Thoughts on growing up as a Catholic

As a teenager myself, I am aware that this time in my life is filled with newfound responsibility and important decisions. I call this period "The Road from Confirmation to College."

I am sure many of you are also aware of the critical choices we face, choices that are sure to weigh heavily on our future: which college to choose...what classes to take...which sports or clubs to get involved in. Those are just a few of the tough questions many of us are turning over in our heads. So it can be easy to let oneself push questions concerning faith to the side.

As newly confirmed members of the Church, we are told we are "adults" and that our faith is our own responsibility. But what does that mean?

Adult Catholics

First of all, what is Confirmation? For some, it is a graduation from religious education; but most of us have only just begun to learn about our faith, the history of our religion, and the future of the Catholic Church.

For many, Confirmation means finally being part of the Church community. Up until your Confirmation, you sometimes feel you are only recognized in the Church as part of your family. But after Confirmation, you are your own person, a servant of God within the Church.

This also means you are responsible for your faith. Whether you stay home and sleep every Sunday, or get up and go to church and get involved in the community is your responsibility.

What I do

I became a Eucharistic minister and lead retreats with some of my friends. Those helped me to learn about myself. By leading retreats, I learned I like to work with and teach kids, and got such a sense of accomplishment from it.

Now, as I prepare for college and try to answer some of those tough questions, I find my work in the community has made that easier. My work with kids has led me to explore teaching as a possibility, and I know I want to continue my Eucharistic minister role at a church on campus or nearby.

On your own

When you've made it into college, kissed your parents goodbye, met a hundred new people and are learning about a million new things, your plate seems pretty full. So it can be easy to push your faith to the back burner.

Don't let this happen. Joan Horgan, campus minister at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, had some advice on how to keep your faith on track while away at school. She suggests visiting your RA or campus ministry office to find out about exciting groups and activities or community service projects you can get involved in. She also says continuing to go to Mass while away at college can help you deal with the difficulties of college life.

"Many students are aware that church can help them feel part of the community, can offer sustenance during the difficult times, and can help them feel connected to God especially when life gets chaotic," she said.

As exciting and wonderful as college can be, it can also be just as trying and stressful, and that's where your faith can help you. Ms. Horgan said, "Even during times of questioning, it can still be helpful to stay in the conversation."

Don't give up on your faith, and take it with you wherever you go.

(11-08-01) [[In-content Ad]]