Spanish-speaking youth urged priests and lay ministers of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to help them grow in their Catholic faith and to develop their gifts of service in the church at an archdiocesan "Encuentro" Nov. 5.

The day-long discussion and faith sharing brought together about 100 youth and young adults from 15 parishes to Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto High School in Los Angeles.

Young Hispanics are challenged by language issues and by an American culture that is busier than their countries of origin and allows much less time for faith sharing and mentoring between youth and adults, said Ana Grande, coordinator of ministry with young adults for the archdiocesan Office of Religious Education.

"Jesus came to proclaim the dignity of each person," Cardinal Roger Mahony told the youth during Mass. "We have a responsibility to share the good news with others, especially with our families."

He talked to the youth about how they can offer concrete service to their families, at school and at work. The cardinal also told them that the starting point for discussing their role in the church is to understand their role as disciples of Christ called "to be salt and light in the world."

The national Encuentro process was convoked by the U.S. Conference of Bishops to affirm the Catholic identity of Hispanic youth and young adults and encourage their active participation in the church.

During one of the afternoon workshops, presenter Louis Velasquez told the young immigrants that being Catholic "means that no one is outside your blessing. You can't exclude anyone." He encouraged the youth to get to know youth from other cultural groups like African-Americans and Filipinos by attending their celebrations with an attitude of respect.

"If people see you loving everyone they will follow you," said Velasquez.

Selvin Rodriguez, 29, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Altadena coordinates the parish youth group. "The youth need a joyful church," he said. "To be Catholic is to be joyful like youth are."

Rodriguez said that immigrant youth without documents often feel discouraged about not being able to attend college. He encourages them to keep studying wherever they can and to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves.

Natalie Calderon, 20, attended the event with a group of youth and young adults from Mother of Sorrows Church in South Los Angeles. Calderon said she was seriously considering religious life. "I've been on God's path since I was 13 years old," she said.