The beginnings of my “deep” faith started about a year ago. Right now I’m a sophomore in college, and I’ve always been Catholic, born and raised, I guess you could say. I went to Catholic school, kindergarten through 8th grade, and never missed Sunday Mass with my family. I grew up learning our Doctrines but never really knowing much about them. I bounced back and forth in high school with going to youth groups at various churches, not necessarily even Catholic ones- I always wanted some sort of connection to Christ, but wasn’t sure where to get it. I always took my faith for granted until a year ago when I was thrown into a situation I didn’t really want to be in. I found myself at a new school with no friends or family around, and wasn’t sure where to start. Thankfully I found out about the Catholic Newman Center on campus. I started going to church on a regular basis again, which was a big contrast to the last few months when I attended very rarely. That was the start to the turnaround in my faith life. I met some wonderful people there, and now can say I feel like I have a “family” at church that I like to turn to. But, besides all of the wonderful people, I see a change in myself. I no longer go to church out of obligation, but in wanting to feel Jesus Christ in my life. This change has been the best thing that has happened for me in my life. The presence that I feel has flipped my life upside down. So much has changed. When I am at church, praying at home, walking to class-just [i:n9rssxkm]anything[/i:n9rssxkm]- I am so much more aware of God’s gifts He’s given to us. I feel so thankful and blessed, I don’t even know how to express myself. I feel incredible!

I am at the beginning of my faith life, and know that I have a lot more ahead of me. I am very excited to learn and experience so much more, but, sometimes when I realize how many holes I have in my experiences and knowledge about my faith, Jesus Christ, and Catholicism, it scares me. I know God has a plan for me and I keep praying about that plan. Despite feeling scared those times, I continue to feel so thankful! I love that feeling- opening my eyes and seeing all of God’s gifts. I cannot cease in praying to him in thanksgiving for the wonderful people and things in my life.