Part 2: A Journey of Faith and Discovery

I still vividly recall the first time I laid eyes on the LIHM sisters. Clad in their grey habits and long grey veils, they emitted an aura of joy that was almost contagious. Each one of them wore a warm smile, and I couldn't help but wonder, "Why are they all so happy?" They seemed so young and spirited, a stark contrast to the image I had of religious life.

My first experience with their youth group was nothing short of eye-opening. The sisters were not just teachers of faith; they were musicians, too! I was taken back by the sight of them playing guitars, pianos, and various instruments. One sister stood out in particular—the one leading us in song. Her voice was enchanting, filling the room with a sense of peace and joy. As I stood there, surrounded by other youth who sang along with enthusiasm, I felt a bit out of place. They knew all the words to the praise and worship songs, while I was still trying to catch up. Yet, despite my uncertainty, a profound peace washed over me, igniting a desire to learn more about these incredible sisters.

My previous encounters with religious life had been limited to the sisters at my Catholic High School. Those sisters, who taught us with wisdom, were quite different. They didn’t wear habits; instead, I remember them for their age and distinctive orthopedic shoes. They embodied a traditional image of religious life, which made my experience with the LIHM sisters all the more refreshing.

After the soulful singing, the sisters posed a question that took me by surprise: who wanted to play basketball? I thought to myself, “I might not know the lyrics to those songs, but I can definitely dribble and shoot!” The competitive spirit in me couldn’t resist the chance to show these sisters my skills on the court. To my astonishment, a few of them were surprisingly good, matching me shot for shot. I found myself in a whirlwind of confusion—sisters who could sing, dance, and play basketball? It was a delightful revelation that shattered my preconceived notions of what it meant to live a life of faith.

My time with the LIHM sisters was a beautiful blend of spirituality and joy, and it left an indelible mark on my heart. They showed me that faith can be vibrant, lively, and filled with laughter.

You might be wondering how I stumbled upon this religious order. Honestly, I can’t remember the exact moment it happened, but I do recall getting into a bit of trouble at school. Nothing too serious, but enough to land me some community service hours—30 hours, to be precise.

Around that same time, I had to go to school early for math. I had just turned 16, and let’s just say, my teenage years were marked by a mix of curiosity and mischief.

As I walked into school that morning, I noticed another student arriving early as well. For privacy's sake, I’ll leave out her name, but meeting her was a pivotal moment for me. She was a year older and, to my first impression, quite meek and shy. She had a warm smile, but her words were few. I couldn’t help but ask her directly, “Why are you here? You don’t seem like the troublemaker type.”

With a gentle smile, she explained that she attended morning mass every day at the Cathedral next door. As she spoke, it became clear how much daily communion meant to her. She even had a prayer book with her! I was taken back. “You go to mass every single day? Why? Isn’t once a week at school and Sunday enough?” I couldn’t wrap my head around it.

Listening to her, I was struck by how knowledgeable she was about the Catholic faith. It was almost surreal and, admittedly, a little weird to me at first. She reminded me of Mandy Moore’s character in *A Walk to Remember*—the sweet pastor’s daughter with a depth that was both captivating and intimidating.

Then there was me—the self-proclaimed firecracker. I was known for my loud personality, never hesitating to ask questions or voice my opinions. The idea of going to church every morning seemed unfathomable. I distinctly remember getting detention for skipping out on school mass. Some might label me a class clown, always cracking jokes and pulling pranks, but I’d say I was just social. I often found myself bored in class, which naturally led to a bit of trouble.

Little did I know that this encounter would set the wheels in motion for a journey of faith and discovery that I never saw coming.

It was through the blossoming of this unexpected friendship that she encouraged me to join her at the youth group. Gradually, she introduced me to the teachings and practices of the Catholic faith. I was genuinely intrigued, yet I approached this new path with caution. The fear of what my other friends might think loomed over me, creating a sense of hesitation.

Despite my apprehensions, I found myself participating in various activities, all while asking her to keep it under wraps. I wasn’t ready for my friends to know that I was attending youth group and even starting to go to daily mass. It felt like stepping into a new world that I wasn’t quite sure how to navigate.

I committed to joining in on those activities that didn’t conflict with my athletic schedule, carefully balancing my newfound interest in faith with my life as a student-athlete. Little did I realize that this was just the beginning of a journey that would lead me to places I never anticipated.

As I immersed myself in these experiences, I began to discover a sense of belonging and purpose that was both exciting and intimidating. Each gathering, each prayer, and each moment spent with the youth group unveiled layers of understanding about my faith and myself. What started as a quiet exploration soon transformed into a vibrant quest for meaning, opening doors I never knew existed.

This journey was not just about attending youth group or mass; it was about discovering who I was and what I truly believed. I was stepping into a realm of faith that would challenge me, inspire me, and ultimately guide me in ways I never imagined.