Hi my name is Mary Caroline A! I’m a sophomore at John Carroll and I am on the varsity tennis and cheerleading teams. I am also the Treasurer on the Student Council. I am a past alter server at Our Lady of Sorrows and a current member of the John Carroll sodality. I am very excited to go to World Youth Day because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to grow in my faith and to grow closer to God. Additionally, I want to learn how to evangelize. So far to help raise money, I have helped set up and work a silent auction at the Eucharistic celebration in my diocese.

My name is Nicole Alberson. I am a parishioner at Our Lady of Sorrows. You may have seen me at mass sitting with my husband, Jon, and our four children, Mary Caroline, Palmer, Hanes, and Jack, on the right side downstairs or the loft, or maybe we’ve met at the Madonna and Child Sodality Guild events, in the Adoration Chapel, VBS, fish-frys, the First Light shelter, substitute teaching for PSR, or Wee-K at OLS. 
God has blessed me with many ways to serve the Community, from being a Junior League sustainer to serving my last year in the Service Guild of Birmingham. I enjoyed serving as Secretary on the Service Guild Board for two years, but my true passion was volunteering weekly in the classroom for the past 5 years with the children at the Bell Center for Early Intervention Services, right next door to OLS. It is my gift and duty to serve my community, and I hope to instill that sense of love of neighbor into my family. 
Between the sports games, homework, and school events, I am involved in two different Bible studies with fellow parishioners of OLS. I also serve on the Shades Cahaba PTO, have been Winter Festival Chair, serve as Secretary and Fundraiser Chairs of the Hollywood Garden Club, and am slated to serve as Treasurer of the Madonna and Child Sodality Guild this August. 
God has graciously given me the time and the talent to share His love with our community, which I hope to continue to do until I’m old and gray. I volunteered to be an OLS adult chaperone for World Youth Day, not only to care for the teenagers of our diocese while overseas, but also to model the importance of taking every opportunity to be filled with the the Holy Spirit. I’d love to share our Fatima experience, to inspire more parishioners, particularly the youth of our church, to fill their lives with the Holy Spirit.
I am reminded of the story in the Gospels where Jesus called his disciples to leave everything and follow him. While it is always difficult for a mother to leave her responsibilities, I do feel the call to go and serve. Thank you for your prayers and financial support for our group. You are a blessing to us all! 

My name is Kevin A. I am a Junior in Guntersville High School. I have been a part of Saint  William's Catholic church in Guntersville Alabama ever since my first Communion in 2013 and until now. I volunteer and help the church with any events that we have. I've been playing soccer for Guntersville High School since my 7th grade year. Some of my hobbies are working out and playing the trumpet.The reason why I want to go World Youth Day is to see the leader of the Roman Catholic church, the pope, also to see another country’s different kind of culture, and a good opportunity to visit a beautiful country. How I will raise the money to reach this goal is by going to every fundraiser on Sundays after Mass, by selling food, and attending the upcoming fall festival that we will be having at Saint William's Catholic Church.

My name is Samantha A. I’m a senior at Guntersville High school. I've attended Saint William's Catholic Church since 2013 for my first Communion until now. I help at the Church as much as I can at  the Sunday classes with the kindergartners. I've been involved with many things, Guntersville High School soccer during my 7th- 12th grade years, I did anchor club from 7th-10th. We helped with the homeless by doing charity and helping at the nursing home by making blankets and goodie bags singing Christmas songs. I am an intern at the Elementary School and help teach the kindergartners. I’m also in the Spanish Honor society.
I would like to go to World Youth Day because it would give me an opportunity to learn more about my religion and meet Pope Francis and meet other students from different parishes and get closer with the group of people I'm going with. It's an opportunity to travel to a different country. How I'll raise money is by helping at the church with any fundraisers. We will serve food after church on  Sunday night after Mass and have our fall festival that will be happening soon. 

My name is Martha Angel. I’m 28 years old from Pelham, Alabama. I’ve attended Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church  in Birmingham my whole life and I’ve been actively serving in varies areas in the Hispanic community since 2013. 

Once I’ve learned about World Youth Day I knew that the opportunity to attend would not come often. I am looking forward to learn and grow more in my faith and what better way than alongside other young adults from all parts in the world. 

Thank you and God bless! 

Hello, my name is David Balzer.  I was born into the Catholic faith. I currently attend St. William church in Guntersville Alabama. My interests are being in the outdoors and mechanical electrical pursuits.  I have volunteered at PSR on Sunday, youth night on Wednesday, and I’m a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. I’ve chaperoned at overnight camp outs, whitewater rafting, numerous retreats, and vacation Bible schools with our youth since 2007. 

I'm looking forward to visiting a country that is steeped in Catholicism.  I am most excited about being able to see the Pope in person.  

 In fund raising, we’ve had dance classes, carnivals, bingo, pancake breakfasts, and after Mass food sales. We plan to continue with this multipronged approach to fundraising.  I appreciate your prayers and your support.  

Hi! My name is TJ B. I go to John Carroll Catholic High School and I am a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Homewood, Alabama. I am a frequent altar server at OLS, a member of the Adult Ensemble Choir, and I am also a Pontifical Server in the diocese. When I heard about World Youth Day, I knew that I wanted to go! World Youth Day is very important to me because seeing people my age from all over the world to gather for the same reason is truly amazing! To raise funds for the trip, I’ve been participating in fundraisers with diocesan events. I hope to raise more in the near future! God Bless!

Hi! My name is William Jesus Castellanos, but you can call me Bill. I was born on March 27, 2005 on Easter Sunday, hence the middle name “Jesus”. I am an 11th grade student at Asbury High School. I live in a home with my mother and three younger, but annoying brothers. I am also a parishioner at St. William Catholic Church, which is located in Guntersville, AL. I’m mostly active on youth nights and attend Sunday Masses. Also, I am currently preparing for my Confirmation. Some of my hobbies include reading, manga, walking around the park, and playing video games.
I want to go to World Youth Day to find my purpose and place in this world during these troubling times. I know the purpose of a good Catholic is to obey God and help others. But what I want to know is what is my purpose? And mine only. As it is right now, I currently don’t have any idea of what career I want to study or what kind of job I want in the future. The thing is I don’t have the drive or the motivation to find that purpose. It would be nice if Pope Francis would enlighten me with a bit of his wisdom and the love of God, to help me find that purpose. With that purpose, I will find a career that will fulfill my life, but to also remain not just a good Catholic, but as a good human being on God’s green Earth. And who knows? Maybe I’ll contribute something to this world.
I am aiding the Church in selling food to raise funds for the trip. I will also work as many of the fundraisers as I can.
First of all, I want to thank with all my heart for letting me have this once in a lifetime golden opportunity to let me and my fellow parishioners participate in this important event. May God Bless You All.

I’m Hugo Castillo. I am 27 years old and from Russellville, AL. My favorite saint is St. Joseph and I enjoy anything outdoors.
I am currently serving as co-leader of the Hispanic young adult group “Jovenes Unidos a Cristo” of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover, AL. I want to go to World Youth Day because I grew up listening to amazing testimonies of friends and family who have gone before and would love nothing more than to be able to experience it myself by spending a week boldly expressing, sharing and living my Catholic faith with young people from all over the world. Our young adult group spent the summer putting on fundraiser events and will sell t-shirts this fall/winter in our parish to raise money for those participating in the pilgrimage! 

My name is Krysthell Castillo Aragon. I’m 34 years old, and I’m originally from Nicaragua. I have been working with Hispanic young adults in pastoral juvenil hispana for 8 years now. I am currently the coordinator of pastoral juvenil juvenil hispana for the Diocese of Birmingham, AL.

“I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.” 
Joshua 1:9

My name is Christine Castro. You might know me as Cristina. I'm originally from New Jersey but recently moved from Puerto Rico to Alabama. I am currently studying for my second bachelors in engineering. I have been part of the Holy Spirit Church for the last few years. At Holy Spirit Church,  I am very active in the Hispanic High School Youth Group, Young Adult Bible Study, and with the Pastoral Juvenil. Helping with this community has opened my eyes to the power and importance of serving and extending my faith to others. My favorite saint is St. Joseph, I like to call him my Homie Joseph. 

My dream since I was a child has been to experience World Youth Day. This opportunity doesn’t come often. Having the chance to go to World Youth Day, I will be able to experience something beautiful. Traveling with so many Young Catholic Adults from all around the world with the same goals will be truly marvelous. Having Jesus at my center and being able to experience, I know I am truly going to remember for the rest of my life. I would say this experience will be all about faith, hope, and love.

One thing that this trip reminds me of is the quote from a great Saint: “Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure.” -Pope Saint John Paul II. To help fundraise this event I will be working on selling food, along with hopefully selling t-shirts.

God Bless,

Christine

Hello, my name is Anne Margaret C., and I am 11 years old. I am a member at Saint Michael's Catholic Church, and I go to school at Saint Joseph Regional Catholic School. Some of the things that I like to do are play softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, singing, hanging out with my favorite cousin, and playing with my pets. I love going to the dances at my church with my cousin, too. I think it would be interesting to see the place where Mary appeared to the children in Fatima. The way we are trying to raise money to go is by having a yard sale, bake sales and a chicken dinner. Thank you!

Hi, my name is Whit C., and I am 13 years old. I am a member at Saint Michael's Catholic Church, and I go to school at Saint Joseph Catholic School. I like to play tennis, soccer, basketball, golf, swimming, video games, Pokémon cards and play with my pets. I just got back from my first time at Saint Bernard summer camp, and it was a lot of fun. I think it would be fun to go to Fatima with my friends and family to visit where Mary appeared to the children. Some of the ways that we are trying to raise money to go are to have a yard sale, bake sales and a chicken dinner.
Thank you, Whit

Hello! I am Teresa Chaney and I attend Saint Michael's Catholic Church. I am married to Brad Chaney and have two wonderful children, Anne Margaret, and Whit. I am a special education teacher, and we currently have a special needs PSR class and summer camp for our special needs parishioners, one of them being my younger brother.
I grew up in the Catholic Church, but when I started my teaching profession, I was asked about my faith by my co-workers. Sometimes I did not know the answers to the questions, or I was just plain wrong. The more I studied the Catholic faith to find the answers, the more I grew to love it and realize how wonderful the Catholic faith is. When I had kids, I wanted to be able to teach my children about faith and answer their questions. I feel a closeness to Mary and introduced my children to the Marian apparition of Fatima when it was the 100-year anniversary. It would be a wonderful opportunity to visit Fatima with my children. Some of the ways that we are raising money to attend this pilgrimage is to have a yard sale, bake sales and a chicken dinner. We hope to have more fundraisers throughout the year. Thank you for this opportunity!

Profile pending.

Hello everyone! My name is Evie Cleckler and I am a sophomore at John Carroll Catholic High School. I attend Our Lady of Sorrows, and I love going to life teen youth group on Sundays as well! In the past, I have helped out with Confirmation PSR classes on Sunday mornings for 8th graders, who were getting ready to be confirmed into the Catholic Church. I have also volunteered at the Confirmation retreat before. By being Catholic, we are called to help and serve others just as Jesus did in His life. I try to help out with the Church as much as I can, as well as help those around me. That’s why I feel as if going to the Portugal Pilgrimage for World Youth day will be a beautiful opportunity for me to grow in my faith, and maybe even further gain the wisdom for how God is calling me to help the people around me. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to go with my parish for World Youth Day, and I will continue to thank God everyday whether if it’s in His Will for me to go or not. I would greatly appreciate it if you donated, thank you so much for reading!
I’m Christ, 
Evie

HELLO! My name is Matthew Fletcher C. I am a parishioner at Saint William's Catholic Church in Guntersville, AL. I have been involved in church activities since my First Communion as an Altar Server and now also as a Lector. I am active in church activities, helping, along with my father, who is a Knight of Columbus, and my mother, who is an Auxiliary Minister of the Eucharist. I am also a Boy Scout from Troop 1071 in Albertville, Alabama, and I serve the city doing community work. My favorite work is at the "Second Chance Shelter," an animal shelter in Dekalb County, Alabama. I also play the guitar in my spare time.
I want to participate in this World Youth Day Trip to be able to share with other youth that attend this encounter. I want to visit the place where Our Lady of Fatima appeared to the three shepherds, and I want to meet the Pope.
I am participating in all activities to raise funds through the Church. 
I want to thank you in advance for your so much needed help and make possible that youth like myself have this unique experience that will remain forever in my hear, my memories and be able to pass it to my family and friends at school and church. Thank you for making this possible!!!!

I am Litzya Ramirez C. from the Chapel of the Holy Cross where I have been an altar server for seven years now. I have been in Eucharistic Adoration praying a Holy Hour weekly for the past two years. I enjoy helping around the church selling food with the various ministry groups. I also love attending daily Mass. In my free time, some of my interests are reading and writing.
To raise money for World Youth Day in my commmuntiy we are doing food sales and raffles. I will be helping in the food sales and the various activities that will be scheduled for us to raise money. Personally, I will save as much money as I can.
I want to go to world youth day because I’d love to meet other tennagers and young adults who are also interested in deepening their faith and growing closer to God. I'm thankful to have the opportunity to travel somewhere outside of the country to Portugal. In attending World Youth Day, I would like to better my spirituality and expand my knowledge on theChurch’s traditions and doctrines, attend Mass, learn more about how to be a disciple of Christ as a teenager, and visit holy places around Portugal. I would love to encounter this trip with many other teenagers who also share the same faith.

My name is Angie Dailey.  I am the Office Manager, Director of Religious Education and the Middle School and High School Youth Minister at St. Barnabas Catholic Church.  I am the mom of 6 children (4 girls and 2 boys) and the wife to my wonderful husband, Tony.  We have been married for 23 years.  I have been involved in church my whole life.  My parents were very active in church and I started teaching PSR right out of high school and have been following in their footsteps ever since..  My love of children and wanting to give back for all of my blessings led me to youth ministry. I would love to go to Portugal to visit Fatima and to experience World Youth Day.  I have some personal family intentions that I would love to pray for while on pilgrimage.  Another reason that I am looking forward to this trip is that it is rooted in prayer.  We have been praying for it and the pilgrims already.  This is not just a trip but a pilgrimage to grow closer to the Lord, our Lady and each other.  It has been an ongoing prayer of mine to have holy friends.  I couldn't ask for a better experience where I am surrounded by millions of dedicated Catholics loving our Lord together. The grace and experience this trip will provide will help me at home and in our ministry. Our church has hosted two Pampered Chef parties and sold items at the Diocesan Family Fest.  I was also blessed to help with the World Youth Day Auction at the Family Fest. I am very grateful for this opportunity and look forward to the fruitfulness that I know will come from it. God is forever giving, faithful and trustworthy.

Profile pending.

Hello, my name is Damaris De La Rosa! I am 21 years old and I am from Russellville, AL. I am currently employed at a pediatric clinic where I get to spend most of my time with wonderful children, but when I’m not at work, I am in college studying to become a Medical Assistant Technician (MAT). My involvement in the church is that I am a coordinator for our adolescent and young adult youth group. A huge reason why I want the opportunity to go to World Youth Day is to learn and grow more about my Catholic faith with other young adults that are seeking the same opportunity. One way that I will be raising money for World Youth Day is by holding a bake sale outside of my parish after Mass because who doesn’t love a delicious treat after Mass?

Profile pending.

Hello, my name is Benjamin Estremera, and I'm a parishioner of Holy Spirit in Huntsville. I'm excited to go to World Youth Day to be able to experience catechesis from a variety of bishops, the shrine of the apparitions at Fatima, and fellowship with like-minded Catholics my age from around the world. I'm looking forward to going to my first Mass with the pope as well. I love learning about other cultures and languages, and I haven't been to Portugal before, so I am looking forward to experiencing their culture, food, and history while among other young people from around the diocese and abroad that share the Faith. Please keep us in your prayers.

Hello!
My name is Cristina Saunders. I was raised and educated in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland (Ohio). After moving several times as an adult, I settled in the greater Birmingham area and attend Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood, Alabama. I am married and have two wonderful children. I am a professional educator working at a non-profit whose mission is to improve children's health through educating and practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors. I am passionate about serving teens, young adults, and youth ministers. My goal is to walk with others as we lead each other closer to Christ. I look forward to walking alongside our teens and young adults on their World Youth Day Pilgrimage. I pray the pilgrimage provides a time of reflection and praise for my lifelong journey with Christ.

I am John Gardiner, a seminarian of the Diocese of Birmingham studying theology at St. Meinrad's in Indiana. I entered the seminary after a year of college at Franciscan University in Steubenville after which I began my philosophy studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Ohio. My desire for the priesthood and my eventual entry into seminary was something that became clear to me over time, particularly in high school as I began to take my faith more seriously and pray in a more intentional way as I felt this pull towards the priestly ministry. I am a parishioner of Holy Spirit Parish in Huntsville and have been since about the eighth grade. 
Having this opportunity to go on pilgrimage to World Youth Day along with others from across the Diocese is a great privilege which I am glad to have. As a seminarian we spend much time in prayer and studies, learning about the Church and the various expressions of the faith which have been displayed across the centuries. This time of pilgrimage is a great chance to experience a piece of that larger scope of the Church we call our mother, sharing in the joy of the Gospel with others from around the globe. Please pray for me and all of us who will be attending this great event.

Profile pending.

Hi, My name is Anthony Gordillo! I am 20 years old and currently attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I am a junior majoring in Business Management! 
I also currently attend the church St. Francis Xavier! I absolutely love being there and helping out the community there! I help out with their confirmation classes and youth group! I am also a part of the young adult group there! 
This upcoming summer I am going to be given the opportunity to go to World Youth Day! I cannot wait to embark on this pilgrimage to encounter the Lord in his global community and in his papacy! As a young Catholic, this trip would mean the world to me (no pun intended)! It will affect me in numerous ways I cannot currently wrap my head around! I cannot wait to see what life-lasting impacts this trip is going to have on me. 
To fundraise for this trip, the group I am going with is doing raffles during the Christiam season and also selling roman missals and food throughout the year to fundraise. 
I genuinely hope that you will consider giving financially and joining me on this journey! 
God bless, 
Anthony Gordillo 

My name is Estefany Gutierrez (Isabel). I'm 23 years old and I'm an altar server for Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Tuscaloosa. I'm currently a student at Shelton State Community College working towards earning my Associate's Degree in Nursing. I love traveling the world, exploring the world God created for humanity and immersing myself in different cultures found throughout. I want to go to World Youth Day because, not only is it another God-given opportunity to explore our amazing world, but because it is a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity for me to grow in faith. Being a youth in today's society, it can be easy to doubt one's faith. To afford said voyage, I'm currently working full-time at a restaurant as a server. Thank you and God bless.

My name is Jayleen Gutierrez. I am an 18 year old senior at Northridge High School. After graduation, I plan on attending the University of Montevallo. I was an alter server at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. I want to go to World Youth Day because I want to grow my faith. I want feel closer to God and grow spiritually. I’m raising money by working two jobs while still in school. 

Hi! My name is Estefania Hernandez. I am a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ensley. I am in the John Carroll Catholic High School marching band and a part of the French Club. I am very eager to attend World Youth Day because it gives me a chance to visit Portugal and spend time adoring the Lord with many people my age. Please consider donating to me. I appreciate your blessings!

Hello, my name is Andrew Howell! I go to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cullman Alabama. I’m always up for doing something adventurous, I love hiking, exploring, traveling and getting to experience different cultures. I love music, going to concerts is something I love to do. Nature is where I feel closest to God, I absolutely love it.  I am so excited to go to World Youth Day in Lisbon, because of the international aspect, meeting people from all over the world who share very similar values and love for god is going to be an unreal experience. It will be awesome to experience the church Universal. Thank you so very much for anything you feel called to contribute!! 

Hello! 

My name is Bernadette Howell and I am a parishioner at the beautiful Sacred Heart of Jesus in Cullman. I am a youth advocate working with at-risk families and young people. My work has been very humbling and I have been reminded over and over of the call to imitate Christ authentically in my encounters with others.  I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to join other pilgrims in seeking an encounter with Christ and inviting Him in a greater way to transform our hearts towards building His kingdom in our communities.

Parochial Vicar of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Birmingham and Chaplain of John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham

I recently celebrated my third anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. As I completed three years at Holy Spirit Church and at St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Huntsville, I’ve had some time to reflect on the gift of the priesthood. These last three years have been the happiest of my life, and they have been proof for me that Jesus keeps His promises. Every time I am tempted to discouragement because of human problems or my own weakness, I’m always reminded of the surpassing grace of God.
At the beginning of my second semester in seminary when I was seriously considering leaving, a priest encouraged me to give God a full year of discernment in seminary telling me, “God is never outdone in generosity.” I think of those words a lot, especially in the last days of my assignment in Huntsville, where I was overwhelmed by the goodness and love of the people I had served.
Pope Francis likes to remind us that “God is a God of surprises.” I can identify with that as well. When I first entered seminary, I was not expecting to be working one day as a priest with immigrant communities. Today, at least half of my work is in Spanish with people from many different countries. It has opened my heart and enriched my priesthood. God has not been outdone in generosity.
Priests are just as human as anyone else, even as they administer the Sacred Mysteries. I’m grateful, therefore, for all your prayers which brought me through seminary and these first three years. May the Lord keep us all faithful and bring us to eternal life.
One Voice Vocations Spotlight September 2021

Profile pending.

Hi! My name is Elizabeth Jaimes. I’m 24 years old and live in Fultondale, AL. I love the outdoors and my favorite saint is Saint Joseph. 
I currently co-lead a Hispanic young adult group at Prince of Peace in Hoover, AL. I want go to World Youth Day because I would like to experience fellowship and community with young people from all parts of the world who are on fire for Jesus. Our young adult group organized several fundraising events this summer and will be selling T-shirts to raise funds for those participating in the pilgrimage.

Hello! My name is Peter Jimenez. I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. I recently graduated from high school 2021, learned a trade, and now work as a welder in Downtown Birmingham. During my free time I love playing my guitar, hanging out with friends and family, and going to Adoration. 
I am a member of the Hispanic young adult group at St. Francis Xavier, an assistant for teaching Confirmation classes, I volunteer in street ministry with the Friars and help with the high school youth group. 
When I heard about World Youth Day I was excited and thought of it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and deepen my relationship with Jesus and with other young adults with similar thoughts! 
With the fund raising, our young adult group are selling missals and currently are still brainstorming ideas on what else we can do to raise money for the trip. 

Profile pending.

Hello! My name is Yazmine Justiniano, and I’m 25 years old. My family is from Puerto Rico but I was raised in Huntsville and have had the joy of calling Holy Spirit Church my home almost all my life. 
Since I was in high school I have found such joy in helping the Hispanic community, particularly the kids and youth whether that has been working in the church nursery, volunteering at different events, or being a leader Confirmation Retreats. Today, I help lead the Holy Spirit Hispanic High School youth group and our Hispanic young adults group. I currently work at St. Francis Xavier Church as the receptionist and Hispanic Ministry Assistant and also help the St. Francis Xavier Hispanic youth group. I am happy to be a part of the Diocese’s Pastoral Juvenil where I’ve been given great opportunities to grow as a young adult Hispanic leader in our Diocese. In my free time, I love doing photography and spending time with family and friends. I have also recently found a peaceful outlet of exploring the beautiful world we have through hiking different trails around North Alabama with friends.   
I have always been inspired by the way that St. John Paul II loved the youth and spoke to the youth during his Papacy. During World Youth Day 2005, Pope John Paul II told the youth that the Church needs saints and that we are all called to holiness. He called the youth to turn to the Saints to pray for their intercession. Through the love my grandmother had for Pope John Paul II, I turned to him especially during my college years and since through learning about his life, he has taught me what it means to love and serve the youth the way he did, to love the Eucharist especially in the Blessed Sacrament, and how to “be not afraid.”  
I have always enjoyed traveling to new places and have always made sure to visit new churches wherever my family goes. Although I haven’t had the chance to travel out of the country except to Puerto Rico, I have always had the desire to travel around the world and visit various countries to see the beautiful churches and places important to our Catholic faith. I have heard people give testimonies that going to World Youth Day was one of the most joyous experiences that they have had in their lives and how it made an impact on their faith journey. Having the opportunity to travel to World Youth Day 2023 as my first pilgrimage would be a blessing to experience with other young adults from the Diocese and also meet others from around the world where we will be able to grow in knowledge and to strengthen our faith together while also creating stronger friendships. Being a part of World Youth Day would mean that I will be able to see that the Universal Church is truly alive with young people from around the world and where I hope to get closer to one of my favorite Saints, St. JPII and have a wonderful encounter with Christ and pray for those in my home parish and Diocese in a beautiful place like Lisbon.  
To help raise funds, I will be working on doing a bake sale for my parish, as well as a holiday raffle and t-shirt sale.  

Carol Wiget is the Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Birmingham and Co-Director of this Pilgrimage. She has been married to Dr. Paul Wiget, professor at Samford University, for eleven years. Together they have four boys: Ender (9), Xavier (8), Hugo (5), and Linus (4).
Carol is excited to begin a culture of pilgrimages in our Diocese so the local young Church has the opportunity to encounter the universality of our faith in an incredible and impactful way. Carol believes investing in and celebrating young people will grow the Church and change the world. She is looking forward to Mass with the Pope and visiting Fatima.
Carol is working with pilgrims to fundraise in a multitude of ways, including silent auctons, raffles, trivia nights, and more!
Thank you for making this dream a reality!

Hello, my name is Erin Letson, and I am a member of Saint Michael’s Church. I moved to Florence many years ago to attend the University of North Alabama. After graduating I made it my home marrying a wonderful local man and starting a family. My son Kayden-Reed is 13 and attends St. Joseph Regional Catholic School. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. Whether going to the movies, playing tennis, or just hanging out around the house, I am the happiest being with my family and friends. I serve on the Saint Joseph School Board and before joining the board I served on the PTO as president. I also serve on community organization boards and committees.
It would be an honor and a privilege to attend with my son for World Youth Day. I know this experience would be life-changing on many levels. Immersing myself not only in a country that has strong beliefs like mine but being a part of a tradition that displays such incredible emotion and love is beyond my dreams. I am incredibly grateful for my Saint Joseph and Saint Michael communities, and I would love to share this time with them. As we prepare for this opportunity, we are coordinating fundraising events: community yard sales, dinners, and bake sales. Just to name a few and more to follow but we are bonding and working together organizing the fundraisers.
I appreciate your consideration.
Love,
Erin Letson

My name is Kayden-Reed L. I am 13 years old, and I attend St. Joseph Regional Catholic School in Florence (I have been going there since I was three). I am a member of Saint Michael’s Church, involved in the CYO and altar serve with Abbot Cletus a lot. I enjoy playing tennis, basketball, cross country, and golf. I also like playing games on my computer and reading. My mom and I volunteer together and will be helping at the soup kitchen this weekend. We helped with meals on wheels too. Of course, she drove!
I would like to go to World Youth Day because I want to serve and meet others from around the world that attend the Catholic Church, too. This may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance and I think it would be great to see the Pope. It is something that I have never done before, and I really want to experience this opportunity with my friends from church and my school. Thank you for reading this and thinking of me to be a part of the pilgrimage.
We are going to have a church yard sale and cook meals for fundraisers to help pay for the trip.
Thank you,
Kayden-Reed

My name is Diego L. I am 16 years old and I am in 11th grade at Guntersville High School. I’ve been attending St. William's Catholic Church in Guntersville, Alabama from 2013-2022. I’ve been playing soccer for the High School team from 7th-11th grades. I also play on the Varsity football team. I am the kicker of the team. Some hobbies are working at construction sites, being in quinceanera dances since I was 13 years old, and working out by lifting weights for soccer and football in my free time. The reason why I want to go to World Youth Day is to see the leader of the Roman Catholic, the Pope. I also want to go because I've always wanted to go to Portugal and see how different it is from the United States and to see how beautiful the culture is over there. I will raise money by attending fundraisers and helping every sunday where we sell food after every Mass. Also I will be attending the fall festival that we will be hosting Nov.9

Hello! My name is Angeles and I am a current member of St. Joseph’s church in Birmingham, AL. I am also a current student at John Carroll Catholic High School. I enjoy baking and cooking, as well as spending time with my family and friends. I love animals and spending my free days reading good books.
I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity I have been given to go to World Youth Day. I cannot wait to get closer to God and experience his presence among other people my age. I am so fortunate to be able to participate in events to help raise money for my trip. I can’t wait for this experience. I am beyond excited!!

Hello, my name is Gary Todd McGee.
I attended St. Michaels Catholic Church in St. Florian, Alabama. My wife and I are the Youth Directors for St. Michael’s.
I would love to travel with our youth to the World Youth Day. I believe this will be a great experience for our youth and for myself to grow in our faith. Having joined the Catholic Church six years ago I feel even thought this Is for the youth, I feel I can learn a lot from the experience. We have several fundraisers planned to help with the cost of the trip. We plan to hold yard sales, bake sales and other fundraisers to help each youth and chaperones raise the funds needed.

Hi, my name is Suzanne McGee. I go to St. Michael’s Catholic Church. My husband and I are the youth directors at our church. We really enjoy working with middle school and high school students. I feel like this pilgrimage will help me grow in my faith. I was raised Catholic and went to a Catholic school. I have always heard and read stories about Fatima and cannot wait to stand and pray on the grounds that our Blessed Mother appeared. I look forward to growing my love for our Lord. Thank you!

My name is Andres Alejandro M. I am 16 years old and I am in 11th grade at Guntersville High School. I've been attending St. William's Catholic Church in Guntersville, Alabama from 2017-2022. I've been playing soccer for the high school team since 7th-11th. Some of my hobbies in my freetime  include working at construction sites , being in Quinceaneras ever since I turned 15, playing pickup basketball, and working out to clear my head to achieve greater things in soccer. 
I would like to attend World Youth Day to see the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope. I would also like to attend to see Portugal and see how different the culture is over there compared to that of the U.S.
My plan to raise money is by participating in fundraisers and selling food after Mass. I also worked at the festival  we hosted on November 9th.

Hello, my name is Franz Mercado, I am a Senior studying Mechanical Engineering at UAB. I grew up going to Our Lady of Sorrows and attending Youth Group there. I am now an altar server for the Diocese of Birmingham and applying to their seminary program. I frequently attend St. Stephen's chapel close to UAB and leadership for Catholic Blazers.
I desire to go to World Youth Day to experiance Catholicism in a different culture and witness the great pressence of youth in the Catholic Church in one place. The piligrimage will be a great learning experience and strengthener of my faith.

Profile pending.

HELLO! My name is Edward Miranda Ramirez. I belong to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Some of my hobbies are being outdoors, such as playing sports, but what also really interests me is helping the Church and music. My family and I are in a music group that plays at Mass every other Sunday and Wednesday throughout the year.
I am going to start saving all the money that I can since my parents are tight on money. I will also be going to help at the various sales that we have scheduled at the Church every Saturday to raise money and better my chances of going to Portugal. With your help, and if God is willing, I will get to go.
I never thought I would have the chance to go, but when I learned that it could be possible... a dream that could come true, it is hard to describe what I feel. Being able to visit Portugal, to see different places and meet new people, and, most importantly, to live and learn about my Catholic Faith, Fatima, get to see the Pope, and being in a Mass celebrated by him, amazing!
THANK YOU for your generosity. Blessings to you and your family! This will be a life-changing experience for sure, and I will always be grateful!

Hello! My name is Larry Miranda, I belong to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. I play the piano for Mass every Sunday with my family. Some of my interests are sports (soccer and basketball), and music. I play the piano and guitar.
I am going to start saving as much as I can, and will help with the various fund raiser we are going to do in church, and with your help, I am hoping to make it there.
I want to go to World Youth Day because of all that is involved, to experience my faith on a different level with thousands of young people, the Pope, Mass with him (live), Fatima and visiting different churches. I am a fan of their architecture! This is a dream to have all of these at once, catechesis with various bishops, and the coming together of the all the youth confirming our faith and I can’t wait to hear the message the Pope has for us!
Thank you so much for your help, thank you for helping me accomplish one of my dreams, I ask God to bless you and your family.

Good morning! My name is Leslie Mitchell, and I am a member of Saint Michael’s Church in Saint Florian, AL. I am a mother of three beautiful children, Lily who is 10- and 7-year-old twins, Brennan & Bailey. I enjoy traveling, cooking, learning about other cultures, singing at mass, and helping with other church activities.
I am excited to go to World Youth Day to see our Holy Father as well as serve as a chaperone to the other youth pilgrims. I had the blessing of traveling to Toronto many years ago for World Youth Day. My experience was very impactful in my faith and has stayed with me all these years. My parish mentioned the World Youth Day in Portugal and I knew it would be a great opportunity for me to give back in assisting others to make the journey and support their growth in their faith.
The group at Saint Michael’s will be having many fundraisers for this journey. We just held a yard sale on August 6 with donated items from parish members. The youth and adults making the pilgrimage prepared, priced, worked the event and donated the remaining items to a local charity. We will also be having bake sales, lunches for sale before and after Masses as well as other events. We will be continuing to meet to discuss more fundraising plans.

Hey there!!! My name is Bradey Murai!! I am a sophomore at Jefferson State Community College and plan to attend UAB next year. I am pursuing an Associate's in Science with a Bachelor's in Marketing. I am pursuing Marketing because I would like to use that for the true faith of Catholicism and lead/help a ministry. Our world is hurting, and I desire to help bring the Light of Jesus Christ to others in every encounter! So World Youth Day, thinking about it, excites me. Millions of "Youth" meet to celebrate being Catholic. While in prayer, the Lord put it on my heart to attend World Youth Day. When the Lord calls, we have two choices: to heed the call or completely ignore it. I have done enough of ignoring the Lord. 
I want to invite you to help me answer the Lord's call. Please prayerfully discern if the Lord is calling you to support me financially. What if you do not feel the call to support me financially, some might ask. Please pray for my heart that I may receive an encounter like no other at World Youth Day. I will be praying for you! Please, pray for me! God Bless!! 

Hello, my name is Yolanda Nieto. I am a cradle Catholic. I have been DRE for the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Albertville AL. for over 9 years.  I have 5 children and 11 grandbabies. 

 For my hobbies and interest, I love to do event decorations and play with my Cricut (vinyl transfers) machine.  

I am really looking forward to seeing the Pope in person and wish to meet him. I am looking forward to the catechesis and Stations of the Cross with the Pope. 

 Our fundraising efforts have been raffles, food sales, carnival, bingo, and dance classes. Besides continuing these efforts, I am currently planning a yard sale. 

I work with the youth of my parish all but two days out of the week.  They are awesome.  I am really looking forward to bringing them to this pilgrimage, especially to Fatima.  

Thank you for all your prayers and support. 

My name is Ana Maria Padgett, I have been a parishioner at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Florence, Alabama for about 7 years. I enjoy reading, traveling, seeing new places and spending time with my husband and children.
I want to take my kids to the World Youth Day in Portugal because it will give them the opportunity to see and learn about how other places express their Catholic faith. I am originally from Colombia, a country that is mostly Catholic. My children were born and have been raised in the United Stated, mostly in Alabama. The Catholic population in our area is very small, we are a definite minority here and most people don’t understandour faith. Although we do travel to Colombia with some frequency, we do so mostly for vacation and not during any special feasts. My children have not really had the opportunity to be in a place where Catholicism is a part of the culture for a Catholic celebration. I want them to see that even though we live in rural Alabama, through Christ and through our Church we are connected to people all over the world. This will be an opportunity for them to see that their faith is not only something personal, and that it doesn’t only happens at home or at our Church. I want my children to see it is shared by people, young people, throughout the world. Being a Universal Church is more than a saying, it is a real thing shared by millions of people throughout the world.

Miranda is an 11 year old 6th grader at Kilby Laboratory School in Florence Alabama. She is in the PACE program for advanced education in the school, a goalkeeper for Shoals Soccer Club, has been in multiple plays and is currently preparing to be the lead role in Prancer at the Ritz Theater.  Miranda is also part of the dribbling club at school, the fashion club, the robotics team, and she is the director of the school news show. She is also a member of the National Elementary Honors Society.
Miranda is a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Florian, Alabama. Even though she is not a member of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) due to her age, she helps and participates in the CYO activities. She is always willing to help at the church picnics and any other church activity.  She also serves as an altar server.  She recently helped decorate the cemetery for the All Souls Day Celebration and was chosen as one of the kids to speak to the parish about the Corporal Acts of Mercy.
As a church we have been working on fundraising for World Youth Day (WYD).  Miranda has been a very active participant in the yard sale we did in August, the bake sale in September (selling and baking), the chicken dinner we did in October and is signed up to help in all of the upcoming fundraisings.
Miranda wants to participate in the WYD in Portugal to learn more about her faith and worship with people from other places. The Catholic church is a Universal Church and she would like to see how people from all over the world celebrate our faith and how regardless of our many differences we are all the same in the eyes of God.

Tomas is a 13 years old 8th grader at Florence Middle School in Florence Alabama. He is an honor student, vice president of his middle school’s Technology Student Association (TSA), a student government representative, and member of the National Junior Honor Society. Tomás has represented his school in academic competitions for the Math Team, Scholar Bowl, and at the state and national level for TSA. He also plays soccer for the school and is part of the Florence School Cross Country team. Tomás is a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Florian, Alabama. He is an active member of the Catholic Youth Organization and serves as an altar server. Tomás participates in most of the church’s activities such as helping with the church’s picnics in any way needed, volunteering at soup kitchens and is one of the go-to kids when the church needs volunteers. He is also the student representative for the church’s Sesquicentennial Celebration committee.
As a church we have been working on fundraising for World Youth Day, and Tomás has spoken before the church to talk about our mission. He was a very active participant in the yard sale we did in August, the bake sale in September, the chicken dinner we did in October and he went to Birmingham with our group to help with the silent auction.
Tomás wants to participate in the World Youth Day in Portugal because he has an interest in the global impact of his faith. He would love the opportunity to interact with youth from around the world to discuss how their shared faith is celebrated around the world. Tomás had demonstrated his leadership abilities, and this opportunity would allow him to work with other youth with similar talents and interests. World Youth Day is where the next generation of Church leaders are developed, and Tomás - and our parish - would benefit from being part of that group.

I have really prayed that some of our youth from St. Michael’s would want to go to World Youth Day. In taking a group from our parish in 2002, I learned personally what a life-changing experience it will be for anyone who goes to World Youth Day. I am joyfully glad that we have some youth who desire to go so badly. As for me, I want to see the youth be such witnesses of our faith, as well as to become a better witness myself. To know that all that made this opportunity possible for the future of our faith, makes us all stronger through participation in this incredible experience.
We plan to host a yard sale coming up to raise monies for our youth and a bake sale at all Masses in Sept. We are also planning a chicken dinner meal which we will sell tickets for as a fundraiser. We will hopefully be hosting something for as many months as we can to help raise money. Our parish is small, but I am hopeful they will help by supporting our fundraiser events.
Thank you to all who are helping to make this possible for those of us at St. Michael’s. I promise they will never forget it and the future of the Catholic Church.
Prayerfully submitted,
Donna Peters

Hello, my name is Matthew Miguel P. I'm from the parish of Holy Spirit in Tuscaloosa. Some of my interests are building objects and becoming an engineer in the near future. Activities that I enjoy doing are working with my school's robotics teams, play videogames, work with any electronics or cars, and play soccer. I enjoy spending quality time with all of my brothers and the rest of my family.
This is the first time that I will be crossing American borders because traveling abroad is something that I have always wanted to do, but have never had the chance. This opportunity will not only let me travel overseas, but share religious spirit with other adolescents. Going to World Youth Day will inspire me to do better in life, but also help me see what God has done for all of us, directly and indirectly. My main fundraising methods include doing more work in my family business, and to help with group events in order to raise funds for everyone involved.

I am Juan R. I am part of the Chapel of the Holy Cross. I am part of the youth group, “Danza y Teatro San Miguel Arcangel.” I also usually help in the church. I am there 3-5 times per week. I also enjoy running, gym, and healthy activities. I try to come to “El Santisimo Sacramento” (Most HolySacrament) and serve in Church. I aspire to keep working with teens and youth to help them know more about God.
I am going to help with sales, do extra work at the Church, and find me a job for summer (this year and next year.)
I want to go because, as a Catholic teen, I could think of going to many other places, but I see this as an opportunity to get closer to God, I want to feel the experience and find out what it really is like and to come and share with my Church, friends and the world what is out there!
Thank you, for helping me out. I really appreciate it because I could not even think of going without your help. I am very grateful. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Hello! I am Carolina Rodriguez. I am originally from Huntsville but moved to Birmingham to attend UAB. Upon completing my studies, I accepted a job at UAB and have settled into life in Birmingham. I am a member of the hispanic young adult group at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Birmingham. In addition to helping run the young adult group, I teach Confirmation class, help with the high school youth group, and volunteer with the friars and their street ministry. When I am not at church, I enjoy hanging out with friends, exploring new places, and taking my dogs on walks. 
I have always enjoyed traveling, but never placed much importance on visiting religious sites until this past year. My mother needed a travel companion and asked me to accompany her to the Holy Land. That trip helped me deepen my faith and changed how I experience Mass, how I pray, and how I read the Bible. I am excited to travel to World Youth Day with other young adults in the diocese so we can deepen our faith. I am also excited to meet and build friendships with young people from around the world who are also looking to strengthen their relationship with Christ. 
To help raise funds for this trip, our young adult group is selling missals, and we are starting a raffle for the Christmas season. We are continuing to brainstorm other creative ways in which we can raise money to help cover the costs of the trip. 

I am John Paul Stepnowski, and am in my third year of seminary studies for the Diocese of Birmingham at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. While I always had desires for the priesthood growing up, it was not until midway through my undergraduate studies in Huntsville that these desires crystallized in the knowledge that I needed to apply to seminary. This emerged from opportunities to teach the faith, attend retreats or otherwise participate in the campus ministry program. The first two years of seminary consisted in laying a foundation of philosophy to better aid in understanding my present theology studies. A year ago, to mark the transition from philosophy to theology studies, I went on pilgrimage to Rome, to better understand what it means to be Roman Catholic and pray at the tombs of so many of the apostles.

Now, I am excited to attend World Youth Day, as it is a gathering of the Catholic (universal) Church. It gives me, and I hope all the other pilgrims, a glimpse at the communion of saints through this assembly of so many of the faithful from throughout the world. I am certain there will be great joy and life present there. Further, I am excited to go on this pilgrimage to World Youth Day to pray for the people of the diocese and an increase in vocations, especially at Fatima, which has been so important for Marian devotion through the rosary. 

Let us pray for each other!

Hello, I am Debbie Still, DRE at St. William's in Guntersville. I am the mother of 7 children and 3 stepchildren. We have 12 grandchildren and our first great grandchild is coming in April. I converted to Catholicism in April 1996. I became the DRE assistant in 2007 and DRE in 2011. I especially enjoy teaching children/adults about how much God loves them and how He has a great plan in place. I have taught partner dancing and line dancing since 2008. I plan to offer basic line dance classes for donations and possibly have a live band event with all proceeds for WYD. I have been helping with after Mass food sales at the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Albertville as well as at St. William's. We are working on a Fall Carnival this week. We are thinking of bake sales and maybe a Mardi Gras event. I am looking forward to traveling outside of the US. I have really enjoyed getting to know these youth better as well as their families. I can’t believe I will see the Pope! It sounds like a life-changing experience.
Thank you so much and God Bless, 
Debbie Still

Profile pending.

My name is Miranda V. I have been attending St. William Catholic in Guntersville Alabama church from 2013-2022. I am 15 years old and I am in 10th grade. I go to Guntersville High School. I am involved with many things. I am on the Guntersville High School girls varsity soccer team. I am a part of Jr. Civitans club, FCA club, and art club. I was also in a club called anchor club for 4 years where we help people in need, like the homeless, people in nursing homes and people throughout our community. I am an intern at Guntersville Elementary School and I am studying to become a kindergarten teacher. I also help on Sundays with the kindergarten class at St. William's.
I really want to go on this trip to World Youth Day because it would be a great opportunity to travel around the country and meet new people, like other Catholics. I would also like to go because I love being a part of this Church. It would be amazing to see the pope!
The fundraisers we have done are selling food, like hot dogs, corn, candy apples, hot chocolate, and tacos. I would like to thank everyone for this opportunity and for all of the help I am getting!!

Profile pending.

My name is Mark Zavala. I attend Holy Spirit Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I used to help my mom with her classes at Holy Spirit. I am currently putting my focus in school at the University of Alabama. I am the oldest out of my 3 siblings and do my best to watch over them when my parents aren't around. My younger brother Julian plays soccer, and the youngest kids Luke and Adayah are twins.
I really would love to attend World Youth Day. It would be my first chance ever to experience people my age coming together for this special day. It would be my very first time traveling to another country that isn't in North America, and so the experience would be truly awesome to recount to friends and family. I'm excited to see new places and explore the sites that are a part of the history of our Catholic faith.

My name is Juanita Zavala. I attend Holy Spirit Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I currently participate as a lector and coordinate the Spanish Confirmation Program. I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, and dancing. I have 4 children. Mark is the oldest and a freshman at the University of Alabama. Julian is in middle school, plays in the school band and is on the Tuscaloosa United Soccer Team. The twins, Luke and Adayah, are in first grade.
I am excited to go to World Youth Day. I have always been amazed at the number of youths from all around the world that gather together for this special event. I am looking forward to visiting Portugal and the seeing some of the historical and spiritual sites of our amazing Catholic experience. I recently read about the life of St Anthony of Padua and about Our Lady of Fatima. I am looking forward to seeing the country where St. Anthony was born and where Our Lady appeared. To raise funds, we have already had 2 ice cream sales and a taco sale. We plan to have additional fund raisers to benefit all the youth in our parish. Some additional fund raisers are another ice cream sale, a cheesecake sale, a t-shirt sale, and a raffle.