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Sometimes when I'm in class, though especially when I was in elementary and middle school, I'd think of the Lord standing beside me, holding my hand as I went through the day. He's an instant best friend, homework helper, and teacher. He helps you stay focused on your immediate goal within the bigger picture. He provides comfort, peace, and rest when it's most needed. Our Lord walks with us always... but sometimes it's difficult to remember that He's there and that He should be the focus of everything that we do! So how can we "bring Jesus to school?" How can we incorporate our faith into our studies even when it's difficult; even when it seems like nothing we're doing as anything to do with Christ? I have a few ideas... Take a few minutes each morning to spend time with Jesus. Read the daily readings, and use the Hallow App to be guided through prayers. Go to your church if you can and simply sit with the Lord in prayer and silence. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance when you're struggling. Pray the Prayer for Students by St. Thomas Aquinas before your classes or before you begin the school day. (Fun fact: There is a printable version of this prayer sold in the MercyLight Designs shop! (my roommate suggested this one!) Write the initials of the people you're praying for in the corner of your notebook pages so that each page of notes is offered as a prayer for those intentions. Write "J.M.J." in the corner of your papers to dedicate your work to the Holy Family. Make your desk, locker, etc. a spot of prayer as well as study. You can decorate it with prayer prints, coloring pages, pictures of saints or statues, have a standing crucifix or small statue on your desk, etc. The printables from MercyLight Designs would be super great for this, and there are so many beautiful ones all over the internet! Pray for your classmates. In each class, choose one person to pray for. I like the analogy that a Catholic speaker once used of "zapping" people with the Holy Spirit. :-) Take some time for silence every once in a while. Walk alone to class once or twice a day and use that time to make some interior silence, even when the world around you is loud and crazy. Stand up for Christ. Stand up for your faith. When something is being taught that is immoral or incorrect, do something about it. If something your teacher is telling you to read or do goes against your morals, respectfully tell them that you will not do or read it, and ask for other accommodations. The Lord will help you to do what's right. Live your faith while with your friends. You might be the one to bring Christ to them for the first time (You know, if you've received the Eucharist, you're a living, walking, talking tabernacle!! 😂😄) Stay focused! Your primary Vocation right now is to be a student. That's your role in life (along with many other things!) but you bring so much glory to God when you try your hardest and strive to bring Him glory in all the work that you do. There are soooo many other great ideas out there. If you have some, please share them in the comments! I hope and pray that this post will serve as a reminder and resource for you as you strive to live our your faith through the school day. Jesus wants to walk through life with you each and every step of the way. He's with you always and will bring you strength, knowledge, and comfort in your studies. Happy studying! Have a wonderful day!

Today I invite you to reflect prayerfully on today's Gospel passage with me. You can read it, along with the other readings of the day, here in verses 21-43. I, and so many others, can strongly relate to the hemorrhaging woman in this passage recounting just one of Jesus' many healings. My guess is that you might, too. Or at least know someone who does. What is your own lengthy affliction? No, you may not be hemorrhaging (and I pray that you are not!!); however, most of us have at least one thing in our lives that brings us continual suffering. Examples could include chronic pain; anxiety disorders; depression; family issues; past trauma; distrust of others; poor body image; OCD, other mental illnesses; injuries; cancer; habitual sin; chronic illness; scrupulosity; trauma from abuse; not being able to forgive yourself; problems with relating to others or forming friendships; grief; strife in your parents' relationship/ your relationship with them; screen addictions; any form of addiction; fatigue; burnout... Think about it. What in your life needs healing? (Side note: the above examples are not ALL examples, just some that Christ put on my heart while writing this). This is the thing you've been suffering with for so long. You've tried so hard to feel better, but you feel stuck. You're tired of fighting. So was the hemorrhaging woman. She bled in pain for twelve years. She suffered at the hands of those trying to help her. And she spent all that she had. Physically. Financially. Mentally. Emotionally. She was alone and exhausted, not only from her pain but from being misunderstood, so tired of fighting, so tired of no one being able to help. The woman in the Gospel was so exhausted and in pain. And in her pain, she turned to the only one she thought could truly heal her: The man they said was the Messiah. She had such faith that she believed that if she only touched Him, she could be made well! And she reached out and touched the tassel on his cloak. She reached out for healing, believing that it would happen. And Jesus granted the desires of her heart! He looked at her. No- He SAW her. He saw all she'd been through, all the pain, all the anxiety, all the depression. And He said, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction." (Though I imagine Jesus would have most likely used exclamation points (!!!!) and not periods. Cause He was probably rejoicing with her. And smiling. And loving her!). And He told her to "Go in peace." Anyone who has suffered for a long time knows the pain and exhaustion of just wanting answers. Wanting help. Wanting peace. In my own life, I suffer from chronic health issues and intense fears and anxiety. Every day is a struggle to let Jesus help me and recognize that He is offering His peace to me, as well; to reach for Him and to hope and trust that He'll take care of me and heal me. Peace... What a beautiful concept. What a beautiful gift. I long for peace, and even if I'm never completely healed, and must persevere in my afflictions, body, mind, and soul, then I simply ask for peace. This woman in the Gospel today... She was so brave. Her faith, hope, and trust truly did make her well because they enabled her to come to the Lord, no matter the cost. How can we, those of us who suffer greatly on a daily basis- even if it's only been weeks, months, or only a few years as opposed to twelve- how can we "touch his cloak" today? How can we ask for and accept this healing that Christ provides? Come to Him. Simply come to Him. He WILL work in your life, in your pain. You will be healed. It might not be in the way you expect it. Healing can come in all sorts of ways... Sometimes it means switching up habits or lifestyles; locations or schools; going to therapy; trying a new medication; separating yourself from harmful relationships. All of these are from God, and He works through them! Also, your healing might not even come in this life, but it certainly will in the next. Some days, it's so hard to reach out to Him. But friend, our God is the God who raises the dead! Those who can't even, by themselves, ask for healing! Who are literally past the point of healing! Jesus sees them, He goes to them, and tells them to "Arise!" To live! (We see another example of this in the Gospel today!) So my friend, take courage. Whatever your affliction is, whatever you need healing for, whatever your cross is... Go to Him. Be with Him. Consume His very Body and Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Eucharist. Be reconciled with Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Don't be afraid. Jesus has you. He sees you. He loves you. Your faith is beautiful.

Do you have someone who helps you to grow in your faith? Who, through their teaching and example, shows you what it means to be a Christian? You know you can count on their prayers and guidance. I think of this type of person when I read St. Paul's letter to Timothy today. He writes: "I am grateful to God, whom I worship with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, as I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day. I yearn to see you again, recalling your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, as I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and that I am confident lives also in you." (2 Timothy 1:3-5) Paul is a type of "spiritual father" who acts as a friend and mentor for Timothy in his ministry. Paul prays for him and seeks to grow their friendship, and while he IS Timothy's mentor, also sees him as an equal. He acknowledges Timothy's strong faith and, in later verses, encourages him not to be discouraged, to bear his hardships with strength, and to strive to stay zealous for the Lord and his ministry. I also appreciate the example of Timothy's mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois. Paul acknowledges their vital influence on Timothy's faith. They, too, were wonderful mentors for Timothy! I say all this to illustrate how important mentors are in the faith journey. I encourage you again to reconsider the questions I asked at the start of this post... Who are your mentors? These can include parents, friends, teachers, priests, campus ministers, people online, youth group leaders, etc. Take some time soon to reach out to them and let them know that you are praying for them and are grateful for their ministry! More than that, who can you be a mentor for? Your younger siblings? Friends? Younger people at your parish? It doesn't have to be anything formal... no, "Can I be your mentor?!" needs to be said 😂 I hope and pray that I can help to mentor you in your faith through this blog! So what are some practical ways to engage in mentorship and encourage those around you as St. Paul did for Timothy? Pray! Choose someone (or a few people) and pray for them daily. And tell them! It's always super encouraging and gives my faith a little boost when I hear that someone has been praying for me. Form closer friendships. Really take an interest in getting to know them. Take the time to send an encouraging text message every once in a while. If someone has questions about their faith, do your best to answer them! If you don't have an answer immediately, ask someone else, or find the answer from online! (Catholic Answers is my favorite resource). Invite them for coffee/ to sit with you at lunch/ to youth group/ to go to Mass together sometimes. Simple things are always meaningful. 😊 We are all on this journey together, and when we can "encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). You have the power to have a huge influence on someone's life and journey of faith. It's so beautiful to be able to serve others in this way. We have such a beautiful example from so many people in our faith, including, as we see today, Paul, Eunice, and Lois!

Hi friends! Happy Saturday! This month I'm going to begin to offer a Bible study for young women on the topic of Virtues, Saints, and Femininity. I was leading this Bible study with a group via video call for a while, but with schedule changes and a busy new semester, it's a lot more practical to do it via email. Here's how it works: Click here to register for free! Every once in a while, you'll receive an email from me containing some reading, a saint, a short reflection, and some questions. If you'd like, you can reply to the email and answer the reflection questions! There are others who are participating, but the email will be sent in a way that you will be kept anonymous from other readers :-) I hope that you'll consider joining this study. I've learned a lot in my research for it, and am looking forward to sharing it with you! Have a wonderful day!

We, as humans are relational creatures. We're not created to be alone!! (Gen. 2:18) This journey that we are on towards Heaven is made so much easier when we have friends alongside us who are walking that same journey. So, that being said, how does one go about finding these friends? How to find friendship: -Pray!! Pray for God's guidance and direction. Pray that He'll lead you to good, holy friends. Trust me; He will! - Attend a youth group or campus ministry events. These are fantastic ways to get connected with other like-minded people around your age. - Go on a retreat! Some of my closest friendships have been formed through going on retreats. Steubenville conferences are awesome for that, and also, I've found that just going on Vocation retreats and meeting other people who might not be from your area is really beautiful. Sometimes dioceses have annual high school or middle school retreats and diocese-wide youth events, which can be really fun. Who knows? If you stay in touch after the retreat, it could turn into a lifelong friendship <3 - Don't be afraid to say hello. Smile! Most people are not that scary and will be nice 😊 - Don't rush it! Just like any other relationship, trust takes time to grow. And if you start to get to know the person more and discover, "oh, wow, this girl isn't who I thought she was..." then there's no harm done in taking a step back. How to keep friendships: Great! You've found a lovely friend! What's next? - Communicate! If there's a problem, talk it out. - Have so much fun together! The best friends, in my experience, are those with who you can be super serious one minute and watch singing dog videos the next. 😜 - Pray with and for them. Invite your friend (whether they are Catholic or not!) to come to Mass, youth group, adoration, etc., with you! You have a tremendous influence over the people you spend time with, and if you can lead them to Christ, that is absolutely amazing. Let Christ's light shine through you! - If things start going downhill (there's too much drama; they're heading down a wrong path and dragging you with them; they constantly complain, etc.), it's definitely okay to distance yourself from them. Who we surround ourselves with is who we become. If ending a friendship will help you be freer to follow Christ and be who He's created you to be, then it is absolutely okay to do that. It isn't easy in the moment, but it is worth it. And you WILL make more friends! 😊 And nothing says that you have to end the friendship altogether. You could still keep in touch, just not spend as much time together or as often. I've been so blessed to have wonderful friends and my boyfriend, who are leading me to Heaven. We pray together, laugh together, and have fun together. It's amazing what happens to relationships when you let God in and let Him have control. And even more importantly than any of this, Jesus is your friend. As one of my favorite songs says, " Jesus is a friend of mine! " (not actually my favorite, it's just hilarious!!) He literally became man. God became man. For YOU. To walk this journey with you. He is head over heels in love with you!! Friendship with Christ is the most important friendship you can have and nurture. All other relationships should flow from relationship with Him. I hope this post helps encourage you in your quest to find true friendship! If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to comment below. You are in my prayers! Have a great day!

Read with me: Psalm 78:3-8 What we have heard and know; things our ancestors have recounted to us. We do not keep them from our children; we recount them to the next generation, The praiseworthy deeds of the LORD and his strength, the wonders that he performed. God made a decree in Jacob, established a law in Israel: Which he commanded our ancestors, they were to teach their children; That the next generation might come to know, children yet to be born. In turn they were to recount them to their children, that they too might put their confidence in God, And not forget God’s deeds, but keep his commandments. They were not to be like their ancestors, a rebellious and defiant generation, A generation whose heart was not constant, and whose spirit was not faithful to God. Reflect with me: God commanded the Israelites to teach their children the faith of their fathers. They would learn, mature, and grow, and then teach the same to their children and younger siblings and friends. Why should that be any different for us? Even though you may be a parent anytime in the near future, you are called to pass on the faith to your spiritual children- teaching them "the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD and his strength, the wonders that he performed." Each of us is called in a particular way to teach those around us, including the next generation of God's people- young or old- about the Lord and His goodness. How will you do this if you aren't already? For me, this looks like blogging, helping to lead retreats, and just loving people as best as I possibly can. It's quite simple: if you live your life for God, others around you will learn about He and His love through your virtue and example! It's so incredible. Our world is thirsting for love- thirsting for God. Will you be the one to show someone the love that God has for them? Hopefully, then, your influence and prayers will inspire them to "put their confidence in God, And not forget God’s deeds, but keep his commandments." Pray with me: "Lord, my God, and Father, How are you calling me to pass on the truth of who You are and what You've done to those around me? Is there a certain way that you want me to love your people? A certain person or group of people who you want me to focus on in my prayer and ministry- who will be my spiritual children? Help me to pass on the faith as the Israelites did to future generations. I want to bring you glory, Lord! I want to make known your love and mercy and all you have done for us! Thank you for the people who have shown me your deeds, strength, and wonders throughout my spiritual life and those who will do so in the future. Love, Your beloved Child who trusts in You."

Side note: This was an essay that I wrote for a theology class, but had to cut it down because I had too many words. I didn't want to get rid of it though, so I thought I'd post it :-) One thing that I read in the readings assigned this week that I didn’t recognize the importance of before was in Hebrews 4:12. In this verse, the author writes, “Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” At the beginning of the verse the author says, “Indeed, the word of God is living and effective…”. How can a word be living? Only creatures are alive. The word of God is different. We know from John 1:14 that Jesus is the Word of God. (“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” ) The fact that Christ is the Word of God also makes sense because when one comes to know the Word of God, he or she comes to know Christ. When people do not know the Word of God they cannot know Christ as deeply as He’d like to reveal Himself to them. As St. Jerome once famously said, “Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ.” If Christ is the Word of God, then all of the things that the author of Hebrews uses to describe the Word of God must also apply to Christ. The author of Hebrews says the Word of God is living and effective. If Jesus is the Word of God, as John said (John 1:1), then He must also be living and effective. This makes sense because although Christ died here on earth and was then resurrected, He never died again. He ascended into Heaven, body, and soul, but He did not die. If someone did not die, we can logically assume that they are not dead, and therefore was and are alive. Christ is effective because His life, death, and resurrection had a tremendous effect on all of the universe and all of human history, and He continues to affect the lives of all in major ways to this very day and will do so for eternity. The author of Hebrews then goes on to describe the Word as “…sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating between even soul and spirit, joints and marrow…” Does this make sense when applied to Christ as the Word? Absolutely. In Matthew 10:34, Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword.” When we as Christians know the Word of God as it was meant to be interpreted through the help of Christ and the magisterium of the Church, we will be given knowledge of things by the Word of God and Christ which are one and cannot be separated. When this happens we will not be able to help but share them and the one who gave us that knowledge. Both spreading our knowledge of Christ, the Word, and His Church, are highly controversial, and, sadly, are not agreed upon by all Christians. We may be disliked because we know the Truth. Our beliefs may bring division between us and our loved ones. So, as crazy as it seems, the Word of God is divisive, and so is Christ. The final observation about the Word of God that the author of Hebrews makes in this verse is that it (He) is “able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” Any ordinary word that is spoken cannot do anything even remotely similar to this! This line, along with the text of the next verse when the word is referred to as “He", proves that Jesus is the Word being spoken of. When we pray with the Word of God, we come closer to Christ. He alone can discern our reflections and thoughts, and help us to more deeply understand Him through the things we are reading. In studying this verse, I have a strong desire to come to know the Lord more deeply through encountering Him as Word made man. I find it very interesting how everything in the Old Testament as well as in the new, points to Christ. This makes sense now after reading this verse, as He is the Word of God! This discovery found in reading the book of Hebrews helps me to further understand Christ’s role in Scripture and to be more excited to soak up the Word of God- Jesus Christ- through the mysteries and stories of the Bible.

Read with me: 1 John 2:29-3:6 "If you consider that God is righteous, you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness is begotten by him. See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure. Everyone who commits sin commits lawlessness, for sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who remains in him sins; no one who sins has seen him or known him." Reflect with me: We are GOD'S children now! Our identity and worth come from being children of God. Our worth doesn't come from what we do or don't do. Our worth doesn't come from our health, our abilities, or our intelligence. It doesn't diminish because we are struggling. It doesn't waver because of our life or family circumstances. Our worth, dignity, and inherent identity do not change and will not change because GOD DOES NOT CHANGE! If we are nothing else in this world, we are Children of God, and that is enough. That is what matters. Even when you feel like nothing is going well; even when you're anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or discouraged; even when you can't see God, He is with you. YOU are HIS beloved child. He is madly in love with you, and everything He wishes for you is for your good. Our Father will never abandon us. We are called to live differently because we've been chosen to do so. God has chosen us to be His children; thus, we are called to live in righteousness, purity, and above all, love. Today, let's resolve to see our God as He is... as our Father. A Father who loves us so profoundly that if He were to reveal it to us here on earth, we would immediately die of love. Pray with me: "Lord, my God, and Father, I want to see you as you are and to be able to see myself and those around me as You do. I trust that I am your child, and You are holding me. Help me to always see myself as a child and to constantly remain in your arms and lean on you! You are so good, so strong, so loving. I need you more than anything or anyone else, Father. Help me to see my worth when I am in the dark. When I'm in the desert, help me to turn around and see that You are still with me. Carry me, my Father, when I lift my arms to you in surrender. Love, Your beloved Child who trusts in You."

Wishing you all a very blessed and happy 2023!! Today is such a big day... It's the Feast of Mary, Mother of God (yay!!), and of course, it's New Year's Day! This year, I actually have a couple of New Years' resolutions! One of my priests at school has us make goals at the beginning of each semester. He taught us that our goals should be S.M.A.R.T. specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. I used this acronym to help me set my goals for this year. Also. keep in mind that you can set new resolutions any time of year! Have you made goals for the year yet? If not, you've still got time!! It's always good to have some motivation and keep your goals in mind! I'd encourage you to set goals that help you grow spiritually, in your work or schooling, in your relationships, and in your own mental and physical health and growth. My goals for the new year are to 1) Think more logically and in a calm manner. Don't panic! And try not to let anxiety stop me. I'll check in each month and see how I do. (mental and physical health) 2) Grow my Etsy shop! My goal is to have at LEAST 25 sales by the end of the year. (work/relationships) 3) Get into more of a routine for studying at school. Color code my planner every weekend! (school) 4) Stop watching Instagram reels. Only the ones that are on my feed. They're too big of a distraction! (will help in all areas) 5) Read my new devotionals every day! (Spiritual) And, just remember, it takes time to form new habits and routines. No matter what your goals are, be patient with yourself. God is patient with you, you can be patient with yourself. 😉 Also, sometimes things go differently than we thought they would. A lot differently. Goals are flexible. As you change, so can they! I hope that you have (and had) a fun and safe New Year's Eve and day (if you're driving, PLEASE be careful!!), and a wonderful 2023. Know that you are always in my prayers!! Happy New Year! ~ Catholic Teen (Colleen)

The Catholic Teen Life Blog is expanding! As of today, MercyLight Designs is officially open for business on Etsy! The mission of MercyLight Designs is to provide beautiful, inspiring, and accessible printable and digital media to young people that will increase and strengthen their faith, and help them to live their lives totally with and for God. I'd love if you'd check out the shop and even consider purchasing. 😊 Here's the link: https://mercylightdesigns.etsy.com And you can also find the shop by going to the MercyLight Designs page of this website. So far, products include phone wallpapers, printable spiritual bouquets, and printable prayer prints. I'd love to hear what you think! The shop also has an account on Instagram . Merry Christmas Eve to you all! Have a wonderful day!

How do you figure out, as an eighteen-year-old- or even younger, in my case- what you want to do with the rest of your life? It's hard. Really hard. How does one take everything into account and make an informed decision? Maybe you decided years ago, and you have it all figured out. Or maybe you're like me and THOUGHT you had it all figured out... and then you thought about it some more. Whichever situation you're in, before you commit to your plans, it's good to pray about it, look at it from every perspective, and make the best decision possible. Here's my recommendation: Write down all of your options on a piece of paper. Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance. Now, go through each of your options, one by one, and consider each question on this list: Is this path morally acceptable? Will you have to do anything that goes against your faith? Is this something you will enjoy and can see yourself doing in the future? If the answer to the first and last question is yes, and the second question is no, then keep going to the next set of questions! If not, cross that idea off of your list! For this next set of questions, just consider each of them for each possible scenario. Financially: How much money will this path cost to pursue? Will you be in debt as a result? How much? Will you be able to pay off any debt if you work in your chosen career? Vocationally: Depending on what Vocation God calls you to, will this path work with that, or will it prevent you from fully living out your Vocation? If you are called to marriage, would you like a job in which you can stay home with your children? If you are called to religious life or the priesthood, will you realistically be able to pay off any debt you have accumulated from taking this path? Is this path in line with the ways that you have felt called to serve in the past? Who is this job or career path benefitting or helping? Can you support yourself, let alone a family, with the amount of money I'd make on this trajectory? If you are in a relationship and plan on getting married in the next few years, how will this decision affect your relationship and your plans to get married? If you are discerning with a religious community or discerning the priesthood, have you spoken with your diocese or religious community to seek their guidance? If you're discerning going to college: Is this a college close or far from home? Does the school have a good Catholic community or parish nearby? What is the average tuition? Is the school a healthy environment to grow in your faith, or will it hinder you? Will you pursue a two or four-year degree? What degree do you need for the job you'd like to have? Is there a way to pursue the job you'd like without going to college? (i.e., certifications, trade school, online courses, etc.) Would you live at school or commute from home? Could you work for now and then see if you need a degree later on in life? Is a degree in this field a prudent use of your time, money, and energy? Are you willing to spare a few years to pursue this degree? What would you do after you graduate college? Over breaks? Does the degree you study for require you to attend graduate school to reasonably expect to get a job? Are you willing to spend the time, money, and energy necessary to do that? If you're discerning finding a job or joining the military: How realistic is it that you will obtain the position that you want? If you take this path, will you live at home, or will you live elsewhere? Will you be able to support yourself and your family someday on an estimated salary? Will you pursue a degree later in life or stick with the same job? Will you need to pay for any training to get the job you want? Is the position you're looking at taking safe, or at least worth risking your safety? If you're discerning missionary work: Is this a cause that you feel strongly about? Will you be able to live out your Catholic faith in this setting? How long of a commitment would you have to this work? Would you work through an organization or on your own? Is the organization you would be working through aligned with your Catholic beliefs? What sort of work would you be doing? Where would you be living? What would come after your work is done and you go home? How will you raise money to support yourself and your mission? For anything you're discerning: How will this decision help you to grow in your faith in God and your love and service to His people? How will this decision affect your life in the next month? Year? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? Fifty years? How will your decision affect your family and the people you love? What is the end goal of this decision? Am I passionate about this decision? Will this path allow me to use the gifts that God has given me for His glory? Once you've answered these questions (and any others that you think are important), look at your options once more: Which of the options now seems like the best? Pray about it for as long as you need (or as long as you have...) and then make your decision and stick to it! For me, it was crucial that I took a path that would allow me to get through college as quickly as possible with a degree that I could use to work from home while I stay home with any children I have someday. I also wanted to avoid being stuck with tons of student loan debt. Also, it would have been challenging to go to college online, as I'd initially thought, because of home situations. I also wanted to study something that would be useful in my blogging ministry and in some other plans that I have... For those reasons, and after taking everything into account, I chose to go to Saint Francis University and study Business Administration to earn my Associate degree (2 years). Later on, I'll be working to earn a certification in Catholic Theology. (Side note: Saint Francis University is a great Catholic college, and I'd highly recommend checking it out if you're discerning getting a college education!) It took me a long time to decide what I wanted to do after high school... hours of googling programs, weighing my options, and trying to determine what was best. In the end, though, I am happy with my decision! In today's world, there are so many paths that can be taken. As Catholics, we have the added responsibility of looking to the future, to our Vocation, and taking into account what will best help us to serve those around us and those whom we will serve and be responsible for. Deciding what comes next after high school is a big decision, not one to be taken lightly. However, with some prayer and careful consideration, a well-informed decision is most definitely possible. Give it to God! As St. Padre Pio said, "Pray, hope, and don't worry!"

Today is Gaudete Sunday- more commonly known as the Sunday when we wear pink, haha! The word Gaudete means "rejoice!" We are reminded today, amid the waiting, that joy will come, and Jesus will reign. I find it challenging to be joyful, and I'm sure you might, too, sometimes. Let's remember, though, friends, that joy is not happiness. Joy consists of constantly having in your mind and living out the phrase, "Jesus, I trust in You." Jesus, we trust you with our family situations. Jesus, we trust you with all the problems of the world. Jesus, we trust that you'll forgive us for our mistakes and sins. Jesus, we trust you with our schoolwork. Jesus, we trust you with our chronic illness. Jesus, we trust you with our grief and sadness. Jesus, we trust you with our anxiety. Jesus, we trust you with our depression. Jesus, we trust you with the feeling of abandonment. Jesus, we trust you with all our insecurities. Jesus, we trust you with our friends. Jesus, we trust you with our parents and siblings. Jesus, we trust you with our future plans. Jesus, we trust you with our conflicts. Jesus, we trust you with our health. Jesus, we trust you with our uncertainties. Jesus, we trust you with our fears. Jesus, we trust you with unresolved complicated situations. Jesus, we trust you with our pasts. Jesus, we trust you with each other. Jesus, we trust you with the failings of the Church. Jesus, we trust you that you'll help us love more deeply. Jesus, we trust that your Words are true. Jesus, we trust that you are merciful. Jesus, we trust you with everything. Jesus, we trust that You are our joy! That, my friends, is where you will find true joy: in trusting our Jesus and waiting on Him with expectant hope. Whatever it is that is stealing your joy and peace, give it to Him. "I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete." (John 15:11). All we need to be truly joyful is our Jesus. He is our joy. Jesus is where we'll find joy, no matter what else is going on in our lives. And, this Advent, as we prepare for His coming, we are confident that someday, we'll be filled with the highest degree of joy possible when we are fully united with Him in Heaven. But for now? For now, find your joy. Find your Jesus. Find Him in His Word, in the Sacraments, in service to His people. Find Him in the stillness of a church just by sitting before Him, simply basking in His love and mercy. I pray for you today, that you'd be filled with the joy, hope, and peace that Christ brings; please keep me in your prayers!