By Luis Chacon

Anaheim, California – On Friday, February 16th, Dr. JC Montenegro, Province Delegate for Missionary Animation, delivered an enlightening workshop at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. His presentation addressed the fundamental aspects of the evangelization process and highlighted an urgent concern: the need to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

For years, Montenegro has been a committed leader in youth ministry and missionary work. His close collaboration with various youth groups, including those preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, has gleaned significant insights for him into the field of evangelization. Montenegro addressed the startling reality that many youth participating in Confirmation retreats are unsure of their faith or do not believe in God. 

Instead of assuming that youth have already had a personal encounter with Christ, Montenegro advocated refocusing on the evangelization process’s first step: the testimony of love and charity that precedes words. Some examples of pastoral charity, of testimony, that Dr Montenegro shared were opening dialogue with young people and children through listening, offering the “sacrament of presence” (spending time with children and young people in what they like), and being kind to people in the ordinary matters of daily life.  This approach, he argued, can transform the experience of sacramental catechesis from mere religious instruction to a vital encounter with the person of Jesus Christ.  

Montenegro addressed nearly a thousand participants, including parish leaders, youth ministers, religious brothers and sisters, and priests. This diverse group of attendees reflects the topic’s relevance in the context of youth ministry and evangelization. 

The session served as a call for all pastoral communities to reassess their approach to evangelization, inspiring them to rediscover the beauty and urgency of the living testimony of the Gospel for young people today.