Keeping the faith, plain and simple

Tell me about yourself: 
I’m a freshman at Northern Michigan University. I’ve been blessed to attend Catholic schools up until this point, and my high school was especially amazing. It was an all guys, half-military, Catholic college-prep school run by Benedictine monks. It was an awesome, faith-filled experience. I’m currently studying Outdoor Recreation and Leadership Management. I love being outside, whether hiking, biking or swimming. I’m also on the men’s club volleyball team, which is so much fun. 

Has there been a moment in your life that made you appreciate your faith in a new way?
As I said previously, I went to a Catholic high school. We did retreats every year, but the senior retreat was supposed to be special. This retreat opened my eyes to God’s love for me and how He works in my life. I’m a cradle-Catholic, so I went to Mass and could recite facts about the faith, but it didn’t mean much to me. After coming back from this retreat, I had a passion for the faith that I didn’t know was possible. It changed my life, plain and simple. 

Do you have a favorite saint or devotion?
I am consecrated to Mary, two of my friends and I did the 33 Days to Morning Glory consecration this year. Maximilian Kolbe is my confirmation saint and holds a special place in my heart. He was an amazing person and an inspiration to me on how to be a true witness to faith. I am also partial to St. Jude, patron of hopeless cases, because in certain aspects of my life I certainly need the help. 

You participated in the Exodus 90 program, which emphasizes asceticism and spiritual growth for men. Tell me about that:
I’ll come out and say it: Exodus 90 is difficult. I did it by myself and I came to understand the reason why the program stresses having a group to do it with. Though difficult, it was a great experience for me. It helped me refocus on what is important in my life and helped me to connect with God in a deeper way. If you can find a group to do it with, I very much recommend Exodus 90. 

Any words of advice for Catholics young and old?
As we know with our prayer lives, and our lives in general, there are times of consolation and desolation in our relationship with God. Sometimes we feel super close to God and sometimes we struggle with it. My advice would be to just keep praying and this will take a turn for the better. To sum it up in three words: keep the faith.