Ruth Helen Schaffenberger
During the summer before my freshman year of high school when I was 14, I went to a Christian camp with my best friend, Christine. Everything was phenomenal. We sang a lot of songs. But what I remember most about the camp was the vespers service, where we sang soft, slow songs for Jesus and worshiped at the altar.
I remember us washing each other’s feet at the campsites with our fellow camp friends, like Jesus did. Then, a girl prayed for a storm, and instead, we got a tornado warning. We all huddled inside the one building and prayed. It was awe-inspiring. It made me think of God and his power and might.
My life has been filled with these moments, where I’ve experienced God’s dominion, love and grace. Among them was my confirmation. I chose St. Maria Goretti as my saint, and I’ve always admired her courage and pureness of heart.
As I grew a bit older, I had another very moving experience during my freshman year of college, thanks to a young lady named Stacy, my floor’s Academic Role Model. She went door-to-door to invite all of us freshmen on the floor to do church activities with her. She befriended me, inviting me to do things with her friends and staying up for late-night conversations.
All along the way, my mom has always given me the knowledge that the Catholic religion was key to a good life. We both enjoy the Catholic rituals of the Mass and the great sacraments, particularly Communion. It’s a memory we have of the Last Supper, and it’s something we are all freely given, like it was given to the disciples. I was given it in the hospital when I was sick, and I receive it now. I think of how the saints appreciated this great gift.
I’ve also taken part in a Divine Mercy Cenacle. There we learned about the diary of St. Faustina, Jesus’ emptying out through blood and water, and special devotions of Divine Mercy Sunday — by reciting the rosary and going to confession, a person may receive great graces at the moment of death. We also say the Divine Mercy prayer, which gives us an endless supply of light and love if it’s said often.
Good priests and lay evangelists have also been important to my faith. Father Al Backmann, one of my favorite priests, would say, “May the peace and the love of the Lord be with you,” and he would smile a smile that was so full of warmth while saying it. I was so touched by that.
I am just so happy, too, that somebody like Matthew Kelly is affirming us and making it easier to be Catholic. He is a great hero and Bible teacher. I am deeply inspired by him.
I’ve always had the love of God in my heart. I’ve always wanted that for my family, as well as for everyone. My heart burns to see God.
Schaffenberger, 33, attends St. John Neumann in Eagan. She participates in her parish’s choir and likes to volunteer, including helping out at a nearby church.
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