Region I Hosts impactful Regional Encuentro "Come and See"

On Saturday, July 18, 123 young adults and leaders from the dioceses of Region I of New England participated in a regional gathering titled “Come and See,” organized by the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry. It was a great opportunity to listen, pray, and discern together how God is calling this region of the country to build a vibrant Catholic youth ministry.

The National Catholic Network de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana - LaRED had the honor of supporting and co-sponsoring the event, along with several ecclesial and social organizations present in the region. Activities like this, along with pastoral leaders such as those who participated in the gathering, demonstrate that New England is ready for a dynamic pastoral juvenil Hispana.

Background:

In January of 2026, the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry began a two-year initiative to accompany the pastoral juvenil leadership of the 11 dioceses that make up New England. Through regional events, consultations, and quality formation, the initiative seeks to support pastoral agents who accompany hundreds of thousands of young Hispanic Catholics, from bishops and priests to leaders of grupos de jovenes.

Between January and July of this year, Walter Mena, Associate Director for Pastoral Juvenil Hispana, has been in dialogue and consultation with diocesan and parish leaders across the region. Among the findings of these consultations has been that:

• Young Hispanic Catholics desire formation and accompaniment

• Parishes seek to better integrate the new Hispanic generations

• Pastoral offices want to walk with an intentional shared vision, rather than siloed ones

Walter Mena, Associate Director for Pastoral Juvenil Hispana - Boston College, with diocesan and parish leaders at the regional encuentro

Photos and information courtesy of Walter Mena.