While most young persons her age would have spent an autumn weekend at the movies or the mall, 17-year-old Angela Ramiro was at the Vacaville, Calif., Skating Center - not to work on her skating technique, but to participate in the Diocese of Northern California's annual convention, Nov. 11-12. It marked the second time the Vintage High School senior sacrificed a weekend of fun and games with her friends for the more sedate work of diocesan convention.

Encouraged by her parents, Ms. Ramiro has long been active at Church of the Ascension in Vallejo. She's twice been elected as a convention delegate since becoming a Lay Eucharistic Minister at age 15.

"She listens, pays attention and has participated in our deanery convocations," said the Rev. Ann Hallisey, rector of Ascension. "We have a commitment for youth involvement in all areas of parish ministry and Angela has been right there."

With the sun shining outside, Ms. Ramiro's attention was on the nine resolutions and presentation by diocesan ministries inside the convention site.

"I'm impressed with campus ministry for college students and I'm glad to see so many youth participating in the jubilee discussions," she said. "We should have more youth delegates. It's good for the diocese to hear the youth point of view."

Unlike the youth visitors at convention, Ms. Ramiro, as a delegate, has both voice and vote in the proceedings.

"She's learning to voice her opinion on things," says Stephen Ramiro, her father.

Angela is planning to continue her education in college, aiming for a major in marine biology at UC Santa Cruz or the University of Oregon.

For now, she learns about the business of convention. She will catch up with her friends later.

Patrick Hill