Should I Stay Or Should I Go.

The hope of the Church is not only to bring Christ into my life but to also add an active member to its community.

I'm from Independence, Mo., approximately a mile and a half West of Kansas City. In a year, when I graduate I plan to move back to Independence and create a life for myself.

In the approaching weeks, I will meet with my RCIA leader or one of the Newman Center priests and discuss why I want to be initiated into the Catholic Church and the gifts that I will contribute to the community.

Lisa, my RCIA leader, described "gifts" as musical abilities or desires to be a Eucharist minister. I do have aspirations of becoming more involved in the Church - but in my hometown, not Columbia.

Do I admit this during my discussion? After all, I am a student and not a permanent Columbia resident. My family and home are in Independence. Once I graduate I will have no reason to stay in Columbia. Should the Church be that important in my life that it would keep me here?

I think the most important thing would be that I want to join the faith. The church community is a factor, but my decision lies in my relationship with God, not with the Newman Center itself.