My name is Anthony Rico, and I am 14 years old. I attend Clark Middle School in St. John, Indiana, and I live in Schererville with my wonderful family—my mom, Kari, my dad, Damian, and my sister, Monica. I play baseball, basketball, and play the trumpet.
We are also proud members of St. Michael Parish in Schererville, where I attend Religious Education and Development. In preparation for our Confirmation we were assigned to write a reflection paper. I am sharing it because much of it has to do with Hospice of the Calumet Area and what it has meant to me and my family.
Our faith is the most important part of our lives, guiding us in everything we do. As a family, we love spending time together and making great memories. Some of our favorite things to do include traveling, camping, attending concerts and sporting events, and dining out with my dad’s sister’s family. Whether we’re exploring new places or just enjoying a meal together, we always have a great time!
One of the greatest gifts God has given me is kindness and compassion for others. According to Catholic.org, compassion means having sympathy for those who are suffering, while kindness is marked by generosity, consideration, and concern for others. These gifts have shaped who I am and have guided me to serve those in need.
I’ve been volunteering with Hospice of the Calumet Area since I was four years old because they took care of my Grandma Mona. A year later, my Dad began to work there. I started as a model in their fashion show. As I grew, I began helping with their Holiday Cookie Walk and, by the time I was seven, I encouraged my baseball teammates and their families to join me in giving back.
One of my most meaningful experiences was when we went caroling at the hospice house, bringing joy to patients facing difficult times. I’ll never forget when Miss Cynthia told me, “Your beautiful voices may be the last thing some of our patients hear before going to heaven.” Her words have stayed with me, reminding me even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference.
Giving back has always been a family tradition. Since I could remember, each Christmas, my father and I would buy toys for children in need at the Salvation Army. I would spend $60 of my own money, and he would match it. It made me feel wonderful. When my baby sister Monica was of age, we included her in our tradition. What started as a small family effort soon grew into something much bigger. When our Schererville baseball league learned about our tradition, one of my coaches and Board Member Bob Roerdink and the league’s President Christian Flores encouraged all players and parents to get involved.
Now, we raise thousands of dollars in new coats and toys for underserved children across Lake County, Indiana. Seeing our community come together to make a difference has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
What started with one small act of kindness has grown into a movement of generosity. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to give back, to inspire others, and to live out the values that God has placed in my heart.
The gift of the Holy Spirit will help me become a better Catholic, especially through the sacrament of Confirmation. By receiving this gift, I am opening my heart to Christ as I transition into adulthood. The Holy Spirit will bring me closer to God and others. My relationship with Christ will be very important as I move from childhood into adulthood and face new challenges and obstacles that I’ve never encountered before.
I have chosen my cousin, Rico Maldonado, as my sponsor. I chose him because he has always been there for me, whether for sporting events or other athletic activities, and he’s always encouraged me to do my best. I look up to him for the choices he makes, and our relationship is very close since we share similar interests like baseball, basketball, and spending time together. His faith is very important to him as well, and I admire that. The gift of the Holy Spirit I see in my sponsor is his care for others and his dedication to helping them succeed. He has always been this way with me, and I’ve seen him treat others just as kindly.
The gift of the Holy Spirit challenges me to make good choices by helping others and putting God first. One way I’ve put my faith into action is by doing service hours, helping others, and attending Mass regularly. These actions help me grow as a better Catholic, not just for myself but also for God.
My faith in the Lord has shaped me into a better person—not only in how I treat others but also in how I show love and respect to my family and everyone around me. Living my faith each day reminds me that true strength comes from serving, giving, and always reminding me to do what is right.
Anthony Rico is a volunteer for Hospice of the Calumet Area. The opinions are the writer's.