A firm connection to faith

* I am one of the young adults interviewed for "The Odyssey Years" story (NCR, Dec. 28). I feel compelled to explain that the subheadline phrase "tenuously connected to their faith" has been troubling me, as I consider myself connected to my Catholic faith and seek always to recognize, foster and reverence Christ as the center of my life. My own odyssey years have been a vocation journey that leads me deeper into the heart of the church, especially though the grace of the Eucharist and the gift of Christian community. I know that I am not alone as a young adult Catholic who feels this way, as I'm blessed by many friends and mentors in faith.

I have found a wonderful community at the Catholic Newman Center at the University of Pittsburgh, a place to attend daffy Mass, to join in faith sharing and discussion groups, and to study. I reflected often during the Christmas season how we are given the example of several holy journeys inspired by God--the journey of Mary to Elizabeth to visit her and to bring her the good news, that of the wise men, and the holy family's journey to Bethlehem and Egypt. I turned my prayers to those reading the article and to all young adults and have been praying that we, young and old alike, would be open to God's call for each one of us, and that our souls would continually be drawn to God throughout the journey of our lives.

NICOLE SHIRILLA

Pittsburgh

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