November 24, 2017

National Catholic Youth Conference 2017

‘I’ve had to stand my ground to keep my Catholic values’

Emma LandFor Emma Land, there was a time when living her Catholic faith was just a natural part of life. She grew up in a Catholic family, and attended a Catholic school for her first eight years of education. Then the changes and challenges came when she became a student at a public high school.

“I didn’t see the Catholic faith every day in my life. It was a shock to me,” says Emma, a 16-year-old sophomore. “I found it a struggle to stick to my faith.”

Yet change has come again as the member of St. Patrick Parish in Terre Haute has become more involved in the youth group for the Terre Haute Deanery.

“Going to youth group and retreats really helps me realize there are a bunch of other people in the same situation. There have been times when my friends in high school don’t share the same values I do, and I’ve had to stand my ground to keep my Catholic values. It’s kept me grounded, and I’m thankful for that.”

Coming to the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) marked another step for Emma in her journey of faith.

“I’m still trying to figure out what God wants me to do with my life. It’s awesome coming here to NCYC to see 20,000 young people living their faith. You think you’re alone, but you’re really not. It’s great to see so many people supporting you in your Catholic journey. That means a lot to me.”

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