Blog Post #12: 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?
   For the book presentation we did "Practicing a Humanizing Spiritually". The three main points are love respect yourself, render unconditional respect to other persons, and pray for graces you need. It states that loving and respecting yourself is very important and you show care for yourself. To have unconditional respect for people is to care for the others. And lastly praying for graces you need. This means to pray for what you need, and if you do God will listen.

2. What were some new things that you learned about Pope Francis from the video clips?
   I learned a lot of new things from this documentary about Pope Francis. One thing being he had pneumonia. He was loosing hope and thought he would never feel better until a nun told him that it will pass and it helped him get through it. Another thing is that he has never owned a car or taken a taxi or car service. He takes public transportation instead. He says he takes it so he can meet people and understand what they are going through.

3. What are different changes that Pope Francis is making to the way popes usually do things?
   Pope Francis has many differences that make him stand out. One difference being he was extremely humble and didn't accept anything such as a fancy car or house. Another thing is he is very interactive with the people and puts their needs above all. Pope Francis also came from the Americas which is not common. He believes that being Pope is to serve those of your faith and God. He feels he doesn't deserve all the nice stuff that comes with it.
   
   

4. What hopes do you have for the present day Catholic Church?
   I have a few changes that can be made in Catholic Church. One change would be excepting everyone no matter what. They should be more open to different types of people. They should also do more hands on activities for mass such helping the homeless. This can help the people become more involved in healing the earth. That way you know people are not just listening to God, but actually doing what he says.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   I chose this picture of Pope Francis, because of the video we watched of Pope Francis in class.
   
   “Pope Francis.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 7 May 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis.