LA Catholic teens rally their faith at ‘Called to Greatness’ event
Sixteen-year-old Gabriela Huizar didn’t expect to cry during the weekend. But when her small group began sharing one-on-one stories of struggle, doubt, and hope in God, she found herself tearing up and being comforted by someone she just met.
“He was validating me, saying, ‘You’re not alone, I’m going through the same thing,’ ” she said. “It’s really hard for teenagers to open up. But having that trust built in really opened my heart.”
Gabriela was one of 60 high school students who gathered July 26–27 at St. Joseph Salesian Youth Renewal Center in Rosemead for Called to Greatness, a two-day retreat aimed at helping Catholic teens deepen their faith and find strength in community. Hosted by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Youth Ministry division, the weekend offered a series of talks, discussions, and prayer experiences rooted in the message of the kerygma — the essential proclamation of the Gospel.