Seeing the World in a New Light

 

The Louisiana Superdome Photo Credit: Darria Dennison

This past weekend I went with the Washburn University Leadership Institute to the Leadership Exchange at the University of New Orleans. Groups of students from both campuses prepared presentations to share with one another. We then, on Martin Luther King Day, participated in a day of service to kick off the week for those in the city and to bring our stay in New Orleans to an end. I was there with five other students and our instructor. The experience impacted a lot of us on the trip, and we all met some truly amazing people on the Exchange.

There were many things I noticed while in New Orleans. Walking through the French Quarter, there were many homeless people who lined the streets. Driving around the city, there were still neighborhoods recovering from the desolation of Hurricane Katrina. Even with all of the obstacles and challenges that people in New Orleans face, there were still young people around the city working to make a positive difference in their communities.

Preparation for Thanksgiving and Christmas

Photo Credit: www.stockvault.net

Thanksgiving is this week. Christmas is a month away from tomorrow. Time has been passing so quickly. With Black Friday and all of the other holiday sales coming up, the season doesn't feel as personal as it used to be. When we could be celebrating one another's company, people are out buying things on Thanksgiving night and weekend. 

Identity, Inter-Religious Dialogue, and Hope

This podcast is an exploration of a few different themes from some of my posts as well as a few new ideas. The podcast explores the importance of knowing oneself before a relationship. It also points out that inter-religious dialogue is possible between people who hold different beliefs. Lastly, it talks about the necessity of hope in life and for the future. I hope you enjoy it!
Here is the link if you would like to download it:
Download this episode (right click and save)

Local Places for Students to Take Theology Classes

These are a few places where classes or studies are offered about different aspects of theology. Most Pure Heart of Mary offers a variety of different classes that pertain to the Bible, amongst other topics. They also offers retreats for adults as well. 

The Washburn University Catholic Campus Center also offers opportunities for students to learn more about theology and the Church. I have been told that, next semester, they are going to do a book study on How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul. I used this book as a major reference throughout the content of this blog. 

These are both two valuable resources that college students at Washburn could take advantage of. Both locations are close to campus, and I know the Catholic Campus Center is involved in everyday campus life. This map shows the locations of the Church and The Campus Center in relation to Washburn University.

Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc is my favorite saint. I spoke about her briefly in one of my past posts. She is a big role model for me and my life. She has many profound quotes attributed to her, and I wanted to share a few of them.

"Rather now than tomorrow, and tomorrow than the day after!"

"I am not afraid. I was born for this."

"I fear nothing for God is with me."

"One life is all we have, and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice who you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying."