Courageous. Inspiring. Faith-filled. Humble. Are these the words you would use to describe your average 16-year-old? In many ways the lovely young woman who possesses those traits, Skylar Manning,  

is your typical teen who loves to hang out with her best friend , and work out with her foster mom in her spare time. But what makes Skylar so remarkable and inspiring is that instead of letting anger and frustration rule her life during a time of tragic loss, and the trial that comes with maturing into adulthood, she has chosen to embrace Christ and His plan for her life. Skylar's foster mom, parishioner Lisa McMahon, had this to say about her, "Skylar is amazing. She simply is not your typical teenage girl! She has such a good head on her shoulders. To have gone through so much at her young age is simply amazing. She is ridiculously responsible and caring beyond words. At a young age she is already chasing her dreams by getting good grades, talking to WSU staff about nursing school, and converting to Catholicism. The night before her 16th birthday, she took it upon herself to apply online to Kroger, called the manager, got an interview right away, and was hired on the spot. The manager told me that the customers just love her. She has the most beautiful smile! I am blessed to be a part of her life." 

Q: How did you come to attend St. Anthony?

I was a student at St. Anthony School for two years, 7th and 8th grade. I made some really good friends there. I am currently in the 9th grade as a freshmen at CJ.

Q: Once you began to attend St. Anthony, how long did it take for you to make the decision to become Catholic?

It took me one year to decide if I really wanted to be Catholic or not. I wanted to become Catholic because one day I went to church at St. Anthony, and the Gospel and everything just struck me. I was once a Baptist before I decided to become Catholic. I wanted to become Catholic because I think it's more interesting then what the Baptists believe. In the Catholic Church I feel like I'm actually a part of the Church. I feel as Catholics we are all related in some way as a family. It's also very different from other religions, in my opinion.

Q: What is you favorite Bible passage?

My favorite passage from the Bible is Psalm 61: 1-8 because it talks about crying and I do a lot of that since my mom passed away. It has a lot about the bible in that passage.

Q: Who in the Church inspires you?

A Catholic that I think inspires me is my wonderful and most caring religion teacher, Karen Emmerich. She has been there for me as I wanted to become a Catholic, and as my mom was dying she was like an aunt to me. Also, Father Greg, because he is just a nice man, and was so kind to put a prayer service for my mother whom passed in December of 2014.

Q: How do you feel called to serve others, to live out your faith in action?

I am a big person when in comes to service hours! I have 77.75 extra service hours through my high school. I did this amount of service work because it makes me smile to help people. I'm also so excited to help with the St. Anthony Family Carnival! I usually do my service hours at the Gospel Mission , it's a church that serves food for people in need. They also have a children's program. I have attended there since I was seven years old, and now that I'm almost an adult I volunteer as a leader. I also am good about turning in my service hours when they need to be turned in. I enjoy service hours a lot. I wish I could do service hours every minute. I love to help people in any way that I can!

Q: What is something you've learned in the RCIA?

Something I learned in RCIA is becoming a Catholic means being very respectful to the Catholic Church.

Q: How are you celebrating coming into the Catholic Church?

I'm going to be seeing some of my family the next day for Easter!  Some of my family and friends will also be attending the vigil. They are all very proud of me. 

Please join us in welcoming Skylar, and all of our new members, into the parish family!