Maria del Pilar Guzman

When Washington Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjívar was 19 years old, he set out on a perilous journey from El Salvador to the United States, arriving at his destiny on the trunk of a car.

Even though Hispanics account for more than 42% of U.S. Catholics, the number of U.S. born Hispanics serving the church -- as lay ministers, women and men religious, seminarians, priests and deacons -- has remained relatively low. Looking to increase the number of young Hispanic Catholics serving the church, diocesan offices, theologians and educators are exploring ways to invest in this population, with a renewed hope of revitalizing ministries and faithful engagement throughout the U.S. Catholic Church.