Religion is considered a very important part of life by a large part of the
world's population. Determining moral issues and influencing every day
decisions, it resides in everyday life and gives people something in which to
believe. Often, the aspects of religion are passed down from parent to child,
and the child automatically believes that which his parents believed. I too
experienced this influence, as I grew up in a family with the Roman Catholic
religion. I was baptized as a baby, and as long as I can remember I attended
mass every Sunday with my family no matter how much I contested going or the
number of tantrums I would throw. I received my first communion and went through
years of Sunday school, which I thought was torture. At an early age I knew and
understood the "routine" that Catholics follow. I later realized the
true seriousness which was far more than just going through the learned motions.
The arguments between my parents and I had diminished as church was now becoming
an enjoyable experience for me. I started looking forward to the sermons of the
priest, wondering what new topic he would bring about for discussion. Soon I
went through a process that is custom in Catholicism, known as confirmation.
This is the transformation from a child to an adult in the eyes of the church.
My older sister went through the same process before me and I never really truly
understood the experience when she went though it. Along with the others I
attended special classes taught by the priest. I became much more involved in
what went on in the church, helping out with seasonal functions for the younger
children in the parish and helping to create an active youth group at the
church. When the actual confirmation occurred the different feelings inside of
me were captivating. The mass itself actually helped me realize the awesome
responsibilities of being a Catholic and even the benefits it had to offer. In
reality I was a slightly nervous about the whole thing. The Catholic Church
places very high expectations upon its young people, and I now had more
responsibility in the parish. After going through the whole confirmation process
I feel as if I have grown as a member of the Catholic Church, and as a person.
The wisdom that I have gained from my faith is immense. Whenever I am uncertain
my faith will help guide me in the right direction. I am very grateful for my
parents for not giving into my whining or fits when I was younger. In the end
all of the advantages of being an active Catholic are well worth it. Without my
commitment to my religion I do not think I would be nearly as strong of a person
as I am today. To me the Catholic Church provides direction along with a true
friendship that will last a lifetime.