Lent is a sacred season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—a time to grow closer to Christ as we prepare for Easter. It’s not just about giving something up; it’s about making space for God and deepening our faith.

When I arrived at VT in 2013, I had little concern about my faith even though I grew up in a Christian household. Some close friends from my dorm, a Methodist and a Catholic, pushed me in my understanding of God and challenged my complacency. I felt I had to take my faith seriously, working through my unanswered questions and problems.

Hear from over 200 youth across the Arlington Diocese about how they are promoting a culture of life through essays, posters, and other media.

This April, assuming the official call of the Bishop that will confirm my discernment, my fellow Youth Apostles brothers, Eric and Sean, and I will be ordained to the transitional diaconate and, finally, one year later in 2026, to the ministerial priesthood. 

St. Francis’ love for his brothers has been a parallel inspiration for our community.

This October marked 10 years of marriage to my husband Joey Clem, a lifetime member of Youth Apostles.

Why would the founders of Youth Apostles claim St. Francis from among our three patrons as the “heart” of our community?

Between sets one day, I had a student ask how we know that God actually hears our prayers.

There’s a learning curve involved in living in a new culture that requires some effort, but it was a fun and rewarding experience.