Margaret Vernau
2022 SCCCW Reverend William Pentis Scholarship Winner









 

When I was confirmed in ninth grade, I made a commitment to live my faith.  I was given the gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord.  I have asked the Holy Spirit to guide me, especially when making big decisions.  I will attend Franciscan University of Steubenville, to surround myself with other students who will support my faith and encourage me.  A future opportunity to go on a mission to serve the poor, Catholic household life which offers many options for young women to bond through service and the sacraments, a chaplain and a 24-hour Adoration chapel in my dorm hall, and the change to continue singing and lecturing for daily Mass, will help me in college and as I make decisions about my vocation in life.

I asked my HS tennis coach if we could begin matches with prayer and she agreed.  To me, my spiritual life currently impacts every area, and I intend for that to continue in the future.

I was a classroom CCD assistant since junior high and then in HS was chosen as the leader of the Junior Core Team, which leads middle school weekend classes and retreats.  I have decided to apply to help with the campus Lead program, which works with HS students both on and off the Franciscan campus.

I have been given many graces and my parents always remind me that, “to whom much is given, much is expected.”  Leading groups of teens in prayer retreat games, and small groups is such a great way to share my witness of the faith with those around me.  I know how much it has meant to me, to see college students come back and share their faith and I hope to inspire other students in the same way.

I volunteer with my older sister every month, to wash laundry and visit with the homeless at Catholic Charities” Clean of Heart.  Starting in Lent I left collection boxes in church for donations of toiletries for the homeless.  Since 2018, we have collected many van loads of supplies for this charity and a collection tub is also in our Family Life Center for year-round collecting.  As I got to know some of the regular homeless clients, I realized how many of them need someone to talk to, a good listener, counseling, and mental health assistance.  I want to become a Christian counselor.  Serving others in this way would be a blessing to me, and I’ve learned that when I serve other, I am the one who receives the most.