There are a handful of things that some people really dive into when they enter college. One thing I've heard was people diving into their religion in college. I didn't quite understand how this could happen. I mean it's college; college is well college. People party and go crazy and all things like that.
I always thought of myself as a religious person. When I was born I was baptized episcopal, but my family moved and we made a promise to the Catholic Church. I attended religious education classes all through elementary and junior high school. I even got confirmed.
When I entered high school I joined a Godparent group. This group was basically a version of a youth group. There were about twelve of us high schoolers who gathered every Sunday for the four years. Throughout those years we learned many things about religion. I honestly thought that I had a good grasp of my religion and what it meant to me. I felt like I took a leader role within the group. I was really trying to be a religious person. My Godparents asked me to be the Godmother of there child. I was blessed to be asked this. This big gift all happened right as I was entering my freshman year of college.
My freshman year of college I finally found and learned about being Catholic. It really helped that I had a roommate who was Catholic and very passionate about her faith. With her by my side and encouraging me, I finally found what I was looking for. I found my faith.
I became part of this center on campus. This center was a Catholic center on campus that brought together all those who were in the same vote as me. I found and connected with so many people who taught me about my faith. I can honestly say that I learned so much and I have such this passion for continuing to learn more.
The biggest moment for me was this weekend retreat. On this retreat I had this ah-ha moment and then from them on I know that I am a religious person. I learned what it meant to fully die within myself so that I could open up fully to God. Not only did I die that weekend, I rose as well. I rose to grow in my faith and my relationship with God. That weekend had such a powerful impact on my life.
The next retreat we had, I was on the team. I learned everything that happens in order to set up a Catholic Mass. I was actually in charge of setting up the masses on that weekend.
I may have left that college, but what I found there will always stay with me. Now I have a foundation that I can use in helping my Godson learn about his own faith. I may have took longer than some people do in regards to their religion, but I did find mine and I'm so proud of myself and the relationship I have built with God.
