Latino youths evangelize communities

By Alfonso Aguilar
Catholic Herald
November 8, 2007

Dozens of Latino youths from diocesan parishes visited nearly 800 Latino homes during the Hispanic Youth Office’s annual Mission Door-to-Door last Saturday.

“Your mission is to spread God’s word to those families in need of faith, and you must do it with enthusiasm, taking advantage of your youth,” said Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde, who prayed with youths at St. Thomas More School in Arlington before they fanned out.

“In homes where the presence of God is not palpable, your presence as young people committed to your faith is very important.”

Father Eugenio Hoyos, director of the Spanish Apostolate Office, also encouraged participants to teach the Catholic faith with happiness.

“Don’t try to reach many families, many souls. Just try to convince one, that’s the mission of each of you today,” he said.

The evangelization mission includes visits to buildings and houses in places like Arlington, Fairfax, Sterling, Woodbridge, Alexandria and Falls Church.

“We certainly had less participants this year, but those involved, boys and girls, had a lot of experience and are more committed to our mission,” said Antonio Pérez-Alcalá, director of the Hispanic youth office.

“Based on the impressions I got from them, the balance is very positive. It was a wonderful experience even for those who have five or more years on this journey,” said Pérez-Alcalá.

Most of the participants agreed that in many Hispanic homes there is a great need to know the real Catholic faith to diminish the influence of other affiliations and sects.

“This is exactly the goal of our mission,” said Pérez-Alcalá. “But we need more missions during the year to reach out to those Hispanic families.”

The mission included a Mass celebrated by Father Hoyos, a dinner and a final prayer service at St. Agnes Parish in Arlington.