This Sunday is the fifth Sunday in Lent. The readings this week talk about doing something new and looking forward to the future that lies ahead. This Lenten season I have been participating in the RCIA program through Campus Ministry, preparing to become a member of the Catholic Church. I am receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. I am the third out of seven children and I am hoping by being the first one out of all of us to become a member of the church to show they that even though our parents didn’t have us receive our sacraments growing up, that we can do them on our own time. I am so lucky to be able to do this through the help of Patrick and Maria from Campus Ministry. Throughout college I have gone to just about every Mass with my family but what is different this year is that I have decided to take a bigger step and actually become a member of the Catholic Church. This all wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for my mom and being a part of Campus Ministry. My mom is the person I will always look up to. She went to Catholic school growing up, and she was invested in the church. Because of her and her help with choosing Neumann University, I have developed a love of the Catholic Church. Catholic views and values have become such a big part of life. The Sunday Masses at Neumann have been something to look forward to because it’s the place where my mom, my sisters and my boyfriend and I come and spend quality time in the presence of God. Sunday nights are what I look forward to especially after those rough days at work where I just go and enjoy the presence of all the amazing people and presence of God and the beautiful readings. I am so thankful that I chose Neumann and got to be a part of Campus Ministry because this has truly changed my life. I am looking forward to being able to participate more fully in the Mass after becoming a member of the church.

The next topic I want to reflect on it the topic of looking forward to the future that lies ahead. As the first reading mentions looking forward to what lies ahead, I start to think of how my views have changed by my experience in the church. I have completely different views than when I was in high school, especially with my future and career. The church has changed my view in education because not only do I have a better understanding of my own values, but I can now teach in Catholic schools and be able to understand and teach better than I did before. In the reading it says, “but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit towards the goal.” This is exactly how I feel with education, no matter if I teach in Catholic schools, special education schools or public schools I will continue to pursue my goal of changing children’s lives, guided by my faith and values. I can’t wait to become an educator and change the world no matter how straining it can be because I will always continue to pursue my goal.