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?

I agree with pretty much everything within Groome's book. Some of the main things I agree with are about respect. Respecting oneself, others, everyone. How praying is a good way to contact God and to pray for things that one may need rather than what one may want. I also agree with parts such as the three parts of spiritual practices, however they are not always applicable all the time in my life. I think that self care and taking care of ones soul is a great idea, especially since people often do not understand the best way of taking care of themselves is to just relax, and sometimes pray. 

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

From the video clips about Pope Francis, I have learned a lot. I have learned that Pope Francis is a very humble, simple, and intelligent person. His real name before he became Pope is Jorge Bergolio. He is the first Pope to be from the Latin Americas, Argentina, and the new world of the Americas all together. Pope Francis was the people's Pope. He lives simply, like the people. He doesn't use all of the things he has access to and he chooses to take public transit over a long, black limo. Pope Francis is an amazing inspiration, not only for the people of Argentina, but for the world.

This is Pope Francis, the new Pope that is living differently than expected. “Looking Back at 2016, the Year of Surprises: Pope Francis.” Crux, 21 Dec. 2016, cruxnow.com/vatican/2016/12/20/looking-back-2016-year-surprises-pope-francis/.

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

Pope Francis wants to live a simpler life than everyone else. Instead of using a fancy car, he prefers to take the bus or the train, or other means of public transit. Pope Francis feels as though walking along side the people makes him feel closer to the people. By being with the people he can understand them and sympathize with them. Pope Francis is also different from the other Popes because of where he comes from. He is the first to come from Argentina, first from Latin America, first from the new world of the Americas all together. Pope Francis is different than the others, different for the better.

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

Well, the Catholic Church has a lot of things that make it special and bring crowds each day to rejoice in the name of Jesus. However, these masses and celebrations can be a bit boring. Sometimes the priest drones on and on about something and people lose attention and focus. Other times the singing is the same song over and over and it becomes repetitive and aggravating. I think that if the church community were to work together to think more fun and involved alternatives, the people would enjoy it more. Therefore, the church would receive many more attendees and it would become a popular place of worship.