Have you hugged your Protestant friend today?

Until I went to college, I didn't really know any non-Catholics. Well, I knew some, but not on the level where we discussed what we believed and what was different because I went to a Catholic church and they did not.

Once I was at MUC I encountered and got to know lots of Christians who were strong in their faith. We shared a lot - I shared what I believed as a Catholic and they shared what they believed. We challenged each other but also built each other up, praying together and working as one united community.

I learned a lot from those friends and I cherish the opportunity I had to grow in my faith while seeing the faith of these other Christians.

Today I was reminded of my time at Mount when I participated at St. Clairsville's observance of the National Day of Prayer. I was the only Catholic priest there - the rest of the ministers came from the city's various other churches: Presbyterians, Friends, Methodists - and the event had a distinctly Protestant feel.

I was responsible for one of the final prayers, a prayer for "national revival," which I did extemporaneously. Afterwards, I thought, it was my experience of praying with my Protestant friends that taught me to be comfortable with an improvised prayer. Yes, there are lots of Catholic priests who pray spontaneously (I'm thinking of prayers before meals, etc.) but the place where I first did it and got used to it was at events like our bible study or praise and worship service.

There are other things too: my appreciation of (good) Christian music, the great sense of community I felt during those years, and an understanding that, even though we may disagree about some big things, other Christians have sincere and life-changing faith.

So, to Ben, Shaina, Jess, Gabe, Steph, Mike, Jared, Steph, and everyone else ... thank you!