GONZALEZ: Dear young Latino Catholics of Houston...

A young woman smiles while joining an Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration in Houston. (Photo by James Ramos/Herald)Dear young Latino Catholics of Houston...

This letter is for you — for all our brothers and sisters of Hispanic and Latino heritage in the Archdiocese. You are the beating heart of a community that has carried faith across generations, languages and borders. You are more than a demographic; you are a living, breathing expression of the Church’s diversity and resilience. 

You embody the richness of traditions passed down by your padres y abuelos and the new possibilities of leadership in today’s world. This is your moment, and the Church is calling you to step forward. 

Some of you pray in Spanish, the language of your parents and grandparents, where every canto and rosary bead feels familiar. Others of you live between two worlds, speaking English at school, Spanish at home, and often blending them into Spanglish with friends. And some of you do not speak Spanish at all, yet still carry the faith and traditions your ancestors cherished. These differences in language do not divide us — they remind us that Catholicism is universal, and that every tongue has a place at the altar.

Our traditions — La Virgen de Guadalupe, Dia de la Candelaria, Los Aguinaldos, Quinceañeras — are not just events, but powerful encounters with faith. They remind us of the strength of family, the beauty of community and the joy of celebrating God’s presence in everyday life. Even when the world outside pulls you in a thousand directions, these traditions root you in a faith that is bigger than yourself. 

Many of you wrestle with questions of identity. “Am I Latino enough if I don’t speak Spanish?” “Do I belong in church if I don’t understand the Mass?” These struggles are real. But hear this clearly: your Catholic identity is not determined by language — it is sealed in Baptism and lived through love, service and prayer. 

We also know that some of you balance school with work to support your households. Others feel limited by a lack of resources for retreats, college or parish activities. Yet even in these challenges, your faith can become a source of strength and hope. 

We cannot ignore that many families in Houston are touched by the immigration crisis. Some of you may have relatives who live in fear of separation, or who struggle to find stability while seeking a better life. As a Church, caminamos contigo. The Gospel calls us to defend the dignity of every person, especially the vulnerable. Know this: you are not alone. Your faith, your parish and your wider Catholic family stand with you, offering hope, courage and belonging. 
  
Empowering you for the 21st Century 
The Archdiocese is working to meet you where you are. Programs are being shaped to include your voices, respect your culture and help you grow as leaders. We want you to know: the Church is not only a place where you receive, but also where you lead. 

Youth leadership and mentorship programs are opening new doors. Bilingual and culturally responsive programs like Raices y Fe Youth Summit have been developed to celebrate and learn more about the blending of our diverse Latino culture and our rich Catholic faith, as well as empowering you to be leaders in your faith and community. Additionally, a new bilingual youth retreat is in the works for all high school youth within our Archdiocese, scheduled to take place in March 2026. 

Your faith journey is not one where you walk alone — your parents, grandparents and community stand beside you. Together, we are building networks of support so that no young Catholic feels left behind. 

So, young Latino Catholics of Houston, the Church needs you! Tu voz, your creativity, your courage y tu fe are essential for shaping tomorrow’s Church. Hold fast to your traditions but also dare to innovate. Stay rooted in family but also rise as leaders. This is your Church. This is your time. And together, we can create a vibrant, inclusive future for all Hispanic Catholics in Houston — one where your culture and your faith shine brightly for generations to come.
  
Jeanette Gonzalez is an associate director of Hispanic Youth Ministry in the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization.