On Global Solidarity

After reading the article I was appalled. The lack of respect and basic human rights that women around the world have to face is not only horrific, but also quite barbaric.  Being a strong, independent twenty first century woman it is hard for me to understand why women in countries such as Afghanistan don't just stand up for themselves as for other women and just stop the cycle. But unlike them, when I feel the need to stand up for myself I do not face death or equally harsh punishments. Through catholic social teaching we learn to respect God's creation because everyone has a right to live, and we are called to help those who are less fortunate than us. The leaders in the countries that oppress women should take action and start protecting the rights of those citizens. But the responsibility is not exclusive to those countries, it is imperative that anyone who hears about situations like this tries to help in any way, even if it's just talking about it because normally these tragedies are not plastered on the front pages of news outlets. Just getting the word out about how women are treated world wide is helping. 

 When tragedies such as hurricanes or tsunamis take place, people all over the world feel the need to donate time or money or food and clothing or just a helping hand. Why isn't it the same when a woman is unjustly murdered or harmed? One of the reasons is that when a natural disaster takes place, it is common knowledge, but when a woman is in danger, the news story is lucky to make it on the bottom of the screen in the quick stories box. The difference in reaction is due somewhat to media outlets, but also on the people. Not all people in the world share the view that everyone is created equal and so everyone should be treated equally. Some may think it is okay to treat women unjustly. Some may have concerns but don't know how to help. I think the not knowing how to help situation is a very wide spread problem because I know sometimes I feel like I don't know how to help a situation. I have learned though that just talking about it and trying to get people to pay attention to stories like this is helping. 

On the Year of Faith

I think Bishop Ricken's ideas on how to live out the year of faith are great. They're simple and doable which reassures people that being a practicing catholic isn't so hard. It also is a great way to educate people on the anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. 

Throughout my catholic education I have learned how to celebrate Christian style. If I had to choose only five ways to celebrate the Year of Faith I would have to choose:

1. Going to and participating in mass. I go every week but sometimes I don't pay attention or I'm distracted with other plans so the priest and his message aren't always my main focus. Throughout this year it will be my goal to pay attention as thoroughly as I would in say, Catholic Social Teaching class. It's important to listen to and understand the Gospel readings every week. 

2. Bring friends and family to mass. I always end up dragging my friends with me to the 5:30 Saturday evening masses because it hardly interferes with our plans. If I go on Sunday it's with my family and I always have to drag at least on of my brothers out of bed. Attending church has changed my life significantly and I just want that for my friends and family. 

3. Volunteering is an essential part of practicing my faith and celebrating the Year of Faith. No matter how big or small the act is, helping is helping. I see people in need all the time, and I always feel called to help in any way I can. I think that especially during the Year of Faith people are encouraged to volunteer time or donate money to those who really need it. 

4. Participate in parish activities. I am still an active member in my parish's youth ministry. We help in a lot of different aspects of the parish such as the parish picnic and fundraisers. I think being a part of youth ministry has brought me closer to my faith and has made me realize practicing my faith doesn't have to be a hassle, it's fun!

5. Promoting your local catholic schools. My grade school merged with another local grade school and is now called St. Katherine Drexel Regional School. I loved my grade school. St. Bedes will forever be one of my favorite experiences. I take any chance I get to explain what a catholic education is all about. I appreciate the people who actually listen to me and consider checking into the school. Same goes with high schools. I talk about Mount to anyone who will listen. I believe to keep the spirit alive we have to get the message out to those who do not hear it every day, especially during such a special time in the church. 

On The Circle of Protection

Obama states that he believes “poverty is a moral issue.” He believes that as one moves up on the socioeconomic scale it is his or her job to help those below them move up as well. He wants everyone to work together to create a nation that helps anyone who needs it.

Romney appreciates all those people throughout America who have worked so selflessly to help those less fortunate than themselves. Romney believes American people will overall be benefitted by job creation. Providing jobs for the jobless will decrease the unemployment rate, increase economic growth and help distribute more wealth among those who previously did not have it.

The Church teaches that those who can help should. The most meaningful donations are not always monetary. The Church is against a socialist economy, or giving what a working American rightfully earns, and giving it to another who is deemed more needy. Everyone deserves to keep what he or she earns from working, but there is a moral obligation to give what one can to aid those who may not have the opportunity to make a living. President Obama talked a lot about solidarity throughout America and providing for those who cannot provide for themselves. Mitt Romney talked about job creation and the positive ramifications of not giving to those who need it but supplying them with an opportunity to make it themselves. Both have a great outlook on aiding the poor because obviously they both are eager to help. That eagerness is really what America needs to kick start a movement in everyone and realize that helping those who need it is beneficial to the greater good.