Too often, many college students let their faith fall by the wayside. No one is there to wake them up for Mass or encourage youth group activities. But for Josh Heuss, who grew up attending St. Wenceslaus, that wasn’t ever in the cards. He has continued to practice his faith at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Josh just wrapped up his sophomore year and is spending part of the summer commercial salmon fishing in Alaska.
One of seven children God has given to Nathan and Tina Heuss, Josh is majoring in business finance and management. He stays active with his faith by attending Mass at Holy Spirit Parish. Sometimes, he attends the off-campus St. Peter’s Parish. Josh often ends up at Mass with two siblings, Sam and Carolyn, who also attend Stevens Point.
“It’s a blessing to have Sam and Carolyn at the same college as me,” Josh says. “It’s nice to have that accountability.”
Recently, Josh has enjoyed getting to know FOCUS Missionaries at Stevens Point and attending Bible studies, community nights, and student suppers.
“It’s great to have them on campus spreading the faith,” he says. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know the missionaries.”
Josh enjoys assisting with student suppers to get non-Catholic students engaged in the faith.
In high school, Josh was also active in youth group. He also attended the Steubenville Conference twice. He was an altar server from second grade onward, often serving alongside Sam.
“It’s an opportunity to serve your parish and a form of discernment, for some,” Josh says. “You get to be closer to Christ and the Eucharist physically.”
FOCUS puts on a conference for college students called SEEK, which Josh attended this year. He is also active in Students for Life and has attended the March for Life.
“I think that standing for life is a big part of the faith,” he says. “It’s honestly probably one of the biggest issues of our time. I feel strongly about it, and it’s a way for me to give back.”
Josh was homeschooled through ninth grade. His mom usually took them to one weekday Mass in addition to Sunday Mass.
“My mom, I would honestly say, is the reason that I am Catholic today,” Josh says. “She’s a great role model.”
When considering how parents can nurture the faith for their own children so that they grow into faithful young adults, Josh has a few recommendations.
“Pray and teach the faith at home,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to open the Bible. Our entire faith is based on it. Read the Catechism.”
In his free time, Josh enjoys fishing and hunting. He also works on the weekends at college with a carpenter.
