Since the womb, I have been a Catholic. Being a part of this religion has shaped me into the person that I am today. I have faced many obstacles in my life and without my faith, I have no idea how I would have been able to get through them because God is Great. My religion is a part of who I am and shaped me to be a better person.

Ever since I was born I have been a Catholic. I am one of those children who is a part of a family that has been a part of the Catholic religion for generations upon generations. Since I am from a small town in northern New Jersey all my life I went to a little Catholic church a couple towns over.

Every Sunday my family and I would go to church at 10:30; mass times rarely changed throughout the years. We would also go on the holidays which includes Christmas and Easter. In between I would attend other special occasion masses that were offered.

Growing up my grandparents, especially my grandma, was a big influence on me when it came to my religion. Every time I talked to her she was so positive and always talked about the works of God. She was one to never let me forget about my faith and all the beautiful things that it brought to my life.

Ever since I was old enough to attend Religious Education I did. Each Sunday I would go to basically school to learn about the history of our religion and all the aspects. Throughout the years they would prepare us to make our Communion and then later when we were older and wiser our Confirmation.

A lot of people know that I care about a lot about my religion but there are many that questions the certain rules that it has. However, I try and explain to them what it means but they just don't really care. They don't understand that if you sin, you need to go to confession- where you go confess your sins to the priest in order to be “pure” again.

Honestly people will always have their opinions but while most were out partying and getting drunk I was at a church retreat teaching my peers the greatest works of the Lord.

This religion of mine has also brought me some of my greatest friends that are such down to Earth people. I don't think they have an evil in them; every time I see them they are always smiling and trying to make sure that everyone is happy. I was fortunate enough to be part of the Youth Ministry team for many years were I was able to expand my friend circle while doing one of my favorite things of all times- teaching others about the Lord.

Since I have been in college I am still attending mass here at school and try to attend the things that the Catholic Community has to offer but it is harder, I am not going to lie. People here don't really understand how much it means to me. They just want to go out and party while sometimes I might want to spend my day volunteering with the church to better not only the community but myself.

Never let others distant you from your religion because your religion will always be there unless you let it slip away. Growing up Catholic has taught me many things but mainly how to be the best person that I can be because everyone is perfect in their own way.