BRAINTREE -- On July 18, 123 young adults, deacons, religious, volunteers, and pastoral leaders representing the Hispanic communities of New England's 11 Catholic dioceses met for the "Come and See" Regional Encuentro at Boston College.

The Encuentro, part of the Clough School of Theology and Ministry's Regional Hispanic Youth and Young Adult Ministry Initiative, was inspired by Pope Francis's apostolic exhortation "Christus vivit," addressed to young people following the synod held in 2018. In synodal fashion, the Encuentro is a forum where Hispanic Catholics can speak openly about what they need from their dioceses.

"The Encuentro is a dialogue with the young people, to try to understand where are they, what are their needs, what are their hopes," said Walter Mena, associate director of Hispanic Youth and Young Adult Ministry Leadership at the Clough School.

Participants in the Encuentro sat down together, six to eight at each table. They spoke, listened to each other, and reported what they had heard. Speaking to Hispanic youth in New England's dioceses, Mena has found "different realities." He has spoken to many young people who work on rural farms, speak little English, and are concerned about their immigration status. To him, it is the Church's responsibility to accompany them.

"They want a companion," he said.

Those who are not proficient in English want more bilingual resources in their parishes, especially for young adult ministries. Despite the obstacles, the young people have strong faith, which gives Mena hope.

"Even in the most challenging situations, especially, for example, immigration," he said. "Not just with them but their families, or their friends, or their neighborhood. So they see the community of faith has a space of hope."

The young people who attend events like the Encuentro maintain the strong faith that their family passed down to them. However, they notice their peers falling away from the Church. Mena said the Encuentro is a place for them "to be formed and to be equipped" to evangelize.

"I think the importance of this is, it doesn't mean separation of the Hispanic," he said. "It's more, get ready and approach the needs of them to be integrated."

Among the many organizations present at the Encuentro was the Archdiocese of Boston's Multicultural Ministry, directed by Wendy Mejia. She said the Encuentro was a place to form Hispanic young adults into leaders in their communities.

"Investing in the formation of young leaders will help them recognize their gifts, deepen their faith, and equip them to take an active role in the life and mission of the Church," she said.

She has found that Hispanic youth and young adults are eager to serve the Church, but are "navigating questions of identity, culture, immigration, faith, work, relationships, and belonging."

"Some feel disconnected from the Church because they do not feel welcomed, understood, or represented, or see their experiences reflected in parish life," she said. "We are called to listen intentionally, accompany young people in their faith journeys, and create spaces where they can ask questions, share experiences, and encounter Christ."