The Catholic Standard & Times

You are invited

By Kermith Brau
Special to the CS&T

The journey of Encuentro has changed my life. However, the way that journey began is an example of how we can change each other's lives.

I got involved in the National Encuentro process at the invitation of my friend, Ray Pacheco. He asked if I would join him and his son, Eric, in helping get some participants from our parish, St. Agnes, to go to the Encuentro.

I participated in the training sessions and helped to bring youth from St. Agnes to the Diocesan Encuentro at St. Williams in February. Now, months later, that simple invitation led me to share my faith in a profound way with 2,000 fellow Latino Catholics from across the country.

My hopes are that Catholic ministry will acknowledge the Hispanic community as part of one Church, not a separate group. The Church can offer a truly catholic invitation to Latinos by educating Hispanic young adults about government assistance, drivers' licenses, health care, schools and marriage.

I hope to return and offer an invitation to young adults at my parish by creating a youth group.

I have had a life-changing experience by being part of this Encuentro and all it took was an outstretched hand, an invitation. Imagine what our Church would look like if we continued to invite everyone to the table. Imagine what our Church would look like if our hands stretched across cultural divides and we listened to each other.

As a result of the Encuentro, I learned that Jesus has extended the same invitation to us all. I can't wait to show others all that can happen when you accept that invitation.

Kermith Brau is 35 years old and a member of St. Agnes Parish in West Chester. Kermith has been involved in the Encuentro process as as a faciliatator and a delegate since December.

Young Hispanics speak up:
We are ‘hungry’ for a relationship with God

By Suheily Flores
Special to the CS&T

There are many young Hispanics who are searching, and are hungry for a relationship with God.

We need and want our individual forms of worship. We want to participate in Church events and Masses that are sensitive to our rich culture and traditions.

The Hispanic youth need to be seen as strong followers and leaders in the Catholic faith and Church. However, there have been times when the young Latino community has felt marginalized within our own religious communities.

Participating in the first National Encuentro has given me a sense of hope. I now have hope that the needs of all the youth in the regions will be met, especially in Philadelphia. I have hope that positive changes will take place for young Catholic Latinos.

Being part of the Encuentro process has shown me that I am not alone in my "hunger for God."

At this moment of my life, I try my very best to make the Lord the center of my life.

I have found that a deep, personal relationship with Jesus has improved my life in so many ways: it has helped me move forward in my leadership roles.

I am a working with St. Hugh of Cluny's Parish youth ministry team, and now I work full-time at the Office for the Vicar for Hispanic Catholics.

Having the Lord at the center of my life has improved my personal life, too. I know and believe that God is my friend and He is my all.

My personal hope is that the Hispanic youth will take leadership roles in their lives, faith and communities. In turn, through the work and the grace of the Lord, the youth will find the strongest foundation they will ever need, which is God our Savior.

Suheily Flores is 21 years old, and a member of St. Hugh of Cluny Parish. She has been involved in the Encuentro process since the Archdiocesan Encuentro in February.