LISTENING TO THE YOUNG CHURCH:
Highlights from the Diocese of San José
Youth Assembly
Youth Assembly 2025:
Listening to the Young Church
On Saturday, March 29, more than 270 middle and high school students from nearly every parish in the Diocese of San José gathered at Saint Francis High School for our first-ever Youth Assembly. It wasn’t a retreat, a rally, or a youth conference. It was something different: a day to listen.
Together with 85 facilitators and volunteers, and 42 clergy, these young people shared their lived experiences of faith—what gives them hope, what holds them back, and what they long to see in the Church. The Assembly was a key milestone in our diocesan pastoral plan, reflecting one of its core convictions: that renewal begins with listening.
A Different Kind of Gathering
The day opened with a warm welcome from Bishop Oscar Cantú, who reminded delegates that their presence wasn’t random—it was intentional.
“You were invited because your voice matters—to me, to our Church, and most importantly, to God.”
Teens broke into small groups for honest conversations about their faith, their doubts, and the realities they face in school, at home, and in friendships. These weren’t hypothetical questions—they were grounded in the voices of more than 4,200 youth who responded to our diocesan Youth Survey earlier this year. Facilitators listened. Clergy listened. The Church listened.
Delegates also met with others from their own parishes to discuss how they could carry what they heard back into their home communities. It was a powerful reminder that change doesn’t just happen at large events—it happens in everyday relationships.
Worship That Leads to Encounter
The day closed with Eucharistic Adoration in the school gym. Bishop Cantú placed the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance as teens knelt in prayer, surrounded by candlelight and praise music led by their peers.
Before Adoration began, emcees Kevin Bernaga and Katie Sullivan offered a short reflection on what it means to adore something, not because it’s cute or impressive, but because it’s holy. They invited delegates to be fully present—to bring their burdens, their questions, their hopes—and to rest in the presence of Christ.
One of the most moving moments came near the end, when each group was asked to offer a single word to express what they were taking away from the day. Words like belonging, home, peace, heard, and real echoed across the gym.
Gratitude and What Comes Next
We’re deeply grateful to Jason Curtis, president of Saint Francis High School, and the staff who hosted us so generously. Thank you to every volunteer, facilitator, and priest who gave their Saturday to walk alongside our young people. And most of all, thank you to the youth themselves for showing up with honesty, courage, and faith.
The Youth Assembly builds on the feedback gathered from the 2025 Youth Survey and 14 in-person listening sessions across the diocese. A summary report of these findings will be coming soon.
This is just the beginning. What we heard at the Youth Assembly will shape how our diocese invests in youth ministry in the years ahead. One thing is clear: our young people are not the future of the Church—they are the Church. And they are ready to lead.
Watch highlight videos
Youth Assembly Highlight Video
Bishop Cantú’s Opening Address
Youth Assembly Eucharistic Adoration