December 12, 2012

By Tracy Leonard
Contributing Writer

Faith is believing what is true. It does not allow time for evidence collection, rather it calls one to embrace, seize and hope in the truth. When the word became flesh, God openly invited each of us to enter into a deeper relationship with Him through faith. Only through relationship with Him do we discover who we really are.

This invitation is a challenge- a unique call to each of us. I learned in my own life, that faith in Him and acceptance of this call can be difficult to grasp, but I desire to freely and completely trust Him. Through faith, I have, and continue to open my heart so that He may fill it and I may radiate with His presence.

At a young age, faith was instilled in my heart by those who lived in my own home. My parents, the first teachers of the faith, demonstrated the truth of God through their words and actions. Surprising to many, our family of seven never missed a night together at the dinner table. Similar to the Eucharistic meal we share together as a church, my family gathered each and every night to pray and eat together.

At Christmas time, it never fails that we have a birthday cake for Jesus, we set up dad’s nativity set he made when he was a little boy, and for a while growing up, my sisters and I even re-enacted Jesus’ birth in our living room for friends and relatives (because I’m the baby of five girls, I always got to be baby Jesus in the crib!).
These family traditions taught me the importance of God in our lives and what it meant to be a Catholic family who not only went to a church together every Sunday, but who also lived their faith daily.

In addition to these family traditions, my parents influenced me in the development of faith by embracing one another as a couple. As Christ loves His bride- the Church, my dad consistently showed genuine, self-sacrificial love for my mom, his bride. This sacramental union of my parents not only brought me physical life but spiritual life as well. It was their example as a couple which helped me to understand the awesome, sacrificial love of our God.

As I grew a little older, it was time for me to head off to school. Again, because of the sacrifice of my parents, my sisters and I were blessed with the opportunity to attend a Catholic elementary and high school.

The teachings of faith in the home were supported and edified by our teachers and administrators. The presence, charisma and guidance of the Sisters of St. Joseph at Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart Central were a true testimony of faith. To name a few- Sister Mary Paul, Sister Bernadette, Sister Diane, Sister Mary Anne, Sister James Marie, Sister Cecilia, etc. were very instrumental in shaping my faith life, for it was their compassion and witness to the Gospel that inspired me to seek God.

Father Vincent Freeh and Father Mark Reilly, as well as various other priests in the Diocese, were also very influential in my development of faith. The time they spent with our family at church, at school and in our home taught me that God calls each of us to a special vocation in life, and through this call, we have the ability to minister to others in unique ways.

Serving as my spiritual fathers, it is the priest’s love and authentic answer to God’s call that has allowed me to grow in faith and encounter Jesus Christ through the sacraments of the church, especially the Eucharist.

Newly ordained Father Thomas Higman and Deacon Scott Belina have also profoundly aided me to grow in holiness and faith, for it is their fervor, courage and trust in God at a young age that inspires me to believe in the truth.

The blessing of these providential relationships has created zeal within me to know and live the faith, but it is various life experiences that have allowed me to share that faith with others and increase my own.

As a member of IHC’s faith community service program, I was given the opportunity to grow in faith through personal ministry. There was an internal nudge in my heart to get involved with something that served and benefited other people. I didn’t always feel equipped or prepared but I trusted that God would use me for the charity of others. As I began to get involved, I saw God doing amazing things. He used someone or something outside my comfort zone to build and expand my faith and help me grow in humility.

As a member of the IHC Mystery Players, I’ve had the privilege of growing in faith with my peers as a high school senior and now as an adult moderator. In a unique way, this prayerful experience has become a powerful vehicle for the Holy Spirit to forgive, heal, renew and give peace.

This, along with my role as a Guggenheim staff member, has provided me the opportunity to bring Christ to the youth and various parishes within our diocese. Seeing His word become flesh has contributed to my growth in faith.

Lastly, it has been some difficult moments in life that my faith muscle has been exhausted by God in order that it has been built up. When I was in 6th grade, I was ran over by a car and parked on top of. This life threatening circumstance tested my faith, as I wasn’t sure if I would live. It was the prayers and support of many that reassured me of the love and healing powers of God.

Although my faith was shaken, it was my persistent plea and faith that saved me. This same faith is what has carried me through the chronic disease of my sister, the loss of a five-year old relative, and any other stressful situation I encounter.

So what does faith mean to me today as a 26 year old? I believe that we come to God through an act of faith and faith is the essence of our relationship with God. As our faith grows, matures and develops so does our intimacy with the Lord. Throughout our life, God uses practical teachings, providential relationships, personal pray and ministry as well as pivotal circumstances to grow our faith. It is our trust and confidence in Him which will allow our hearts to be molded in the ways of the Lord.

Tracy Leonard is shown at left with her parents, Charlie and Diane Leonard of Watertown, her “first teachers of faith’ who, she writes”demonstrated the truth of God through their words and actions.” Tracy, a regular contributor to the NCC , is a graduate of IHC in Watertown and former Guggenheim staff member.