At Mass 4 years ago, I heard an invitation from the Biblical School to attend an informational meeting. I decided to go. As I was listening to the course outline, my heart was “burning within me”. Even though it was 4 years of classes, I knew it was something I should do. I didn’t know if I would make it to the end, and I didn’t really think that much about it. I figured I would just take it one class at a time. I worked it out with my parents that I would take one night a week for the course and started the class in person. I met several new people and enjoyed sharing faith stories and struggles with them. Each lesson brought the Word of God more alive and relevant. My faith and relationship with God grew deeper with each homework assignment, reflection, and prayer time. There were plenty of challenges. Halfway through the second year, my dad had a stroke. I missed several weeks. But my teacher encouraged me to keep going and another student recorded the classes so I was able to listen to them. Then COVID hit. Classes were halted, then quickly changed to online which had its own problems. My father’s death a few months ago set me back as well. Again, the teacher encouraged me as well as the people I met in my small groups. I managed to get all the work done and attended the graduation Mass today. Thinking about how much has happened in the past 4 years, I found myself incredibly grateful for the time I was able to spend taking the course. I was also grateful that my mom was feeling better and that my sister could come stay with her. They watched the celebration online and even spotted me. It was great to be with so many people who I had only seen online for 2 1/2 years. Both the Bishop and the head of the Biblical School said that we should be proud of our accomplishment and be better equipped now to share God’s message with others. I am humbled by the thought and hope and pray that I’m up for whatever God sends my way.

I Found God today graduating from Biblical School.