'Here the church is their family and they know they are loved': The Church reaches out to Hispanics

'The seeds that have been planted are starting to sprout.'

Louisiana's Diocese of Shreveport has hired its first diocesan for Hispanic youths.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Hispanics compose over half the United States' Catholics yet several states offer little to no Spanish-language or Latino-centered church groups.

The Diocese of Shreveport decided to change that by hiring Marcos Gonzalez Billalba to form an outreach to Hispanic youths in Louisiana.

According to Extension Magazine, Villalba explained he would be helping local parishes reach out to young adults and children in the Latino community.

With Villalba's help, Hispanics are now included in diocesan-wide events, retreats, workshops and leadership camps.

"The seeds that have been planted are starting to sprout," Villabla explained. "More people in our Hispanic community are excited about their faith and share their love for God within their own culture."

CNS described Edgar Pardo, one of the young adult group leaders, claimed Villalba is the "heartbeat of the young adult groups" and "has made a huge difference" in how the Church connects with young Hispanics.

Pardo said young Hispanics often "fall by the wayside" but with Villalba's help, Latino participation and attendance has improved.

Many have taken on roles as Eucharistic ministers and choir members.

Villalba believes his presence is that of a "gentle puente," a bridge builder. He explained: "The church has build a bridge to them, so they can come across.

"They realize they have the potential to give back. That also reaches outside the walls of the church. [T]hey now extend the arms of Christ to others" by helping the disabled and elderly.

With Villalba's help, the diocesan leadership team has begun talks with Hispanic men and women about entering religious lives.

The Shreveport Diocese boasts its first Hispanic seminarians. The three Hispanic seminarians attend youth retreats and share their inspirational stories to help the Latino youth "learn to be leaders among their peers, in their homes and at school."

Villalba explained: "We help them develop their potential so that they know that they are special in God's eyes. Here the church is their family and they know they are loved."

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