Father Manny Cardoza, administrator at Our Lady of Hope Parish, San Bernardino, began the day by guiding the youth in understanding their identity in relation to their faith. Using his life as an example, he shared how he changed over the years and how embracing his faith led him to find the happiness he was looking for.
“The Lord showed me true love,” Fr. Cardoza said. “I tried to buy my way and date my way to happiness. I surrounded myself with friends, but it wasn’t enough. Jesus is enough.”
Christina Gatica, a youth from St. Joseph Parish, Upland related to Fr. Cardoza’s talk and the skit created to serve as a reflection on the days theme.
“Hearing what changed him it showed me to be yourself and not focus on your friends or what others think,” Gatica said.
A skit created by youth from several parishes illustrated the need for youth to stay true to their identity. Organized by Briseida Garcia, a youth from St. John XXIII Parish, Fontana, the three-part skit encouraged the youth to reflect on how the world sees them and how that compares to how God sees them.
“I’ve learned a lot. I was going through some stuff and I found God and he helped me through it. I wanted to share in some way,” said Blanca Covarrubias, a youth from Immaculate Conception Parish, Colton who was an actor in the skit.
Following the keynote address, participants split into middle school and high school groups. Sister Catherine Nguyen, director of Faith Formation at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Ontario; Father Gregory Elder, Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick Parish, Moreno Valley and several youth leaders led the teens in the breakout sessions and discussion.
In the high school track, Fr. Elder challenged the youth to find their vocation in life.
He explained that a vocation is more than a calling to the priesthood or consecrated life, but a calling in life that everyone has. God has a plan for everyone, Fr. Elder said. His process for realizing what a person’s vocation is, called the youth to embrace their Catholic identity and practice their faith.
“There is something missing in your life that is stopping you from finding your vocation. Profess your faith, confess your sins and receive the Eucharist,” Fr. Elder said. “Then you are ready to know your vocation.”
The day ended with Mass celebrated by Father Steve Porter, Pastor at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Rialto.