Congratulations to our graduates, featured in this week's issue of Catholic Times.
High school graduation is one of life's milestones - those moments or events that radically change life as you know it. After high school graduation, you will be expected to begin making decisions on your own. You might be anticipating college as a step toward independence or you might be looking for a job to help earn your way through life.
In other words, you won't be a kid anymore.
We know you've probably been on the receiving end of a lot of words of wisdom lately on what to do with yourselves now that you are embarking on life as an adult. Please be patient, because here is some more unsolicited advice: Be a life-long learner.
Life-long learners treat life as an ongoing adventure. Being a life-long learner means that you remain flexible enough to learn new things and try new ways. It means you aren't satisfied with superficial knowledge and that your intellectual curiosity will drive you to understand how things work or how they can work better. It means you can change and grow no matter how old you are.
Being a life-long learner is important in your faith life also. Young Catholics your age usually have been baptized and confirmed. You have attended your parish school of religion for a number of years. You have - we hope - taken frequent advantage of the great gift of the Eucharist.
If you have done all this, you have a rudimentary understanding of our Catholic faith - a child's version, so to speak. Now that you are an adult and a life-long learner, you are on the threshold of an exciting new understanding of how much God loves you. It will, however, require a certain amount of effort on your part.
When you go away to school or move into your first apartment, bring a Bible and a catechism with you - and use them. There are inexpensive study versions of both you can purchase at any bookstore. Check out the Newman Center or chapel at your school or make sure the local parish has you registered as a new parishioner.
People in most careers are required to take refresher courses or continuing education classes to maintain their certification - lawyers, accountants, hair dressers, mechanics, etc. The same is true for Catholics. The church's history and teachings are so rich and varied that there is always more to learn and the more you learn the closer you will be drawn to God. Find a class at your college or university. Join a prayer group or Bible study group at your local college. Volunteer for a parish ministry that will expand your understanding of loving God and neighbor.
In the coming months, many parishes in this diocese will begin a program called Why Catholic?. This program is based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and is designed precisely for people who want to know more about Catholic belief, sacraments, morality and prayer. When Why Catholic? comes to your parish or Newman Center, get involved.
Above all, practice your faith. Attend Mass regularly and receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. He is calling you and wants to be by your side as you begin this next chapter in your life. All you have to do is reach out and take his hand.