I'm fortunate to have had my faith formed as a boy under the watchful eye of the School Sisters of Notre Dame and later by the rigorous secondary school education I received by the Jesuits. In both cases, I was challenged to think deeply about my Catholic faith, to not take everything at face value but to question, as a path toward a deeper and more authentic faith, and to make my own the teachings of the Church.

To put it another way, when it comes to being a Catholic, I don't want to leave my brain at the door of the church building. It's not the way I was taught nor the way I believe. Years ago, I heard a sermon during Easter season in which the priest said, "The opposite of faith is not doubt. The opposite of faith is certainty." In other words, when we are certain about something, we don't need faith anymore. Walking in faith sometimes takes work, not only of the heart but of the mind. It's often a daring, courageous, journey with Jesus, the Risen One at our side guiding us with his Spirit.

It's an essential part of following in the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth to listen to the urgings and inspirations of the Holy Spirit. This is what I do in my music work by following the quiet voice in my soul. I know there are those who believe that all truth has already been revealed once and for all. But those who formed me in faith understood that the Holy Spirit continues to reveal, to teach and to challenge us to conversion. The Jesuit practice of the "Examen of Consciousness" prayer, to become more present and discerning in experiencing God's voice among all the voices that influence us. This continues to be a key stone of my faith.

Personally, the great journalism of National Catholic Reporter has been a great companion in this process of listening. I must have been a sophomore in high school when NCR was founded but I don't think I became aware of it until I reached St. Louis for collegiate studies. It was an exciting time as we shared in the renewal of the Second Vatican Council. It was also a sad time as we struggled with the unjust war raging in Vietnam.

NCR was there as an independent voice to provide information on both fronts.

Today I find myself so delighted to read in Global Sisters Report of the amazing work of women religious. They inspire me with their generosity and courage. And I'm very excited about the new EarthBeat initiative that will keep us all informed of the challenges to the health of our planet. I've now spent seven decades on this earth and had the privilege to experience much of its breathtaking beauty. It's truly a tragedy that we humans are destroying our home because of our greed and indifference.

Thank you, NCR, for always being there to enlighten my mind and inspire my heart. Supporting NCR gives me joy knowing that I am doing my part to sustain this remarkable mission. I encourage you, as an NCR reader, to take that next step in faith and joy, and become a member of NCR Forward.