Nicole is pictured in her confirmation robe with her sister, Mikayla, and parents, Ed and Maryann, after Nicole’s Confirmation on March 22.
Faith is believing and trusting in God’s plan, allowing you to find solace in the promise of the beautiful kingdom awaiting us all. Faith has always been a guiding force in my life, a quiet, and unwavering presence. However, as I faced challenges, I recognized that my relationship with God was not on solid ground, and it wasn’t until recently that I truly found my way back to Him.
Since my relationship with Christ has grown, my ability to recognize His profound presence throughout my life is encouraging. The tragic, heartbreaking loss of my cousin shook my faith, leaving me lost in sorrow and questioning how such pain could exist in a world created by God. I was grieving and turned away from God, but he didn’t leave me. He found me, filled me with peace and reassurance that love and light endure forever beyond this life. When someone passes young, people say, “They were taken too soon.” However, a true believer sees that as difficult as the situation may be, each of us has a plan and purpose that the Father has granted us and upon fulfilling that plan, we are sent home to the Father.
My sister Mikayla, a beacon of light in my sorrow and confusion, played a significant role in my spiritual journey. Her confirmation at Christ the King in 2024 inspired me to seek God. I then enrolled in the OCIA program, which is under the direction of Dolores Mozzillo, the Director of Religious Education. Our shared commitment to faith and our dream of being godmothers to each other’s future children strengthens our bond as sisters, and reminds me of the importance of the link between faith and family.
Another blessing has been my boyfriend, Tommy. As a fellow Christian, he shares my beliefs which deepens our connection. With him, I look forward to marriage, family, and the life God is preparing for us.
When Dolores offered me the Religious Education Communications Assistant position, I again witnessed God’s presence. I had long felt unfulfilled and prayed for meaning and direction in my personal and professional life, and at that moment, it was undeniable – this is God’s plan. Through every challenge, God has remained my constant, and as my relationship with Christ deepens, so does my trust in Him and myself.
Nicole Bryson is the Religious Education Communications Assistant at CTK. For more information in the OCIA program, contact Dolores Mozzillo.