By Mary Grieco

Catholic Herald correspondent

Friends' example brings teen into the church

RHINELANDER -- Sometimes teenage peer pressure can be a positive thing. Because of the influence of his Catholic friends, 18-year-old Ben Murphy is ready to be baptized, confirmed and receive his first Eucharist during this year's Easter Vigil liturgy at Nativity of Our Lord Parish.

It is more accurate to say that it was his friends' example, rather than any pressure, that is bringing Murphy into the Catholic Church. On Sundays, he saw many of them going to Mass. And on nights when there were religious education classes, he felt that he was missing something.

"I kept joking that Fr. John (Gerritts) kept stealing all my friends," Murphy said. "I had no one to hang out with while they were in church."

Eventually, he decided to see for himself what it was all about, so he started attending Mass. "I kept going back, and the more I was there, the more I liked it," he commented. "It just felt right. I felt a presence."

Last year, he went on a trip to Europe with his high school English department, and one of their stops was Rome. Included was time at the Vatican and an opportunity to visit many of the churches. "I was drawn to everything about the Catholic Church," he said. "I can't really explain why." He purchased blessed medals at various churches and proudly wears several of them on a chain around his neck. He also wears a cross which he received as a gift several years ago. Until recently, he says, he had little or no understanding of its meaning.

Although Murphy has some relatives who are Catholic, his immediate family is not. "But my parents and sister are very supportive of my decision," he says. In fact, they are planning an open house to celebrate his becoming Catholic.

Murphy has completed the RCIA program and regularly attends the weekly Life Teen Mass with his friends.

"It is great to see," said Kevin Konicek, a high school classmate who is active in his parish. "At first I said, 'Is Ben really going to do this?' But he was serious, and he's been going to (RCIA) classes every week." It isn't unusual for Murphy and some of his friends, including Katie Barbian, to sit for hours and talk about religion. "Katie has been a lot of help," Murphy commented. "She always goes to church with me and helps me find information."

Barbian is a college freshman, while Murphy and Konicek are high school seniors. "I am taking a history class that deals with the origin of religions, so there are a lot of things to discuss," she said. "I am honored that Ben would look up to me for answers."

Murphy has chosen Barbian's mother, Paula, to be his confirmation sponsor. "A lot of us don't get in touch with our faith until we are older," she commented. "For Ben to embrace it on his own is just astounding."

"I have looked at many religions and have questioned why people believe what they do," Murphy explained. "Catholic beliefs seem the most realistic. This is the church that is best for me."

Although Murphy has many commitments outside of school, including a part-time job and a role in a theatre production, he has given priority to being in the RCIA program and is usually the first one to arrive at class.

Later this year, after high school graduation, Murphy will attend Northern Michigan University, where he will begin a pre-med program. Konicek has been accepted at the same college.

It is perhaps fitting that Murphy will study to be a doctor, as he has had several major physical challenges, beginning with a brain hemorrhage at birth. "I have been close to dying more than once," he said. "It's a miracle that I am here. Somebody is definitely looking out for me."

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2006