Blog Post #12: Church in the Present

1. The "What Makes us Catholic" book had guidelines for how Catholics should act. Prayer was a very important part of the steps within the book. It stated that people should make time for prayer at least once a day. They suggested an hour, which may be too much, but I believe praying each day is a good way to reflect. It also talked about spirituality and how it will lead you to good health. This is not something I believe, I think that your health can be taken into your own hands. Make sure to eat healthily and exercise and that will lead to a healthy body. The book did have some important messages.

2. Prior to this unit, I did not know much about Pope Francis. I learned a lot about how he works to improve society. He works directly with the people. Prior to becoming the Pope, Francis used to walk through the people on holidays. This is the type of mentality the Pope still holds that working alongside the people is the best way. Additionally, he speaks about his social and political standpoints. He wants to make a change in society. He believes that society should be more accepting then it is. Overall, I learned a lot about Pope Francis through these videos. 

3. Pope Francis is more accepting than most previous Popes. He is taking an initiative to make the Church more accepting of society. For example, the Church typically views divorce as a sin. Yet, Pope Francis thinks that one must follow they're conscious. They could later be reconciled by the Church. This is a different approach to something than the Church had ever taken before. Furthermore, Pope Francis has an emphasis on forgiving people for their sins. This can be applied to many rules the Church has had. The Pope wants to better society by doing things such as helping poverty. Pope Francis is working to better than the overall good of the Church and society. 

4. I hope the Church can evolve. Pope Francis is taking the first steps towards making the Church more accepting by making the Church forgiving. I hope that the Church can view fewer things as sins, and more as things as obstacles people are having to face. The Church should help people with their obstacles, rather than blaming them for them. If the Church can look at the bigger picture, they will be able to better help society. The Church has a lot of room for progress. 

Multimedia Source: 

This is an image of Pope Francis. He is bridging the old Church ideals to the ideals of the current world. 




Citation: Brockhaus, Hannah. “Pope Francis: Don't Use God to Defend Your Own Interests.” Catholic News Agency, Catholic News Agency, 7 Sept. 2016, www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-dont-use-god-to-defend-your-own-interests-28392.

Blog Post #11: Bridge to Present

1. The Sisters of Notre Dame have a very rich and long history. They were very determined to educate young women. The Sisters have established so many schools throughout the United States. Additionally, they have schools worldwide. I also found it interesting the history they have at our school. I never knew they moved our school from San Jose to Belmont. They also live at school which is something I did not previously know. Overall, the Sister's have emphasized education for young women throughout their history. 

2. The alumnae panel was very interesting and informative. I enjoyed how each of the individuals who came were very different. They each had totally different Notre Dame experiences, which is something I think is special about our school. Each person can customize a unique experience that is suitable for them. Some will play sports, some will focus on academics, and others may join clubs since there is no one way to go through Notre Dame. Additionally, I found it interesting how strict it was back in the day. I consider the school to be very strict but realized today that the rules back then were even stricter. Luckily, the uniform has evolved. I am also glad they all felt prepared for college and the future after Notre Dame. Overall, I took a lot away from what they said and it was a very interesting class. 

3. The Notre Dame Community is a large community started many decades ago. First, of foremost, we have our class and sister classes. We then join a community with the entire school. The current school community serves as support for one-another. Additionally, are apart of a large community with alumni and the Sisters. It means that as a Notre Dame student, we support the education that has been passed down to us from the Sisters so long ago. We join all who have been empowered by the Sisters and are able to embody good morals through Catholicism. Overall, being apart of this community means being empowered and using your empowerment to help the world around you. 

4. So many things will leave Notre Dame with me when it is time to graduate. Notre Dame has strong values that will not ever leave me. I will always remember the importance of helping others. Volunteering is something I have grown a passion for, and hope to continue to do for a long time. Additionally, I have learned a lot of teamwork skills that I would hope to carry into my future with me. Teamwork and helping others are values I have taken from Notre Dame and will continue to instill in myself and others in the future. 

Multimedia source: 

I feel like this encaptures Notre Dame's message. It is important to be a good person on the inside. 



Citation:

Marlina. “How To Be A Truly Good Person..” Marlina, 15 Feb. 2017, marlina.info/how-to-be-a-truly-good-person/.