are compelled to bear a public witness that pursues peace, that of the Prince of Peace, through advocating for policies and programs that can end hunger and poverty in our nation and throughout the world.

Take action here to support our brothers and sisters in : Click Here

p. 7 The gift of Emmanuel, “God with us“

By: Darius A. Villalobos/ Director of Diversity and Inclusion, NFCYM.

As we enter the Advent season, it is important to remember what we are preparing ourselves for. It is easy to forget in the busyness of holiday parties, shopping for gifts, and getting ready for winter vacations. The preparation is for celebrating the miracle of Christmas: the gift of Emmanuel, “God with us“.

Every culture has its own way of preparing for the celebration of our God becoming human, becoming flesh and blood, like us. We start with the beginning of a new liturgical year in the Church on the first Sunday of Advent. The songs change, the colors change, and the tone of our readings change to one of anticipation. The whole Church celebrates our Mother, Mary, on December 8th in the Feast of the . However, for many of us, the celebration of her apparition in Mexico is the most significant and memorable celebration, as we celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12th.

We prepare for the birth of Christ, God becoming one of us, on December 25th, but we know that our celebrations do not stop there. Our African and African-American brothers and sisters celebrate Kwanzaa, a celebration of their culture and the harvest from December 26th through January 1st. We celebrate the New Year, but also the Solemnity of Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, that same day. We continue our celebrations as we count the days to the Epiphany of Our Lord (better known to many as Three Kings Day), where many Latino and Hispanic cultures give gifts to children on that day rather than on Christmas and instead of Santa Clause and reindeers, we have the three Wise Men and their camels.

We do know how to celebrate this time of the year! But what are we celebrating? A miracle unique to history and our faith. The love of a God that was so deep and rich, He chose to become one of us, to know what it is like to live and grow, to love and lose, to feel pain and feel the joys of life, to feel death and love like we do. It is indeed a time to celebrate. Let us celebrate well, always knowing the celebration is one of love above all other things.

p. 8 Advent: a time to reflect in jesus ​​and in our neighbor

By: Esther Garcia/ Director of Outreach and Diocesan Relations.

People look forward to the lights, though they may not always be able to decorations, and the atmosphere that have the same experiences as others, they the Christmas season brings. However, possess amazing resources and abilities to fully enjoy it, it is important to live the that are often far above average. The Lord Advent season first. Jesus grants them other gifts, which the community is called to recognize and Advent, which begins four Sundays appreciate”. Christus Vivit 149 before December 25, brings with it a time of reflection that prepares us to It is important to transmit the faith to receive Jesus in our hearts, during one our youth. This is the case of Jasmine, of the most special celebrations of the 16, who has several disabilities, uses a Liturgical Year: Christmas. wheelchair, and cannot communicate verbally. Despite this, she was able Advent invites us to see Christ in our to attend faith formation classes brothers, especially in those who are to prepare for the Sacraments and in more need, the marginalized, the received her Confirmation last year, lonely, the sick, the ones with physical with her parish group. Both Jasmine and intellectual disabilities, or mental and her mother are happy to have found illnesses, remembering that each a parish where they feel they really person is made in the image of God, belong. In the past, they had no pleasant and that each life is sacred and that all experiences seeking for Sacrament people are worthy of love and respect, preparation for Jasmine, but thanks no matter who they are, or where they to the warm welcome and dedication live. of the catechists, the pastor, and the community, those sad experiences According to the 2010 U.S. Census, disappeared. one in five people have a disability. In our community, ministry, or in the Jasmine and her mother were part parish, we will meet one of these of the group of people invited to send brothers and sisters and their families, a video message to Pope Francis so it is important to let them know--with on the occasion of the International our attitude and warm welcome in the Conference in Rome “Catechesis and church---that we recognize that we ALL People with Disabilities: A Necessary are part of the Body of Christ . Engagement in the Daily Pastoral Life of the Church” presented in October of In this Advent season, let’s help our 2017. youth with disabilities to participate in the Church in a meaningful way, In the message, Jasmine’s mother providing opportunities to share with was thankful for finding a parish that the faith community the gifts that God received them with love, and she asked gave them. Pope Francis for more churches that open their doors to children and youth For young people with disabilities, with disabilities to grow in God’s love. participating in the Church is a challenge, since in the parish formation and For Jasmine and her mother, Advent activities focus more on children than is a season that brings peace to their on young people. Community events are lives. often not accessible, and do not have the resources for the accommodations For families with children and young needed for their participation. Let’s try people with disabilities, Advent is a to open more opportunities for young beautiful and propitious time to teach people in this liturgical time. them our faith and traditions in a simple way, rich in symbols, colors, and rituals As Pope Francis said in the Apostolic that strengthen our family life and our Exhortation “Christus Vivit”: faith so that at Christmas, Jesus can “Many young people with physical, come not only in the manger we made mental and sensory disabilities. Even in our house, but to our heart. p. 9 From the Border By: Marilyn Santos / Associate Director- Secretariat of Evangelization & Catechesis.

The week of September 23-27, 2019 I was starvation or working in the US, the moral choice is blessed to be invited to an Episcopal Encounter pretty clear. with Migrants at the Border in El Paso with site visits to Las Cruces and across the border to Cuidad And yet the sad reality is that many attitudes Juarez. This was organized by my colleagues in towards strangers seeking to live among us is the Subcommittee on Pastoral Care of Migrants, far from Christian. As Christians, we are called Refugees, and Travelers (PCMRT) at the United to welcome the stranger, and when we do so, we States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). welcome God in person. Through God’s grace, we can overcome our fear and our concerns about PCMRT conducts these visits each year in refugees and immigrants and look for the face of different parts of the country. Jesus in our migrant brothers and sisters. In doing this, we will be made richer through their gifts of The goal of these pastoral visits is to offer culture and faith. opportunities of encounter with migrant Pope Francis calls us to walk with migrants and Staff from USCCB. communities and to support reflections and refugees in support and solidarity for which he has adequate pastoral responses that address the received a lot of negative push back. However, it’s needs of migrants through our own ministries. It worth remembering that he’s not the first pope to was important that not only bishops and persons make this comparison: who work within departments specifically oriented towards migrants, such as Migrant and Refugee “The émigré Holy Family of Nazareth, fleeing into Services, be present because ministry with and for Egypt, is the archetype of every refugee family. Jesus, migrants belongs to all of us and should be included Mary and Joseph, living in exile in Egypt to escape the in our daily work. fury of an evil king, are, for all times and all places, the models and protectors of every migrant, alien and The stated goals for the encounter were to shed refugee of whatever kind who, whether compelled by light on migrant farmworkers work conditions, fear of persecution or by want, is forced to leave his Outdoor Mass in Hatch, NM. immigration laws that affect them and other native land, his beloved parents and relatives, his close migrants at the border, the difficulties of their friends, and to seek a foreign soil.” — Pope Pius XII, journey, their faith, their sacramental and spiritual Exsul Familia Nazarethana needs. “In this misfortune experienced by the Family of I was honored to represent my secretariat and it is Nazareth, obliged to take refuge in Egypt, we can catch my hope and prayer that we were able to be present a glimpse of the painful condition in which all migrants as we listened, shared stories, and broke bread live, especially, refugees, exiles, evacuees, internally with a relatively small number of the hundreds of displaced persons, those who are persecuted. We can thousands “invisible” human beings that work hard take a quick look at the difficulties that every migrant to bring food to our tables. family lives through, the hardships and humiliations, the deprivation and fragility of millions and millions It was heart-breaking to meet and see fellow of migrants, refugees and internally displaced people. human beings trying desperately to enter the United The Family of Nazareth reflects the image of God States because of the violence and extreme poverty safeguarded in the heart of every human family, even in their home countries, only to be rejected and if disfigured and weakened by emigration.” — Pope forced to return home penniless and often to life Benedict XVI, Message for World Day of Migrants threatening situations. Most of these people were and Refugees, 2007 women and their children. “This Sunday is World Day of Migrants and Refugees, It was overwhelming to visit one of the largest which every year invites us to reflect on the experience Bishop Oscar Cantú with a migrant grocery store sites where human beings were of numerous men and women and a great many worker from El Paso, TX. targeted and murdered simply because they were families who leave their homeland in search of a better Latinos. Bishop Mark Seitz, our local host as the standard of living. Migration is sometimes voluntary Bishop of El Paso, shared that many young people and at other times, unfortunately, is forcefully imposed and children are saying that for the first time they by war or persecution and often happens — as we know are afraid to go outside. — in dramatic circumstances. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) As I reflect on the visit during this Advent Season, was set up 60 years ago for this reason. On the Feast I remember that the Holy Family was a migrant of the Holy Family, straight after Christmas, we recalled family – on the move to Bethlehem and then to that Jesus’ parents were also obliged to flee from their Egypt to escape Herod’s threat to kill the newborn country and seek refuge in Egypt, to save the life of their Jesus. They too were people on the move as a Child: the Messiah, the Son of God was a refugee.”— means of protection and survival. Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus, January 16, 2011. Chili fields. While most people would agree that Christians Like migrants around the world, we too, are on have an obligation to shield refugees seeking a journey to God. The same God who crossed the shelter from a murderous tyrant who wishes to border between Heaven and Earth to encounter and kill their children, some have commented that it accompany us back to Him. Let us accompany one is immoral and blasphemous to imply that by that another, like the biblical innkeeper who assisted same reasoning we are all obligated to shield illegal the Holy Family, offering help and refuge to those immigrants. Not really, and not at all a matter of in need. blasphemy. If a wage-earner has a choice between p. 10 Prayer for the Proyecto Juvenil Hispano

God of love and mercy, we give you thanks for the journey of Encuentro, Dialogue, and Communion in which the Church walks ahead to welcome the dreams of the young, to accompany and send forth young people, sending them with the joy of the Gospel, as missionary disciples, witnesses of Your love.

Fill us with the light and strength of your Holy Spirit, in order that in this very moment, we pass from dreams to action, from encounter to mission.

Send us deep into the ocean, to cast the net together. With courage and enthusiasm, may we embrace the Project of your kingdom, the path of love, with renewed commitment on the missionary journey.

We ask this of you in the name of your Resurrected Son, with the intercession of our Blessed Mother, Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe and that of all the patron saints of young people. Amen.

Credits: Lulitobal / Cathopic.

p. 11 p. 12 How beautiful it is to be able to rejoice in Christ is alive! Viva Cristo! In a spirit of the birth of our savior. May his light shine pastoral de conjunto and synodality, I am brightly in your hearts and guide your grateful for the opportunity to journey journey and especially your ministry with together with those who minister alongside our young church. youth and young adults, in particular Cynthia Psencik(Martinez)/ Vice-President Hispanic Latino jóvenes across the United States. Blessed Christmas to all those who tirelessly minister in the Lord’s name to our young people. Thank you for allowing me to walk with and learn from you. Paul Jarzembowski/ Ex-Oficio Board Member Peace, love, and blessings are the ingredients that must fill our homes this Christmas. May the joy of receiving Emmanuel, God with us, inspire our hearts and fill us with hope for a better tomorrow. May our jóvenes find the light of Norma Velez de Garcia/ Member at Large our Savior where they experience and see darkness. May we be a light to them in their lives. Mirna Ochoa/ Treasurer

The Lord calls us to enkindle stars in the night of young people (CV 33). May Christmas is the best example of great things this Christmas and the New Year fill coming in small packages. The best gift the world with us the light of Christ so that we was ever given came in the form of a little baby. May can bring many jóvenes to Him! the shinning light of baby Jesus be bright during the Rev. Rafael Capó/ Advisor 365 days of 2020. Love+prayes+Blessings, Marthamaria Morales/ Communication

There is so much to do, prepare, and organize For unto us a child is born! in this Season of Advent and Christmas. Let Let’s celebrate that CHRIST IS ALIVE and us not forget Christ himself amidst it all. May inviting us to set out towards ever new horizons. we invite the Christ Child to be born anew Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! in our hearts and in our lives this Christmas Adriana Visoso/ President season that we may truly have an encounter with Him, the Prince of Peace! Brittany Garcia/ Secretary

In this #Advent season, we need to renew our attention to Jesus. Because he is the only source of true joy. Archbishop Jose H. Gomez / Episcopal Liaison

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