ADVICE to Margje

Hi Margje!

Congratulations for being accepted in the State U! I can imagine how much your father must be proud to have you there.

About your concern, let me put it this way: imagine your faith is a seed, your heart the soil. When you were younger, it was planted in your heart while you were in that Catholic school, while you were into those religious organizations, and as you go to Mass every Sunday. Now let's say it has grown into a plant, and it's doing pretty much okay. But then someone decides to put in something deadly into the soil, so your plant tries so hard to adapt to its new soil. It doesn't die, but it struggles to keep itself alive, given the adverse condition of the soil it is in.

I think that is what's happening to you right now. As much as there is a lot of freedom in the State University, it just means you are also free to express and nourish your faith. You need not go with the flow or with the norms inside the campus. Instead of being weighed down by the culture of individuality while being there, why not use it to your advantage? If others can get away with openly declaring their doubts about God, I don't see why you can't get away with openly declaring your faith in God! It's okay to listen to other people's views, but it doesn't mean you have to absorb them, too.

My suggestion? Don't let your plant die. As long as it doesn't conflict with your classes, why not try going to Mass every afternoon, or at least thrice a week? And while you're at it, why not ask around about possible organizations which will appeal to you? There are a lot of campus-based church organizations like Christ's Youth in Action, UPSCA, and Youth for Christ-I'm sure one of these will be able to address your desire to rekindle your faith.

Think about it, okay? Call me if you feel like talking about it (see telephone number in staff box), I'll be glad to hear from you. Meanwhile, I'll be praying for you.

Alma Alvarez actively serves in Singles for Christ Della Strada. She enjoys doing interviews and writing about people's victories for KERYGMA.

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