Pilgrimages of Life

In this course, I have learned not only the Church's teachings on some "hot-topic" issues that are prevalent in today's society but also my own opinions. This course has forced me to do more than just shrug off the mention of some situations that people go through and actually step back and say, "what would I do if that were me?" or "what do I really think about that?" Too often I think we are quick to say, "well, I don't have to think about that so, it's not my problem." This course has allowed me to dig deeper and discover more about myself.
Also, I have allowed myself to open up more to the world and all that it has to offer. Through the sharing and nonjudgmental atmosphere that this class presented, I felt that I could truly open up and discuss my personal opinions without fear. In this class, I have realized the importance of everyone's opinion and the ability to respect those of other people marks a sign of true character.
As I take my next steps along my own path, I hope to hold dear these lessons I have learned in this class, and find my own true vocation.

Some say love...

In the Backstreet Boys' song, "PDA", they describe crazy, intense, passionate love where they can't keep their hands off of each other even in public, which is similar to many songs nowadays. In Justin Bieber's song, "As Long As You Love Me," he describes always being there for a girl, regardless of how much money they have, or where they are in the world. Everything will be alright as long as they love each other. Realistically, this is far-fetched and not very likely. People may love each other and still get a divorce because they have too many differences and past issues prevent them from being able to sustain their relationship. In her song "Our Song", Taylor Swift describes a casual, comfortable relationship that is common among teens. This love described is more realistic, and less passionate and erotic. In the song, "Be Your Everything," Boys Like Girls describe a life where the boy will be everything to the girl, "shelter, storm, forever and a fling." In order to have a true, lasting relationship, a couple needs to have more than one person as their all, because that can lead to immense disappointment and depression. In her song, "One and Only" Adele asks a boy to let her be his "one and only," "to give her the chance to walk the mile with him." To be someone's "one and only" is a lot of pressure and severely limiting. In my own idea of a relationship, I hope to find someone who can be my best friend, who can not only connect with me, but also hold a special place in the world that is my friends and family. I have always cherished the idea of having a soul mate, but not in the same erotic, passionate way. I believe there is someone out there for me, but he fits into every aspect of my world, including my romantic life. I hope to be able to exist as an individual outside of the relationship. I agree with the article in that I don't expect to depend on one person to give me eternal happiness, rather, I hope that he acts as one of many means that grant me fulfillment and content.

Changing Face of Marriage

This description of the "Domestic Church" is very similar to what my parents preach at home, with some exceptions. There is an overall feeling of love and forgiveness; however, we are not always perfect. My parents make mistakes as do my siblings and myself. Changing the structure and function of a family can have both positive and negative side effects. On the positive side, it can bring a family closer to its faith and learn to merge what is preached to the actions they perform. However, this could also have negative consequences. Changing the structure of a family could also change a husband or wife's perspective, and thus possibly lead to conflict or in extreme circumstances, divorce. The fact that those people with a college degree are less likely to experience divorce or multiple marriages is not very surprising to me. If one takes the time to develop one's mind intellectually, one can further come to know one's true desires and can translate that into choosing a life partner. I hope to incorporate my own take on the "domestic church" in my own home and make it a place of love, forgiveness, and trust.

Marriage and Vatican II

In Vatican II, the constitution says that marriage is to be highly esteemed and preaches the "lofty calling" of spouses and parents. Although marriage is still considered a huge step in one's life, it does not exist on the same pedestal that the Church believes it should be. Because of the ease with which one can get a divorce and then remarry, marriage does not exist as a binding, eternal commitment. Vatican II council also states that marriage is a vocation. Most people today don't view it that way. Marriage, for some, is restrictive and binding. One's marriage is not placed at the forefront of one's life today. The constitution also stated that "conjugal love is not a fleeting event, but the patient project of a lifetime." Today, we exist in a world of instant gratification. The idea of spending one's entire life growing to understand and truly love someone is not a task that most wish to complete. The divorce rate is very high, allowing couples to forego this idea of a lifetime commitment. The constitution also states that the love between two spouses should grow and develop over time. Rather than being patient with one another and allowing their relationship to mature, some couples take the easy way out with divorce. Most couples do allow their love to grow, but not as much as they did in the past.

Dating: What's the Point?

I think that a lot of the "extracurricular" dating that occurs today is practice for marriage. If people become used to only experiencing one person and getting to the know them for a short period of time before dumping  him or her, he or she might carry that same mentality over to marriage. However, I do not agree that we should avoid dating completely, but merely choose our dates wisely to develop a particular preference in a partner. As Freitas and King stated, dating allows a person to grow and experience multiple different people in order to fully gain an understanding of oneself and what one hopes to find in a significant other. I think that a lot of my peers date merely to say that they are dating someone. The social status that comes with the title of being "coupled" is irresistible for some. I even have close friends that remain with boyfriends because of their own insecurities. If people were more particular with their relationships, society today would probably not have as many "hook-ups" in today's world. Although most people have their own understanding of what a hook-up is, according to the graphs displayed in the article, most people want to have an emotional response or possibly a relationship, but believe that the chances of an actual relationship forming are very slim. In most cases, women are left waiting for a phone call or text that isn't coming. Also, according to the article, most college students are "hooking-up" as often as everyone thinks they are. The stating of one's "hook-ups" is merely a tool for social acceptance rather than a bragging of one's true actions.

Gender and Relationships (The Right One!)

I love watching wedding shows on TLC like "Say Yes to the Dress" or "Four Weddings" and have been planning my perfect wedding since I was ten years old. This doesn't mean that I hold my wedding day as the most important part of marriage. There's so much more to it than that; however, I think that the wedding day and the proposal are two sacred traditions that would be a shame to lose. I agree with the author that the couple should discuss the idea of marriage before getting engaged, but I think he is slightly harsh with his criticism of women looking for "signs" that their significant other is going to propose. The couple could have already discussed the possibility of marriage and thus the girl looks for these "clues" of when and where he will propose. Andy makes a proposal seem like a business deal between two corporate executives. They're in love! Let them have their fun and surprises! Let the women plan every single detail of their perfect day because it's their one day to be a princess. As for the reader's comment, I think she was right in saying that he focuses entirely on the effect of women's expectations and not on men's. I think that both men and women enjoy planning this day together because it's the first challenge they overcome as a married couple. They make decisions, are forced to compromise, and will probably get in more than one argument. An engagement and wedding is the first test of a marriage and the first glorious moment of the rest of a couple's lives, not just one day that women obsess over.

Wonderful Gift and Awesome Responsibilty

One of the many messages taught by the Church that is familiar to me is the idea that the physical act of sex in marriage is meant for procreation. The Church states that a couple may by no means use any form of birth control, rather, they must abide by the body's natural rhythms. The Church also states that a single person should refrain from the physical act of sex until they are fully committed through marriage. Some of the teachings of the Church that I did not know is that they are open to homosexual people and wish to have them actively participate in the Christian community. Also, that the Church prohibits sexual activity of homosexuals and finds it a sin was a new concept to me. I believe that the article did a great job of covering most of the areas of human sexuality; however, they failed to dictate the Church's stand on masturbating, which is also a large part of sexuality.

Mission Statement

To welcome and accept others and wholly, without judgement and without the desire of something in return. To give myself entirely in every aspect of my life. To stand up for what is right and what I believe in, knowing that I do not do it alone. To honor and respect all members of my intimate family and those around me with my time, talent, and treasure. To trust in God and his plans for me without question or doubt. To strive for my own personal perfection, knowing that I may not reach it and that the journey is what made the difference. To keep my eyes wide open as I travel through life. To remain hopeful through times of uncertainty and woe, setting my eyes on a future day. To take each moment and know it is a gift and not a right. To give all the glory of who I am back to God.

Who am I?

I am one of the middle children of four children all born a year apart. Kate is a freshman at Pitt, Kevin is a junior and Matt is sophomore, both at Prep. Because we are all so close in age, it seems like we're going through the same things at the same time. Half the time we are even taking the same classes in school. This makes it very hard not to compare myself to my siblings. However, no one pushes me more than my brothers and sister. Because of them, I strive to achieve my best in everything I do. I desperately want to have as much success as my sister did before me and also lead a great example for my brothers after me. I would not be the person I am today if I did not have them as my motivators and my best friends. We may not always get along and have our fair share of disputes, but I would not trade any of them for the world.

Walking into the gym the August before freshmen year was one of the most nerve-racking moments of my life. Volleyball tryouts had begun. As a freshmen, I was terrified of the intimidating upperclassmen and prayed that the ball didn't come to me so that I couldn't mess up. However, as I grew more comfortable with the girls, I slowly came out of my shell and became a member of the team. Through volleyball, I have made some of my best friends and have realized a lot about myself. Rather than just pining for my own time on the court, I've learned to cherish my time on the bench as well, rooting on my fellow Mounties. Volleyball has made a lasting impression on my experience of high school and on my life as well.


I rowed for Mount Crew my freshmen year and never have I disliked a sport more. Not only did we work our bodies until we literally got sick, the coaches also taxed our minds as well. When I thought I had secured my seat in the Freshmen 8, our coach pulled me out right before the first race to see if I could handle the last-minute switch. Crew was all-consuming and was the majority of my life freshmen year, but I do not regret it for one instant. I learned so much about myself and my potential. I learned to push myself harder than I ever dreamt I could. I was a part of something that not everyone could be a part of and met some really fantastic people. I was no longer a weak, insecure freshman just trying to get through high school. I learned to stand up for myself and take whatever anyone threw at me, good or bad. Crew might not be the sport that I was destined to play, but it played a major role in making me who I am today.