Brenda Angel

For the past four and a half years, Brenda Angel has served as coordinator of Consejo Pastoral. In her words, the overall mission is: “to serve as an evangelizing body and address the young adult Hispanic community’s pastoral needs.” This means bringing together young adults from different parishes and diverse Spanish-speaking cultures, primarily through retreats, formation, and community events.

Throughout the year, the Consejo hosts weekend gatherings, the Tardeada picnic, and Christmas Posadas. Filled with the music, traditions, and cuisine of Latin America, these celebrations foster fellowship while strengthening participants' shared faith and cultural identity.

As CPJH transitions to a new board, Brenda hopes they will continue building unity among young adults long after her service concludes. Looking back, she says the ministry has transformed her as much as those it serves. “In this ministry, Christ has been like a potter who, in the process of molding me, has tested me to forgive, understand, show compassion, see, listen, and love in a more Christ-like way.”

Maria Quintana

Maria Quintana's involvement in the Consejo Pastoral Juvenil came at a critical transition point in her life. Having served in youth ministry for years, she found herself needing something different. Unsure of her next steps, she attended the CPJH retreat, “El Corazon Que Sana Tu Corazon” or “The Heart that Heals Your Heart.”

“That retreat gave me the opportunity to connect with the Lord in a different, distinct way. Talking to a priest and seeking advice confirmed that it was time for a change.” That weekend, she was impressed by the leadership of the CPJH and discovered her own call to serve as one of its organizers. She will be stepping into the role of sub coordinator this fall.

“The work of the Consejo Pastoral has motivated me to continue to say yes to this ministry. It is offering me new ways to strengthen my faith and seek more." If she had to describe Jesus in one word, it would be ‘friend.’ “Christ met me where I was. I have laughed with Him and cried with Him. He has still always shown up and shown me how much value and purpose I have.”

Juanita Mena

Juanita Mena, who is stepping up as the new coordinator, also echoed the hope for CPJH to continue to foster connections throughout the diocese. She remarked. “I believe we need to foster a sense of fraternity amongst the diocese’s many Hispanic ministries. It is wonderful to build that bond amongst leaders so they can motivate more young people to become ministry leaders.”

For herself, “Attending a young adult ministry, I was constantly inspired by the leaders serving the Lord with so much love, joy and selflessness. They made me want to serve the Lord in the same way. Throughout my years of service, it has been absolutely beautiful to witness God transforming many hearts and lives including mine.”

She emphasized, “This ministry taught me the importance of service, compassion, love, unity, fraternity, and having a personal relationship with God, allowing Him to guide us and trusting in Him even when we feel fearful, or feel uncertainty in His path. All He asks is a willing heart.”

Christ, Our Everything!

For all three leaders, Maria, Brenda, and Juanita, Christ has become, in a word, everything! Like Maria, Juanita also describes Jesus as her friend. She shared, “I can talk to Him about everything, from my worries and hardships to my greatest moments of joy.” For Brenda, Christ is "the greatest source of love and mercy I could have ever imagined finding."

Associate Director of Young Adult Life Carolina Alejandre shared her belief that, “The Consejo Pastoral Juvenil is going to be a key player in helping open up the pastoral plan; they offer an example of servant leadership for all our young adults in the Diocese of San José.”

As a new generation of leaders steps forward, the Consejo Pastoral Juvenil Hispano continues to build unity, foster servant leadership, and connect Hispanic young adults. For Maria, “My new role at Consejo Pastoral feels like a new adventure with Christ. Since the beginning, I just kept feeling like He really wanted me here. I am trusting in His plan for me and for the young adult Hispanic community, and also just trusting in Him despite all my fears and doubts because I know He is such a good friend.”