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Blog post #12: Church in the Present

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What were some of the main points in Thomas Groome’s book, “What Makes Us Catholic?” Do you agree/disagree and why? “What Makes Us Catholic?” focuses on the morality and faith that Catholics must uphold and live out. One section of the book stresses the importance of loving yourself. It points out that loving yourself is the first step to loving others and having a world filled with love. Love yourself is not just emotional, but making sure you eat healthy, regular exercise, don’t put on too much stress and relax. It also talks about how consistently praying daily is important to your mental health and self-love. One part of the book discussed how we should pray to God to help sustain our own best efforts in life, and I really thought this was an important point. I completely agree with working hard and asking for support and guidance. What were some new things that you learned about Pope Francis from the video clips?’ Pope Francis brought my attention to a similar po...
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Blog Post #11: Bridge to Present

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What did you find interesting about the history of the Sisters of Notre Dame? St. Julie applied her whole life to the establishment and success of the Sisters of Notre Dame. The goal to educate young women during the late 1700s was one that was not supported by many, and St. Julie, despite all her obstacles, never gave up. For a person to have that much dedication and resilience during an oppressive time is incredible. The Sisters of Notre Dame have an amazing history of resilience and faith. They were able to establish the first all-girls college in California. Another fact I thought interesting was St. Julie's method of providing an education with tuition for wealthy girls, in order to fund a free school for the poor. What is something that you heard from the Alumnae Panel that stuck with you and why? The alumnae's words of having balance in your life really stuck with me. Once alumni shared her regret, that she wished she would have studied more. After hear...
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Blog Post #10: Growth

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1. Which event that you learned about from the Church History textbook presentations did you find most interesting and why? The most intriguing event in Church History, for me, was the Eastern Schism in 1054. Even though this was my presentation, I found it super interesting because I have family on both sides of the Christian churches. Understanding how it all started with Iconoclasm and Filioque and then led to the separation, helped me understand the different perspectives of each Church. The Eastern Orthodox Church wanted an abolishment of all Icons and  believed the holy spirit descended from the father through he son. While the Catholic church described it as from the father and from the son. Another difference is that the Catholic Church has a Pope while the Orthodox has a Vicar of Christ  ( Shahin, Gloria, and Joanna Dailey). Which person whom you learned about from the Church History textbook presentations did you find most interesting and why? Charlema...
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Blog Post #9: Resilience

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Could you ever see yourself sharing similar messages that your Letter Writer did? Why or why not? How would you share them? The Letter writers were very educated, holy people who had to face a lot of problems, opposition, and temptations. They were able to overcome them with resilience, something very difficult to do. I feel that once I am older, have experienced more and am wiser, I can definitely see myself having to face resilience when I receive opposition to my faith. It probably won't be to the great extent that the Letter Writers experienced, but it is a possibility. I always try to be optimistic and think how would a negative situation be beneficial for the future. That is something that can come with resilience; seeing a difficult time as a pathway to something great. I would probably share my messages through conversations or write them in books, rather than social media because I feel that social media is very prone to hate and threats. I would also want t...
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Blog Post #8: Suffering

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In what ways did the people you learned about during this unit suffer? What was their reaction to their suffering? Many of the people I learned about this unit suffered from the strong opposition of other's beliefs. For example, St. Paul was prosecuted, stoned, threatened, and beaten by his adversaries because they simply disagreed with him. Moreover, Peter and other apostles were thrown in jail because of their preaching. As a result of this suffering, most of them became discouraged, questioned their faith, hid and silenced their teaching out of fear that they would be killed. However, after guidance and encouragement from God, they became as fearless as they have ever been. They trusted in God completely as they risked their lives daily to share the word of God. Which story from the Acts of the Apostles did you find most inspiring and why? I think Acts 18, where Paul was In Corinth was very inspiring because it shows how suffering can be experienced in very relatable...
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Blog Post #7: Discipleship

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What are some new things that you learned about the original disciples from the group projects? (Be specific). From the group projects, I have noticed several patterns amongst the disciples. Most of them were born in Galelli except for Judas who was from Judah, and all had simple lives and occupations. They were tax collectors, tradesmen fishermen, missionaries, and carpenters. Many of them had alternative names, like St. Peter who was originally Simon but Jesus named him Peter meaning rock, as he was the foundation of the Church. Another example is St. Bartholomew, who is known as Nathanial, "Son of Tolomai" and "Son of the Furrows." Judas was called "A man of Kenoth" and St. Jude was "Brother of God." Besides their names, many had similar deaths as they were all martyred except for St. John. Overall, the disciples all lived simple lives and were not perfect, they sinned and doubted Jesus at times, but at one point they all dedicated their l...
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Blog Post #6: The Beatitudes

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What were new things that you learned about the Beatitudes? In the Beatitudes, they state what people get rewarded for instead of punished, and I feel that overall, I do a lot of those things without noticing. It is important to follow all the Beatitudes through life, and it should be expected of us, but sometimes we need a reminder. They specifically state ways we should be living our life; merciful, humble, peaceful, and righteous. The Beatitudes are like motivators, they let us know that we will be rewarded for our good deeds: Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God and Blessed are the peacemakers: the children of God. Some Beatitudes can comfort us in times of hardship; Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted and Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Overall, the Beatitudes can serve as many references throughout people's lives and they guide us to live better lives. Which beatitud...
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