About Wyatt
Who is Wyatt Olivas
I’m from the "fun state" of Wyoming a state that might look like a simple square on a map, but it’s exactly where I learned to love my faith and love others. Growing up in a small Catholic Hispanic community in Cheyenne, I learned early on that if anyone came to church or dinner, they were going to get fed. That’s a philosophy I still live by today!
Currently, I’m a student at the University of Wyoming and am joyfully preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage. In my free time, I love to recharge by being around people whether that’s heading out on a hike or hosting a "good ol' family game night."
I spend much of my time traveling to speak about synodality and advocating for young people. I truly love working with the youth; they keep me on my toes and ask the kind of deep questions that send me searching for meaningful answers. I also have a deep love for coffee really good coffee (honestly, take me to Rome any day!).
Speaking of Rome, my journey there was a pivotal moment in my life. I served as a North American delegate to the Synod on Synodality, where I was the youngest person in attendance. During my time there, Pope Francis personally told me that I was there to "make a mess." This was a historic moment for the Catholic Church, as laypeople were given an equal voice alongside bishops in a document presented to the Holy Father.
My years in youth ministry and my experiences in Rome led me to create Spicy Catholics. I wanted to build the online space I wish I’d had when I was first figuring things out—a place where we can all share, learn, and grow together in faith.
Child of God
North American Delegate to the Synod on Synodality
International Youth Advisor to the Holy See
Diocese of Cheyenne Diocesan Pastoral Council Vice chair
Youth Minister
Musician
Fiancé
Brother
Son
Bestie in Christ with everyone!
quotes
Where is God in All of this?
"There is love in everyone, and catechists of the faith have a unique job trying to bring that out of everyone and show people they have a place to use that love in the church. " cited from "where is God in all of this" Spicy Catholic Blog
Bring it home
"The document is our guide to synodality, but can’t contain the whole of it. Synodality doesn’t come through a piece of paper but through the person." "Bring it home", cited from The Tablet
Newman University News
"If you can’t trust the person you are walking with, how can they bring you to Christ?"
Cited from "Youngest Synod delegate in U.S. to speak at Newman University" Newman University News
Someone Will Let You In
"The synod’s key message to young people is: ‘This is your Church, too.’ We’re all on this mission together."
Cited from "Someone Will Let You In", The Tablet.
U.S. Latinos are the future of the church. They deserve a place at the Synod
"No matter who sits in the pew next to you, say good morning and give them a smile."
Cited from "U.S. Latinos are the future of the church. They deserve a place at the Synod", America Magazine.
Catholic Youth Are Assets, Not Problems
“When he was ‘figuring life out’ during his transition between high school and college, Pope Francis’s message to walk together as a synodal Church spoke deeply to him. Wyatt is now sure that ‘for the rest of my life I want to live like this…seeing our brothers and sisters and talking to them—talking with them and not talking for them.’ He was inspired by Fr. Timothy Radcliffe’s invitation to ‘let yourself be emptied and be filled by other people and by the Holy Spirit.’”
Cited from "Catholic Youth Are Assets, Not Problems", Commonweal Magazine.
