Blog post #12: Church in the Present

    1. 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.
    1. What were some new things that you learned about Pope Francis from the video clips?’
    Pope Francis brought my attention to a similar point, loving yourself and others. He talked about walking in life hand in hand with friends and family. Finding people that love and support you is a big idea he wants the youth to live out. I learned that we need to be resilient to overcome the hardships in life. He also discussed the importance of the single mom saving her children, even though the many mistakes she has made in life. He praised her for not giving up on her children and providing them with what she could.  Pope Francis really shows the good in bad situations and that we should never feel or be alone in life.

    1. What are different changes that Pope Francis is making to the way popes usually do things?
    Pope Francis has made many changes that have revolutionized the way a Pope should lead the Catholic Church. He has dressed down to present himself as the humble man he is and made sure to always be doing charity. Even in a power of position and influence, Pope Francis leads by actions rather than words, going out and helping the poor. His actions influence all, as he includes everyone. This makes it more common for people who feel excluded from the Catholic Church to do what Pope does. Pope Francis is considered the People’s Pope, this alone shows how involved and dedicated our Pope.

    1. What hopes do you have for the present day Catholic Church?

    I hope the Catholic Church continues to be less about the hierarchy and wealth that they have. Many Popes in the past have worn extravagant garments, but Pope Francis has turned the tables. I also would hope that they would be more accepting of the women in the hierarchy, and allow for more discussion the conflicting topics of the Bible. The Church has come along way especially with the help of our current pope, Pope Francis. I also would hope that our Church would start more projects of bettering communities outside of Europe. Leading by example would further influence more people to do the same and help the less fortunate.



Here is a picture of our current pope, Pope Francis. He is one of the most humble, accepting, and charitable in the Catholic Church papacy history.





“Pope Francis: The Death Penalty Is Contrary to the Gospel.” America Magazine, 11 Oct. 2017, www.americamagazine.org/faith/2017/10/11/pope-francis-death-penalty-contrary-gospel.

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