Catholic Worker Movement

Honestly, the commitments taken by these people inspire me greatly. However, I do not think I could do them myself. Taking a life of poverty seems extremely difficult and I am not sure I am strong enough to make such commitments; at least not yet in my life. However, they certainly get me thinking differently about my own philosophy of life. Would I have what it takes to make these commitments? I am really not sure. We are not finished the movie "Entertaining Angels", but it really is an inspiring story. The Catholic Church is really so powerful and moving. 

Soldiers of Conscience

I truly believe that if women want to fight in wars, they should be allowed. Fighting for your country should not be a problem based on your gender. This is America and men and women are supposed to be "equal" by now, including in war. A soldier is a soldier. I must say, however, if I was drafted, I would certainly try to get out of it. I love my country, but I do not think I would ever have what it takes to be a soldier and kill someone else. After everything I have learned throughout high school in my religion classes, I do not think my faith would allow me to harm someone else. I just would not be able to do it because of my faith. 

In the Land of Invisible Women

In the hot areas of Yemen, one would never see a woman walking around who would be considered equal to a man. On the occasion that a woman is walking the town, her whole body is covered so that no one would see flesh and she would walk with her head down and in a hurry to not be seen by any one else. A woman's goal in Yemen would be to go unnoticed. These women have no say in their lives, they have no choices. Girls are given to men twice their age, it is truly cruel and unfair. While living in the United States, sometimes I forget that other cultures have absolutely no respect for women. I feel so lucky to have the rights, as a woman, that I have in America. It makes me angry and upset to think that these woman have no idea what it is like to be truly free. 

Hotel Rwanda

I believe that Jack was completely correct. I think people are so indifferent to the horrible tragedies on the news because these things are so common in the world today. It is a terrible, yet honest, truth about the world we live in today. It seems as though tragedy strikes somewhere different every day and all anyone can do about it is say "wow that's so sad." Everyone really only has the option of moving on. I would try to get people to help by making announcements at schools and create a fundraiser. I would do my best to get as many people as possible involved.

Can forgiveness play a role in criminal justice?

I think that this is a horrible alternative to the criminal justice system. If someone takes the life of someone else, they deserve punishment, not forgiveness. The idea of forgiveness in the criminal justice system does not make sense. From my point of view, if it was my own family member, forgiveness would certainly not be an option. This idea of "restorative justice" is not realistic. The reasoning of this idea goes with the views of Catholic Social Teaching, but, morally, I would have to completely disagree. 

Conclave 2013

Considering a new pope is going to be chosen soon, this is a time for all Catholics to consider what is most important when choosing a new pope. Although it is not up to the people, the choice still impacts our faith because the pope is considered the leader of the Catholic faith. When I think about who I would like to be pope, I have a very distinct picture in my head. I would want the pope to be someone who is extremely passionate for religion and helping to improve faith. I want the new pope to take action against the scandals in the Church and to be concerned about everyone in the Catholic faith. Although the pope is far away from us, it is still important to have a responsible and respectable man heading our religion and faith. 

Lent 2013

I normally do not give up anything for lent or use lent to signify anything in my life. Unfortunately, I do not go to church often. However, this year during lent, I hope to grow closer to God. I am going to give up something for lent and try to become a better Catholic. I would like to change my attitude towards church in general and hopefully become closer to God through this process. My theme for this lent is going to be change. I am hoping to both change, and grow, as a person and become more committed to my relationship with God.