Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. –Isaiah 54: 10

There is a community that I love, rooted in the Father Marot CYO center in Woonsocket, R.I. It is a community that is rooted in this youth center designated to help youth discover their Catholic faith. I along with thousands of youth have stepped through the doors with a profound change in their faith.

Dear Fr. Marot CYO Center Community,

I discovered you my freshman year of high school and have spent every day being grateful for it since. I was on a confirmation retreat for my parish and somehow that day snowballed into volunteering for five years worth of “Search” and “Phase II” retreats. It led me to where I am now and I don’t think I have ever expressed how much I appreciate it.

You helped me discover God.

“I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Matthew 28: 20

Five years of retreats have brought me a love for my faith. Before I discovered you, I spent my time being bored in church. I didn’t understand why I had to go to religious education or altar serve on Sundays. I didn’t realize how much I was missing out on. I have discovered God in a very intimate way and it has changed me in ways I can’t imagine. It has helped me and I am grateful.

You showed me that I am a child of God.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” –Jeremiah 1:5

You showed me that I am a gift. That I have a purpose. That there is a plan for me. You showed me that I can be forgiven for my mistakes, no matter how big they might be. You showed me that there is a reason to live. You showed me joy and happiness.

You have become a second family.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them.” –Matthew 18:20

You are a community that has welcomed me with open arms. You encourage me to continue to be an active member of my faith, even when life gets difficult.

I have come across some of my best friends through the center. After six years of friendship, we still get together reflecting on countless happy moments together. We reminisce over inside jokes, powerful prayer moments, and incredible retreat experiences. We share our faith together, supporting each other, and encouraging each other through the ups and downs in our lives. They are my family and I know I have encouragement and support whenever I need it.

You are the reason why I am where I am today.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.“ –Jeremiah 29:11

My love of ministry and service is rooted in you. You helped me discover my love for service to the church. You gave me the strength and courage to push myself to be a leader, to be active in my faith, and to pursue my passion, and it has helped me. I now study religion in college, work in the campus ministry department, and lead other retreats. I have pursued an internship that ministers to the church. Though I may not volunteer as often as I once did, you have helped me grow to use my strengths to where I am needed to serve. I might move on but I won’t ever forget the lessons you have taught me. Thank you.