Blog Post #13

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

I learned that Pope Francis originally was Italian and was raised in a small town. His background was pretty small but he was an inspiring figure to the poor. All the poor loved him, and he grew in the church ranks but he wasn't trying, he was just trying to protect and call attention to the lower classes. I also learned that he is a people Pope not a pope who sat behind his desk.
What did you notice about the topics that Pope Francis has written about so far? What do these say about him as a pope?

The topics that Pope Francis has written so far are a variety of ones about peace, love, mercy, and forgiveness. Pope Francis is a pope who cares about the love people share and spread. In his writing about the "Joy of the Gospel" he also talks about the flaws and advancements in the church that need to be made. He talks about how the church should be like a home for people, not a place of judgement.

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

Pope Francis is interacting with the people more. Usually popes sit behind their desk and think, but Pope Francis creates a connection with the people especially the poor. He also is calling for a more welcoming church. And he also takes in the ideas and teachings of science.

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

I hope that the Church first will still be really supportive to young, old, men, women, and poor. I hope they help more with the less fortunate who in Pope Francis's eyes, are forgotten. I also hope they acknowledge science in the future and maybe one day fully support it. And I hope in the future they also fully support gay rights and gay marriage.

"Pope Francis." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, 28 Apr. 2017. Web. 10 May 2017.

Blog #12

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

What I found interesting about the history of the Sisters of Notre Dame is that they started out so little and grew so big. They joined together to spread the message of god, but ended up giving back the community in a much better way, schools. Whats intersting is also how many schools they started that are everywhere around the world. I also learned that the sisters do a great job dedicating their lives to education for girls.

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

What stuck with me is how they panel still sees the spirit in the school, and as they walk the halls its as if they still go here. And another suprsing fact was a lot of them did not feel any stress, which is very different since I feel a lot of stress with all these classes and homework. They also told me not to worry about my future since it will go where it takes me which makes sense but honestly it's very hard to stop thinking about the future. But what's very cool to me was that one of the almnae said that not all tests will affect you and theres no point in beating yourself up over those, which really made sense to me.

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

To be part of the Notre Dame Community to me means to be doing activities or just having that spirit in the school. Being kind to everyone makes you a part of the community since then everyone will be kind to you. Also the spirit at notre dame is really strong, so having that brings you closer to everyone at the school. Also, doing good things to the school even little thigns like throwing litter away or taking care of the school puts you very well in the community showing that you care about the community.

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

Some values that will stay with me is that sisterhood is very important, there are only so many friends you can get close to in the world and those friendships are important. What I also learned is that working hard gets you places, I worked really hard to get things and I learned that there will be a result if I put in the work. I also learned that they world is always revolving, and there are many issues new and old that come up so it's up to us to try and fix those in the world. One last thing that I will probably take away is that being myself is very important, you can only be truly happy when you are yourself and you have friends and people around you that support you. Issues or problems things are easier to fix if you do it together with others.

"Together." Together Quotes. Web. 04 May 2017.

Blog Post #11

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

To my, the Council of Trent was the most interesting event from the Church History textbook presentation. I think this because the council is really intersting in how there were so many problems happening with the Catholic Church, and so the church was forced to create a council. What's also intersting is that the council just re-established a lot of their teachings, but didn't reform any teachings that were offending to the public. It was just a reaffirmation, not a reform.

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

I found that St. Francis of Asissi was the most interesting. This is because it's so interesting how someone can leave everything to start a life around God. I always thought a lot people's lives revolved around thier money and the things around them, and even someone so rich and powerful found god through letting go of matter. St. Francis is a perfect example of how God can change one persons life, and totally shift their viewpoint on the world.

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

I want to be remembered for the good that I did in the world and for people. If I was influential person, I want to be known for my achievements, accomplishments, and even mistakes. This is because, the mistkaes that I make show how I would've grown, and so it can relate to others. If I was an influential pwerson I would want others to follow my cause so showing them that I have made mistakes in the past, lets those followers know that they can make mistakes too.

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

I have personally grown from my experiences with the mistake and accomplishments I've made. When I make a mistake I know how to not make it again. But when I make an accomplishment, I know what I need to do to have another triumph. Personal experiences make everyone a better person because its memories that people can't forget, and they know how to avoid a bad experience, and do a good experience again.


"Catholic Saint Medals - Patron Saint Medals and Rosaries." Catholic Saint Medals - Patron Saint Medals and Rosaries.  Web. 06 Apr. 2017.

Blog #10

1. Could you ever see yourself sharing similar messages that your Letter Writer did on your own social media accounts? Why or why not? What would you say?

I actually do think I could see myself sharing similar messages. This is because John talks a lot about love for one another, and that God is part of love. I beleive that I can't see my gods, but their actually all in my heart. So sharing love with one another is like sharing God's gifts. This is what John's message is, that we can only reach God by sharing love with one another, to our brothers, sisters, and fellow human beings.

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

In the Marian Apparation projects I drew some comparisons and differences. Some comparisons is Mary usually asked the person she apparated to, to build a church or a chapel. However, the church or chapels she asked would be built for different reasons. When Mary apparted in Laus she wanted it for a place of sinners to convert and for priests to live there. However, in Our Lady of Atkin, it was a little different. Since, her apparation in Japan, Atkin was more recent, and she showed more signs that her actual self to another person. I learned overall that Mary deeply loves her son, and appareted to others for her son's chapels, and her devotees are absolutely devoted to her.

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

I saw resilience in the way the people she apparated to devoted themsleves to Mary's word. A good example of this is in Our Lady of Lourdes. The girl that Mary apparted to is a poor girl name Bernadette. Bernadette saw the apparation of Mary, and stayed in the grotto for 15 days! Bernadette dug, and dug the rough soil in search of water. The people of her village watched her tirelessly work at the ground until she found the holy water deep in the ground.

4. Do you see yourself as being resilient? Why or why not?

Yes, in some ways I think that I am resilient because if I come upon a problem I usually can figure it out. I also think being resilient is the ability to not only deal with things by yourself, but be able to ask others for help. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help when you think of yourself as very strong. Sometimes however, I have to rely on someone else when I have a big problem, and those times I am not as resilient. But I also think that as human beings, we can't always be resilient but affected, and sometimes I think that's okay to let our feelings come out. We don't always have to be strong, but we can have our strong and weak moments that make us who we are.

Blog #9

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

I learned that these apostles suffered a lot through curcifixtion, taunting, abusivness, and martyring. However, they all, though sometimes their faith wavered, stuck with god through thick and thin. They suffered for what they believed in, and in the end came out stronger.

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

The story of the preachers who preached and were put into jail, shows that no matter what people who beleive go throuh, they come out stronger. They beleived so much that an Angel came down and saved the preachers. Even though the preachers got flogged after, their belief in their god was still strong.

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

In my own life, sometimes I experience challenges on my own that I feel I need to deal with. But when I really need help with something I ask my close friends, and my family. But when there is nothing I can do, I just pray to god.

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

Some people I turn to are my parents, my sisters, or my close friends. Those people I turn to because they understand, and they have the best advice. Also, they are all very good listeners when I need to rant, or need to calm down.

Blog Post #8

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

I learned the original disciples were learning about God. It was god who had chosen them to become more than just learners. Most of the disciples were fisherman, and were martyred for their faith in Jesus. Each disciple had at first a wavering faith, but as they sawm ore evidence that Jesus was actually the son of god, they began to have a stronger faith.

2. Which disciple did you find most interesting and why?

I found that St. Peter was the most interesting. This is because he was at first not very faithful. It took some time for Peter to realize that jesus was real, and that he had been chosen. I saw that jesus had in fact chosen Peter for a reason, as Peter had made many churches and preached. What I thought was also very interesting is the fact that Peter asked to be crucified upside-down, and not like how Jesus was, because he thought he was not worthy enough.

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

Each characteristic is faithful, and in some way made an impact on christians. They each present a different story to who Jesus was, and Jesus's message. For example, many disciples were faithful even with instics of betraying jesus. However, some characteristics, like Judas, gave into sin and betrayed Jesus. It shows that disciples are not always perfect, but are chosen for a reason.

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

In some ways I feel like I can present these characteristics of faith towards my gods. But, at the same time, I have to admit my faith can waver due to events that happen in my lifespan. Although I would never betray my gods, I have done sin, or things that I regret in my life. But, all these different characteristics show that one can become stronger with the help of god.

Blog Post #7

1. Summarize what you learned about the Beatitudes

The Beatitudes taught me how someone who has a virture will inherit something good. It also teaches me that those people who are good will be blessed by Jesus.

2. Which beatitude resonates with you the most?

The beatitude that resonates the most with me is "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." This reonsates with me the most because it tells me that those who are humble will receive the earth, and those who have that good spirit, represent the true meaning of why god made all of us. 

3. What did you learn about yourself during the activity?

I learned that I affect my future. When I have good virtures I receive blessings. This activity made me realize that we all control our actions, and god will test us and only give us what we want if we are good.

4. How can you display the beatitudes more in your life?

In my life, I can display the beatitudes by being kind, generous, meek, and a peace maker. With all these virtues I will receive the gifts from god, and they will bless me. And acting on this virtures will also affect my community in a positive way, letting everyone know that there is comfort for everyone, and that we are a community working together for the better.