Photos: Diocesan Encuentro

Catholics from around the diocese gathered at the River’s Edge Convention Center Sept. 24 for the Diocesan V Encuentro. The Encuentro process calls all Catholics to understand the needs, challenges and aspirations of the church’s growing Latino/Hispanic population. It is an opportunity to strengthen Catholics’ witness of the Gospel as missionary disciples.

Cousins Jesus, 7, and Jonathan, 8, Hernandez from Melrose ham it up for the camera.
Benedictine Sister Renee Domeier greets one of the participants.
Rodolfo Lopez, a musician, composer and producer from Oregon Catholic Press, sings during Mass.
Keynote speaker Christina Lamas spoke on, "Missionary Disciples: Witnesses of God's Love."
Anna Kampa, administrative assistant for stewardship and development for the Diocese of St. Cloud, helps out in the childcare room during the event.
Jesus Hernandez reads and explains the results of the small group discussion at his table.
Fathers Todd Schneider, Tim Wenzel and Mark Innocenti talk before Mass starts.
Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis gives the homily. Bishop Cozzens is the V Encuentro lead bishop for Region 8, which includes Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Jane Marrin, chancellor for the Diocese of St. Cloud, shakes a young man's hand during the sign of peace.