FAITH IN THE FUTURE FOR OUR SENIORS
The school year is fast coming to a close and with it, another graduation from Bishop Carroll. The seniors of the class of 2021 have definitely been through a lot during the last few years and have relied on the assistance of many, including family, friends, coaches, and teachers. The students also recognize that ultimately, God is the one who provides for them. Several students were willing to offer their point of view on the importance of religion in the lives not only now, but into the future.
Mason Beiswenger is a member of the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel in Loretto, where he has been an altar server for many years. Recently, he also went through the training and was commissioned as an Extraordinary Minister. Mason believes that his faith has led him throughout his life. “The Church has been the direct link to Jesus ever since his Resurrection,” said Mason. “My faith, and my Church, will guide me throughout my life, through good times and bad. I am thankful that my religion classes at Bishop Carroll have brought me deeper into my faith.”
Molly Krumenacker is a member of Saint Nicholas Parish, where she has been a member and the current president of Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her faith is important to her because it allows her to make sense of the world and feel at peace knowing that trust should be placed in God. Molly explains that, “Just having a relationship with God and a knowledge of Him fills all sense of longing for something more. At times in the past when I would put God on the back burner, I just had this constant feeling like I was missing something. I just felt “unsatisfied” in a way and tried to fill it with something like spending 5 hours a day on my phone. However, when I learned more about God and grew a relationship with him through Christ, I felt complete and filled. A great C.S. Lewis quote I recently came across said, ‘If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” Molly is truly grateful for the resources and opportunities that she has been given at BCCHS to grow that relationship with God that she would not have received elsewhere. She says her faith is important for her future because, “Faith is the only thing we have to lean on. God is the only sure thing in a world that just seems to be getting crazier.”
Joel Hogue is a member and an organist at the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel in Loretto. He says that his faith has been important to him for as long as he can remember. He began playing the organ and piano at Mass at the Basilica in 8th grade. He said, “At first it was nerve wracking to be playing in front of everyone, but the nervousness soon faded as I remembered the reason that I play. I play the piano the help everyone connect with the ministry of music to be better focused on Mass and be more present in the moment. Providing music at Mass has definitely changed how I view the Mass and has helped me grow in my faith.” Joel says that the music aspect has helped him through high school and expects more growth in college and then on through life. “Music and being able to participate in a ministry in general is a very renewing experience and I am happy to be part of it. I would definitely encourage anyone considering joining a church ministry to do it. You won’t regret it!”
Nathan Farabaugh is a member of Saint Nicholas Parish in Nicktown, where he is very involved. He is an altar server and is always willing to step up when needed. He also volunteers at his church picnic. Additionally, he is an Eagle Scout, member of Troup 66 in Nicktown. The group helps to decorate and un-decorate the church for the various holidays. Nathan explains how important his faith is to him. “One way I strengthen my faith is through time spent doing community service at my church. Bishop Carroll has allowed me to develop my faith even more. It has provided me with many service opportunities to serve my school and my community. At BC, everyone is very open when talking about their faith. We even have faith-based discussion time with small groups on Fridays. This gives me time to share my faith and experiences with my friends. In the future I hope to continue serving my community and building my faith on the strong foundation I gained at BC.”
Thank you to all of these seniors, and others, for your dedication to your school, your parish, and most importantly, your God! Keep up the great work!
Picture 1: Mason Beiswenger and another student at their commissioning ceremony for Extraordinary Ministers at the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel. 1985 BC graduate Fr. John Byrnes commissioned them.
Picture 2: Nathan Farabaugh serving at Saint Nicholas.