This year has had a lot of ups and downs for me. My family is not very religious, so we were not the typical church goer family. This fall I took my first Theology class here at Neumann. This class was one of my favorite classes because it gave me a better understanding of why things are the way they are. In the very beginning of the semester, it was very difficult because I had lost a family friend that was very close to me. At this time, I was heartbroken and could not understand why someone so generous and loving could be taken so young. The thing that really helped me get through the loss, was my Theology course. I had Dr. Vadas, and the way she would explain things really helped me understand God and the values of life. After taking the Theology course, I decided I wanted to go to Church every Sunday. At the start of winter break, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I knew my mom was going to be okay, however I was worried about what she was going to go through. I went to Mass and I just sat there and took it all in. In this week’s reading one line speaks to me, “Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear.” I believe that more people should stop and listen more. I listened and took in every word in Dr. Vadas’ class because through the Bible, you learn reason. On the first Sunday after my mom had been diagnosed, I sat there, and I listened and took it all in. I learned that God has reasons for why things happen. God will not leave you in darkness, but you have to listen to God’s signs and stories in the Bible.

Today is Palm Sunday, the sixth Sunday in Lent. The readings this week talk about Jesus sacrificing himself. I have really focused on all of the sacrifices and gifts that Jesus has given us. As I have listened to God and understood all of the sacrifices that Jesus has made, I have a better understanding of the Catholic view. On April 28th I will be fully received into the Catholic Church. I wanted to be Confirmed to complete my Sacraments in Catholic Church because I want to have a better understanding of Catholic values. A line in the reading says, “The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue”. As a future educator, I will one day teach children that no matter what God will never abandon you, and no matter what you are going through, God will always be there for you.