Each person should be able to say that they studied their faith, in at least two different areas each week. Have I taken the time to nourish my faith or put myself in the places that will help me say yes to this question?

Before buying a car, one should know something about cars. One does not need to know everything about the technical aspects of a car before making the purchase, but there are important pieces of information that are especially helpful for the future life that will be lived after that decision. Time should be spent studying so that one can feel comfortable that they are not getting into something way over their head or making a decision too quickly.

The same applies to faith and vocation. Before making a decision to get married, become a sister or a priest, one should know more about their faith.   Learning is a lifelong process and so is faith-building.   We need not know everything there is to know, but there are lots of things that are helpful for living a Christian life. The more that one can study, the better off he or she will be when it comes time to make a choice.

Not sure where to start? St. Jerome, who translated the scriptures into Latin, once said, "if you are ignorant of the scriptures, you are ignorant of Christ." Correct! Pick up the Bible and start exploring it for prayer and knowledge. Read the Cathecism of the Catholic Church. For less than $25 you can own and read about the tradtions and the teachings of the Church. Read about the lives of the Saints. Go to mass, listen to the homily by the priest and incorporate this into your life. Go on retreat. There are so many to choose from including TEC, Stuebenville, Lifeteen, Cursio, NET, NCYC, WYD, Castaways, Diocesan, confirmation or parish retreats. Join youth groups in your parish. Join a Catholic Bible study within your Parish. Study the sacraments, especially the teachings on the Mass.