As I leave for a pro-life trip this week, a couple things have been weighing heavy on me.

As a "cradle Catholic," I am terrified of what my future holds. The Catholic Church has been looked down upon for quite some time, whether for the church's views on gay rights, sexual assault allegations against clergy members, or its pro-life stance on abortion, many people have reasons to disagree with or protest against it.

And as I pack for the pro-life march, I'm so excited that I get to be a part of it but deep down I'm terrified and I worry about what can happen. What will people say to me? Will someone try to hurt me? How can I defend myself if something happens?

I'm just a kid going on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to raise awareness for an issue I deeply care about — yet I'm terrified and fear for my life.

I'm nervous to go to my small youth group or to my tiny church on Sundays because there are people who want to cause harm to Catholics just because of their faith.

I shouldn't have to fear for my life in the place where I should be the happiest.

The Catholic Church has made me who I am and has brought me closer to god. I love going to church, youth group, church retreats and enjoy helping out in my parish and becoming closer to the small group of people in it who I'm proud to call my church family.

But outside of church, I can't talk about any of this because I know I will face hatred.

I have always faced hatred for being Catholic. Being called racist, entitled, and narrow-minded. I don't push my beliefs on people but because I hold those beliefs, I have to live in fear and face hatred head-on.

The Catholic Church and it's people are under fire and I won't stand for it.

I am a proud cradle Catholic and I'm proud to belong to the Catholic Church.