Kathryn Press

The recent Giving Voice National Gathering "challenged me to surrender my ideas of what the future of religious life will look like and to put greater trust in God," writes Sr. Kathryn Press. 

Horizons: I'm grateful that my 20-something self didn't know all the blessings that could come from being a part of an international community. It's been a wonderful surprise to discover again and again.

The new year depends less on me and more on God. I won't resolve to do things, but I can open my eyes to see and my ears to hear, and live by a different set of rules — much like how I did as a new driver in Ireland.

Horizons - Look to the youngest saints (and soon-to-be saints) we have in our tradition for examples to imitate. They are who Jesus says is the greatest in the kingdom.

Horizons - Yes, young people leave the church, and "nones" seem to be increasing, but I've seen a counternarrative firsthand. During World Youth Day, some 1.5 million young people around me witnessed a faith that isn't dead.

Horizons - Consider revisiting a prayer that once brought you comfort or challenge when you last prayed it. Take some time to imagine Jesus saying these words to you. What additional words would deepen the meaning?

We await the Spirit, like the early church did between the time Jesus returned to the Father and when the Spirit came in the upper room.

Nothing could be more in keeping with the spirit of Lent than to convert — to turn around — our lives to the Lord once again.

Horizons - Science and faith always have something new to teach us. God delights in us as we make such discoveries. Wonder waits around every corner. At the start of a new year, I ask: What are you wondering about?

Horizons - This piece is my gesture of gratitude in thanksgiving to God for all the gifts and graces that have come into my life because of Camp Arcadia. Many lessons and skills from there came in handy in the convent.

Horizons - At the invitation of our bishop, I had the opportunity to serve on the planning team that organized our first diocesan youth and young adult pilgrimage to Medjugorje. It was an entirely new experience!

Are there be physical, geographic locations we find ourselves where, when we are open to them, God gives us an outpouring of divine assistance?

Life isn't a Google Map. We can't always pick the fastest route or avoid highways and tolls. My spiritual journey can't be plotted out. Detours and diversions, construction and congestion are part of the deal.

Living as an American in Ireland has, I pray, made me a better Christian. At the very least, the experience has given me the space and the reason to evaluate my default positions and grow in self-knowledge, empathy, and cultural awareness.

Horizons - Throughout November the church acknowledges the men and women who lived in imitation of Jesus. Hopefully there is someone with whom you feel a kindred connection. I look at the world through the eyes of Blessed Clelia Merloni.

Having spoken with Catholics in Ireland, we knew there was a need for witness to the faith and for evangelization. We would open a convent there. It was a small way to say "thank you" to the church that had given us so much.