ChristLife's intern Maria says goodbye

(Maria and a friend at Discovering Christ)

The summer of 2009 is already coming to a close. Wow. For me, that means the end of my internship and the start of my sophomore year of college!

As is probably expected, I’ve spent much of my last day at work just reviewing my entire experience here. It’s almost funny thinking back to when I first began 13 weeks ago, mostly expecting a fun job that would be informative and helpful in the exploration of my future English/communications field.

It turned out to be as I expected in this aspect, but was also much more fulfilling than I could have imagined.

Through the blogs, podcasts, and Discovering Christ program, I’ve actually witnessed how the Lord’s work affects people. I’m so accustomed to doing things for others and not seeing the benefits, but over these weeks, God has blessed me in showing how I have been able to help touch people.

I thank those who listen to our podcasts, visit our blogs, and generously give donations. They’ve shown me that despite a time of immense difficulties and struggles, people still seek the Lord and He always answers them.

God is truly working in our lives at all times. This is something I have accepted as true, but while working here I’ve actually seen it. Whether it was helping us run an immensely successful Discovering Christ program or providing us with money when we needed it the most, He is sincerely at work in our lives.

I was excited that ChristLife would give me the opportunity to bring people closer to God, since that’s something I strive to do every day of my life. I did not expect, however, that it would help bring me closer to God as well. I felt strong, confident, and firm in my faith coming into this internship, and I feel even better coming out.

Thank you for helping make this an incredible experience! God bless!

Reflections on my ChristLife Internship

"At the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a person, the person of Jesus of Nazareth." - John Paul II

The Lord has taught me a great deal throughout my year internship at ChristLife, primarily in a deepening relationship and heart to serve the number one living person in my life - Jesus Christ! It is so incredible to look back on my life and how much the Lord has done and where He has brought me. During my senior year of high school I experienced the love and mercy of Jesus in a such a real way that there was no turning back! I needed to share it!

After serving a year of National Evangelization Teams (NET Ministries), I went to Steubenville followed by Towson for a Nursing degree, but was still unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. I began my internship at ChristLife last fall, while studying at Towson.

This past year at ChristLife was an eye-opening experience of the aching hunger this world has for Jesus, not in theoretical way, but to know and love Him as a real person in their lives. I don't think words can express how awesome it is to be used by the Lord to tell people about the one thing they desire the most and to see Him transform their lives. That is the heart of ChristLife's ministry, and the Lord has really blessed it and I've been able to witness so many lives renewed by Jesus during this past year.

The most memberable aspect of my internship at ChristLife was beginning every work day together in prayer, praising the Lord and asking Him for all we needed that day and giving ourselves and our efforts to Him. My experiences during prayer and ministry at ChristLife lead me to desiring and asking the Lord to use me to serve His Church in a direct way with my career and whole life. This year the Lord opened all the doors for me to change my major to Theology and transfer to Ave Maria University for the remainder of my undergrad studies.

I am so grateful that Jesus brought me to ChristLife this past year and used it to show me what I am truly passionate about and how I can use that for His Kingdom! This experience impacted my life in so many ways, by being a place of encouragement, growth and challenging me to pray, to use my gifts and talents for the Lord, and to have courage to share His love with others! I am excited for the future interns at ChristLife and the awesome things the Lord has for them through this incredible experience!