I was a student at St. Paul Catholic School for nine years of my life. From kindergarten to eighth grade I studied, learned about the true faith, and pursued many interests. Ever since I first stepped through those doors when I was just five years old, I could feel the loving warmth of Jesus around me. Through all my years there, prayer was a core part of our classes. From math and social studies to science and music, prayer was always where we started. This practice has helped me to become fully aware that our days start with God and end with Him. God is always there for us, we just need to show up for Him. I have learned that praying is the way to speak to God and truly hear His kind voice. 

My faith has deepened tremendously from the example of the teachers present in school and out. I have seen my principal, Mr. Butcher, and other teachers at Sunday Mass. It shows me how devout in the faith they are outside of school. Another blessing that Catholic school has gifted me that has developed my faith in many ways, is the celebration of the Mass every week. Through this beautiful celebration, young and old are exposed to the beauty of the Mass and the reverence they must practice because their Lord is before them. When I would go to Mass at school, I could see the reverence each of the children had. I saw how they genuflected to the altar as they came in, and how they bowed and stayed respectful as they received the Blessed Sacrament. Even though I wasn’t totally aware of how this school was changing my faith life at a young age, I was able to see the effect God had on the younger children when I was older. The Mass is a beautiful gift, and as students grow up, they are able to receive their First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation, which is truly an amazing experience. 

Every class, especially Religion, helped me and my friends prepare well for the sacraments we were receiving. They began the training and information early so we were able to fully understand. My Religion teacher, Mrs. Lisko, is very knowledgeable in the faith and made sure that we understood everything. Growing up in a Catholic school has changed me in so many ways for the better that I decided to continue my Catholic education at St. Petersburg Catholic High School. Catholic education is important to my parents and to me. The Catholic faith is a beautiful gift. 

All Catholic schools have truly lived up to what they teach. Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice, and continuing with Catholic education will further my relationship and knowledge that He is my Lord and Savior, not the things of this world.