Blog Post #13- Pope Francis

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/pope-francis/

What were some new things that you learned about Pope Francis from the video clips?

I learned that Pope Francis was a really big fan of soccer and played it when he was young, which surprised me a lot. I guess I just found it hard to picture the pope playing sports, even when he was younger. It was pretty cool to see the old videos of him playing, though

http://www.keywordsuggests.com/MHZj8mPQOnGLIFfYcAicnf9eSDCLKSzrAmrpD9VD5Ic/

What did you notice about the topics that Pope Francis has written about so far? What do these say about him as a pope?

I have noticed that Pope Francis has written about topics that are more relevant to things that are happening today, such as global warming and the environment in Laudato Si. These things say that Pope Francis is openminded and an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.

https://issa.house.gov/the-issues/energy-and-environment

What are different changes that Pope Francis is making to the way popes usually do things?

Pope Francis is changing the way that the Church might view more modern concepts like same sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights, because he is showing himself to be more inclusive and willing to hear peoples' stories out. The previous popes, and the Church in general, have either been against or unwilling to comment on such subjects but Pope Francis has addressed these problems head on.

http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/shock-new-vatican-document-reveals-pope-francis-changing-lgbt-church/

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

I hope that the present day Catholic Church will follow in Pope Francis' footsteps and become more open when addressing problems in society, such as abortion, sexual assault, same-sex marriage, and transgender rights. I hope that the Catholic Church continues to follows the Word of God, especially the part where it states that God loves everyone.

http://www.cleanfax.com/marketing-advertising/working-together/

Blog Post #12: Notre Dame Community

https://www.yelp.com/biz/notre-dame-high-school-belmont

What did you find interesting about the history of the Sisters of Notre Dame?

I find that that the Sisters of Notre Dame are always moving and settling down in new places the most interesting. The journey from France to where we are today is such an inspiring story, especially our origins. I always enjoy listening to how Notre Dame began with two strong, dedicated, and intelligent women whose mission was to educate and serve the women of their community.

What is something that you heard from the Alumnae Panel that stuck with you and why?

I unfortunately was sick and missed Monday's Alumnae Panel. However, I heard it was very informative and am disappointed to have not been able to listen to the speakers.

http://www.writeopinions.com/notre-dame-high-school-belmont-california

What does it mean to you to be a part of the Notre Dame Community?

It means a lot to me to be a part of the Notre Dame Community. It is such an inclusive, loving community and I support and my appreciate all of my Notre sisters, especially the Titans. I am grateful for all of the opportunities that Notre Dame provides for me and I know that with the guidance that my peers and teachers provide, I will be able to excel and achieve everything I aspire to be.

When you leave Notre Dame High School, what do you think are some values that will stay with you?

When I leave Notre Dame, I think that the value of confidence will stay with me. Notre Dame encourages their students to be themselves and to participate and be a leader. I have been given many leadership opportunities while attending Notre Dame and am planning to take many more after graduating from Notre.

http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/sunflowers

Blog #11: Growth

http://poetsandquants.com/2015/09/03/growth-become-new-business-school-discipline/

Which event that you learned about from the Church History textbook presentations did you find most interesting and why?

I found the Vatican II topic most interesting from the Church History presentations. I think that it's common knowledge that the Church isn't always as progressive as others in terms of modern ideology and the actions of the new generation. But I found it interesting that the Church has made efforts to accommodate itself with the times. It was also interesting to read about the kindness and inclusivity that Pope Paul XXIII showed throughout his time as pope and during the Vatican II council meeting.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130930/world/canonisation-for-john-paul-ii-john-xxiii-set-for-april-27.488368

Which person whom you learned about from the Church History textbook presentations did you find most interesting and why?

I found King Henry most interesting from the Church History presentations, because basically created a whole new Church and religion, just so he could divorce his wife. His wife was barren, but the Catholic Church would allow him to divorce. So, King Henry took matters into his own hands and created the Church of England and made himself the leader of it. This way, Henry could divorce his wives and remarry without consequence. While I don't always agree with his method, I still think Kind Henry's way of going about things is an interesting to read and learn about.

https://englishhistory.net/tudor/monarchs/henry-the-8th/

If you end up being known as an influential figure in history, what do you want to be remembered for?

If I end up being known as an influential figure in history, I want to be remembered as a being kind and inclusive. I want to to be remembered as someone who advocated for minorities and made a difference in other people's lives. I want to be remembered as a good friend and someone for children to look up to.

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/if-women-s-march-was-beginning-resistance-what-s-next-n711031

How have you personally experienced growth (either mentally, emotionally or spiritually) after your own challenges in life?

I have experienced growth in as a person mentally and emotionally, in accepting myself for who I am and becoming more confident in myself. I have allowed myself to overcome challenges regarding my own body and mind and have worked hard to become the person I am today. I want to continue growing and to also help others to overcome their challenges and to become the people they want to be.

http://www.50x-solutions.com/

Blog #10: Marian Apparitions and Resilience

http://www.theworkofgod.org/OurLady.htm

What were some new things that you learned from the Marian Apparition projects (be specific)?

I learned that Mary left a lasting impact on the people that she appeared to. Every time she appeared, she left a part of herself or of God and His loving Word to be spread throughout their community. For example, in the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mary left her legacy physically, in the form of a church, and also left her legacy in the faith of the Aztec people, who converted to Christianity and began to follow the path God had planned for them. I also learned that Mary help to wash aways the sins of many people. Those who saw her, particularly in the stories of Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Fatima, begged fro forgiveness and allowed God into their lives to forgive an love them.

http://www.culturalcatholic.com/LadyFatima.htm

How did you see resilience at work within the Marian apparition that you researched?

In the Marian apparition I researched, Our Lady of Guadalupe, I saw resilience at work in Juan Diego. Juan Diego never lost faith in Mary, or God, and always listened to what she had to say and followed her orders. He went to the bishop not once, but twice to ask to build Mary's new church. And he never gave up, no matter how much being rejected upset him. He was resilient in his belief in Mary and in God and was able to accomplish what he needed to do in order to help the spread of Christianity. I also saw resilience in the determination of those chosen to make the Word of God more well known among the Aztecs. Those following God's path helped to eradicate the primitive culture and religion of the Aztecs and introduced them to the belief in God and what that entails.

http://infallible-catholic.blogspot.com/2012/04/our-lady-of-guadalupe-message-of-trust.html

Mary went through many challenges throughout her life, and managed to stay strong and never waver in her faith. In this way she showed resilience. Do you see yourself as being resilient? Why or why not?

Yes, I see myself as resilient. I see myself as resilient because I have to balance a lot of things in life, such as family, school, sports, and my friends. I have to work hard to be able to organize all of it, and still make time for myself. Sometimes, it's hard, but I just have to stop, reassess, and go at it again. I always make sure to try my hardest while pursuing accomplishments and I feel that being able to balance it all and keep going makes me resilient. 

https://steemit.com/sunsets/@macksby/the-magic-of-sunsets

Blog #9: Acts of the Apostles

"Christ Ordaining the Apostles (Christ Ordaining the Twelve Apostles)." Christ Ordaining the Apostles (Christ Ordaining the Twelve Apostles). N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.

In what ways did the people you learned about during this unit suffer? What was their reaction to their suffering?

I learned that people suffered from being ridiculed and shamed for their beliefs. Many people did not believe the Word of God and humiliated and sometimes physically hurt the Apostles and the people of the Church. In my own story, Paul and his men suffered on the ship while a storm raged around them. However, all of their reaction to the hard times eventually were unfailing faith that God will always be there to protect and guide us. 

Wilson, Marvin R. "The Apostle Paul and His Times: Did You Know?" Christian History | Learn the History of Christianity & the Church. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.

Which story from the Acts of the Apostles did you find most inspiring and why?

I found my own story from the Acts of the Apostles most inspiring. During the storm, Paul's men were beginning to lose faith. However, God sent a messenger to Paul, who passed the message on to his men in a sort of pep talk that showed them that we should believe in God and get him through the hard times. I find that inspiring because it's always nice to have someone to turn to when things get hard. 

"Marine Planning: Stormy Seas." Michelmores. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.

How have you experienced challenges in your own life and how have you dealt with them?

I have experienced challenges balancing school, sports, and my social life before. However I always make sure that I have someone to remind me to take a step back and collect my thoughts, so that I can focus on the task at hand. Sometimes it is a close friend or family member, or I take a few minutes to reflect on where I am in life and pray to God about it.

ictorio2227. "7, Christian Video Background, Video Loop, Easy Worship." YouTube. YouTube, 13 Mar. 2014. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.

Who are people that you can turn to in times of need and why?

I can always turn to my mom in times of need, because she is always very supportive in all of the things I do. I also have a few close friends who I can always count on to be there for me. And of course, I can always turn to God, because He is always there for me and ready to guide me through His plan for me.

"Friendship Resources for EYFS and Primary." TES. N.p., 14 Nov. 2016. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.

Blog #8: Discipleship

https://alexcolao.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/lastsupper.jpg

What did you learn about the original disciples from the group projects?

I learned that the disciples were selfless and fully devoted to a life preaching and spreading the Word of God. I also learn that they were very dedicated to the cause, some going as far as to die for their faith.

Which disciple did you find most interesting and why?

http://www.liturgies.net/saints/matthias/matthias.jpg

I found Matthias most interesting because while I was researching him, I found that before he was Matthias, he was Zacchaeus. In Luke 19, Zacchaeus first met Jesus, and that's always been a prevalent story in my early Catholic education. I remember as a kid admiring how dedicated Zacchaeus was by climbing the tree and serving Jesus and repenting her ways of a tax collector.

Based on what you learned, what are the characteristics of people who follow Christ?

http://www.colindye.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/To-reach-the-multitudes-Jesus-actually-turns-from-them-to-his-12-disciples.jpg

I learned that people who follow Christ are wholeheartedly devoted to Him and willing to repent their sins and give all of their material possessions to preach the Word of God. They are also kind and patient and forgiving.

Do you feel that you display any of these characteristics? Why or why not?

I feel like I do display some of these characteristics. Definitely not to the extremes that the disciples went to, but I feel like I make an effort to be kind to people and make them feel loved.

http://www.icr.org/i/wide/christ_our_life_wide.jpg

The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes are a set of eight statements in the story of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. They descfibe how the people who give their time, love, and lives to God will be rewarded.

http://www.theology21.com/2011/06/30/sermon-on-the-mount-why-the-law-according-to-jesus-is-impossible-to-follow/

To follow the Beatitudes, one must fully devote themselves to God and his Plan. The Beatitudes entail traits like humbleness and goodness as essential characteristics of a person living out the Beatitudes. I think if people were to follow the Beatitudes a little more closely, the world could be a more civil, peaceful place. There would be less discrimination and hate, because everybody would be focusing on their devotion to god rather than the differences that seem to separate us so much these day. To be able to accomplish this, one would have to look at themselves more closely and choose who they want to be in order to fulfill the Lord's wishes. To do so, one might have to give up more material things to get a deeper look into what it means to truly give up everything to God.

http://www.ogvidius.com/beatitudes

I spent a day living by the fourth Beatitude, "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied," and the seventh Beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the Children of God." It was interesting, looking at the world in a new perspective, through God's eyes rather than my own. While I wasn't happier, exactly, I did feel a sense to duty to uphold God's vision of peace and love for all. I went through my day being more aware of others and how I could help them. In a way, it was easier to me, because I wasn't thinking so much about my anxieties and insecurities and more of how I can fulfill God's wishes and to achieve what I was made for in life.

http://livingwaterlutheran.us/project/helping-hands-ministry/