Faith Reflection: Mercy—The Beauty of Our Young
Back in 2009 Pope Benedict XVI said, “The real problem at this moment in history is that God is disappearing from the human horizon, and, with the dimming of the light which comes from God, humanity is losing its bearings.” As I continue to read through the 7th grade’s essay on the needs and hopes of our youth today I see a hope-filled future knowing we have a lively, faith-filled generation who will soon be ready to take on the missionary challenge of the Church.
The general consensus I’ve noted from reading their essays was a need for community and service. In the big picture we don’t do things alone, we work together, we work with others. They, too, noted a need for doing service. Youth, like others, need to be engaged in something meaningful, which brings us right back to community. What we have here is an amazing group of young people who are grounded in their faith and will help bring the light of God into a darkened world.
How to Strengthen My Faith With God
by Claire Beckley
There are many things I do to keep my faith living and active. I am blessed to be able to attend a Catholic school. In school we are able to talk about God every day. I attend mass on Sundays with my family, but I also attend mass on Wednesdays with my school. I am an altar server, and I also enjoy singing in the school choir. I sing in the school choir because I like to sing the teachings of God through the Psalms and other songs. I like to altar serve because it gives me an opportunity to serve God in the masses.
There are many things I can do to make my faith stronger with God. One thing I can do is to go to mass more often. I reason I would go to mass more often would be to strengthen my relationship with God through prayer. Another way I can strengthen my faith with God is through Scripture. I can read what he has done for us and learn his teachings so I can carry out his work bringing him to others. A final way to strengthen my faith is to do activities with my parish community. If I do this I can learn more about God while also strengthening my relationship with our parish.
I would to thank Siobhan Sanders in 4th grade for her lovely artwork you see gracing the upper left hand corner of this page. We were studying the Cardinale Seduto sculpture at the Getty Center Museum during art and I thought her compact take on this artwork would fit here nicely. I actually like her design of the wall behind the sculpture over what is behind the real sculpture. And you may recall Sophia Porayouw, now in 5th grade, drew the Saint Thomas Aquinas picture. (For those who receive this page through the school email there is a header with the two pictures I mention which is not available here).
Siobhan and Dariel Bahamontes have also taken over the Question of the Week duties. One of Dariel’s reasons for being so excited about 4th grade was getting to be more involved in the Question of the Week. On Monday he and Siobhan wrote a little holy skit. They then presented this to the school Tuesday morning at assembly to kick off the start of the Question of the Week—Go Spread the News for this school year. They are also responsible for coming up with the question each time. You can watch their video on Twitter—click on the link at the bottom of the school’s homepage.
Thank you. Mrs. Alhadef