By Elena Macias, Wilfredo Aguirre and Virgilio Nanguce
The annual California Catholic Conference (CCC) Catholic Youth Advocacy Day took place on April 9, providing local Catholic youth an opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions to legislators at the State Capital in Sacramento.
Catholic school students from St. Jeanne de Lestonnac High School, Aquinas High School, two young parishioners from St. Joan of Arc in Victorville and one youth representing the Diocesan Catholics of African Descent Ministry attended this year’s Advocacy Day. The bills they selected to focus on ranged from Senate Bill 98 (protections for undocumented students in schools), Senate Bill 64 (education expenses), and Assembly Bill 1098 (rights for undergraduate pregnant women).
In preparation for Advocacy Day, the Catholic youth had several meetings and a “mock lobby day” with Mario Flores, San Bernardino City Council Member, who helped prepare the students and provided inspirational words of encouragement.
After starting their morning off with a briefing by members of the CCC, the Catholic youth were off to meet with the state’s representatives.
“It made me realize that really anybody can be an advocate,” said Ogechi Nwuke, representing the Diocesan Catholics of African Descent Ministry. “The Lord has called upon all of us to come here and spread His message and we can truly have an impact on what goes on in our state just by showing up here today with all of us.”
Mireya Torres, one of the coordinators of the young adult ministry, Rooted, at St. Joan of Arc, said she was grateful to witness the experience of the two young parishioners, Destiny Sanchez and Kevin Martinez.
“It allowed Kevin and Destiny to see what lobbying is really like… They were able to see in real life how they can integrate their Catholic faith, our Catholic faith, into everyday life. In this specific case, into politics… It really gives the youth an opportunity to see what’s out there and it gives them something to look forward to, gives them hands-on experience and I would say I experienced gratitude just being there with them.”
Kevin Martinez expressed the joy he felt participating in Advocacy Day, noting his previous experience in the political arena.
“I would say it was a lot of fun; you get to advocate for good causes and plus it’s beneficial,” he said. “My most memorable moment would be getting to meet with the Senator, herself, Mrs. [Suzette Martinez] Valladerez, I actually interned for her before and it was a pleasure seeing her again and it was fun seeing her even though it was brief, I enjoyed it.”
The students from St. Jeanne de Lestonnac High School unfortunately did not hear back from any of their district’s representatives, so they did not have any scheduled meetings, but that did not stop them from walking the halls, meeting with whoever they encountered and advocating.
“We were literally just going down the hall… just reading the names… and out of nowhere, the assemblymember was right there,” said Michael Pascual, St. Jeanne de Lestonnac theology teacher. “He joked with us saying, ‘hey, what do you think of this guy?’ And he sparked up a conversation with us. Turns out that he went to Catholic school for most of his education, so it was a really great encounter.”
Having the opportunity to advocate for bills that the youth were passionate about was one thing, but they said doing so as Catholics was also very important.
“It felt really impactful and really special to participate in this event because I’m living out my Catholic social teachings,” said St. Jeanne de Lestonnac High School student James Navaroli. “Not only bringing awareness to issues but being a voice for the voiceless, which was something that was talked about a lot throughout my life, that I now feel like I can do more. It just gives me increased confidence in the future and what I can do to help the Church, the world and everyone.”
Another student, Christian Gallegos from Aquinas High School, also shared a similar viewpoint on the true meaning of the day.
“I do feel like it is important to practice your faith in the political process because of the moral guidelines that the Church gives you through the Church’s [social] teachings,” Gallegos said. “I believe the Church’s [social] teachings of human dignity is extremely important to consider when talking about advocating for bills and laws.”
Added Pascual, “it’s having hope for the future that there are young people that are out there that are critically minded but strongly faithful that want to make a difference on behalf of the faith. Professionally building toward the kingdom of God.”
For inquiries on attending next year’s Catholic Youth Advocacy Day, please contact the Diocesan Office of Advocacy by calling or emailing the director, Wilfredo Aguirre, at (909) 475-5351 and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..