Our faith is shaped by the people and experiences that come before us. Looking back at my upbringing in the Catholic Church, I see how deeply formative many moments were for me.
Some of my earliest faith memories are particularly prominent — the emphasis and celebration of the sacraments of reconciliation, Eucharist and confirmation, being involved in the youth choir, the formation and ordination of my dad as a permanent deacon and visits at our home with priests, religious and lots of active lay people.
These memories stand out for a variety of reasons. Going to confession for the first time was admittedly scary. But once I sat in front of the priest, he immediately put me at ease, and it wasn’t so scary after all. His patience and gentleness allowed me to celebrate my first Communion with joy. My mother and grandmother spent weeks picking out fabric and patterns and ribbons and buttons for the handmade dress I would wear for my special day.
In my “tween” years, we had an amazing choir director so when she announced a youth choir was forming, I signed right up – even though I can’t sing a note. We learned so much more from her than singing and even went on my first away-from-home camping trip with the “older girls” in the choir. They braided my hair while we sang songs about Jesus around the campfire.
In my early teens, my dad was in formation to become a permanent deacon. It felt like we were at church a lot during that time. My siblings and I learned how to sit still, for what often was hours. The reward was that we also got to meet other deacon candidates and their families. Some of those bonds formed still exist today.
When I started confirmation prep as a teenager, honestly, I didn’t have too much interest in it. But it was fun to hang out with my friends. Occasionally, we were introduced to a subject that challenged us and our catechist welcomed us to challenge him in return. Sometimes it even got a little heated, which ultimately allowed us space to either see a different perspective, learn something new or make a case for what we believed.
Over the years, I had many encounters with people of all ages and walks of life, who shared very similar things like their love for the Eucharist and also shared some very differing views. All these happenstances allowed me to meet and learn from the wisdom of the generations around me.
I like to think that these influences inspired me to a wider view of who the Church is and an openness to seeing things through other people’s eyes. They taught me to listen first before judging, they helped me to expand my understanding and teachings of the Church and they gave me a reason to seek the greater good, even when it is hard.
For more than 100 years, Catholics across the Diocese of St. Cloud have built a rich legacy of faith, nurturing our traditions, remaining devoted to the sacraments and participating in the life of the Church. It was hard for them, too, but they stayed. Their sacrifices were for me and for this generation and now it is our turn to commit and sacrifice for the next one.
What are some ways you can honor the past and inspire the future?
Uncover your parish or school history – Does your parish have a historical booklet or published data?
Storytelling – Learn from those who have been longtime parishioners. Share memories of faith, past traditions and experiences that have shaped your church community.
Explore sacred spaces – Does your parish have statues, stained glass or other sacred items? Notice the beauty around you.
Eucharistic love stories – Knowing your own story and being able to articulate it in light of the Gospel is a great gift. Write a personal reflection on how the Eucharist has shaped your life.
Bridge generations – Notice the different age groups in your ACC. Connect with someone from a different generation. Greet them, introduce yourself, make a connection.
Pass down traditions – Teach younger generations about Catholic practices, prayers and values to ensure faith continues across families and friendships.
Community outreach – Organize or participate in service projects that directly respond to local needs, such as food assistance programs, housing initiatives or spiritual care.
Support vocations and leadership – Encourage young people in their faith journeys, whether they are discerning a vocation or seeking ways to live their faith authentically.
Talk about your faith – Participate in discussions about faith in small groups or among family and friends.
Honoring the past and inspiring the future is not just about remembering — it’s about carrying forward the lessons, traditions and faith that have shaped us. Each of us has a role in shaping the future of Catholic life.