Things People Who Grew Up Going To Catholic Church...

Many students in a Catholic school will identify with this BuzzFeed list... I know I certainly did!

Attending Mass is obviously a big part of Catholic upbringing and can shape the rest of your life. I'm sure many even look forward to taking their own children years on! How many of these 23 things do you relate to?

Check out the list <here>.

What would you add?

Can You Survive Extreme Poverty?

I lived for 4 days... the challenge was to survive for 30. Why so short? I decided to give my child some medicine and try to buy a uniform to send my child to school.

Have a go and play the game here: www.live58.org/survive125 (It didn't seem to work on my mobile device and wanted a Facebook login on PC)

Live 58 is a group of partners who are aiming to end poverty by 2035:

Based on Isaiah 58, Live58 provides engaging and practical ways for Christians to impact the world - and do it with friends. We are people who want to live differently to end extreme poverty by 2035. Recognizing the pull of culture toward excess and self-centered living, we strive to live out the True Fast of Isaiah 58 where God tells His people to put their faith into action:

"To loose the chains of injustice... to set the oppressed free...

to share your food with the hungry... to provide the poor wanderer with shelter...

when you see the naked, to clothe them."

Watch the trailer for the film here:

The full film is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHtwHEHAt8Q 

How long did you last? Did it leave your frustrated? What do you think of Live 58's aims?

Which Philosopher Are You?

Which Philosopher Are You?

Try the BuzzFeed quiz <here> and post your result in the comment section!

<Link>

Me?

You got: Aristotle.

You think that everyone should aim to be as happy as they possibly can, and that happiness is best achieved by challenging yourself academically. You’re always reading and you enjoy going to art museums and galleries.

40 Acts: Doing Lent Generously

"40 days of giving back, doing good and living generously"

This year, why not do something a bit different for Lent? Christians are called to pray, almsgive and fast during Lent. However this campaign suggests that we can 'do Lent generously':

"What if your Lent, this year, was a preparation for a lifetime of big-heartedness that reflected God's amazing generosity? Well, that’s where 40acts – the generosity challenge from Christian charity Stewardship - comes in."

Sign up to receive the daily emails through Lent <here>

Visit: www.40acts.org.uk

Find 40acts online:

Instagram

Pinterest

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Prenups Legal?

Until now, the much famed prenup has not been recognised in the UK. However things may be about to change...

A new law is being put forward which would make pre- or post-nuptial agreements for couples legally binding. This means couples could agree the terms of their divorce BEFORE getting married. This, in theory, makes it easier to split money and property. 

Currently, unlike in places like the US, they can be made but not inforced. This change would make them legally binding.

Do you think they would be commonplace? Do you think many Catholics would take one out? Will they mainly be used in re marriages to protect existing children's inheritance (as some have suggested)? Would you get a prenup? 

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26357609

Your Parent's Faith?

"My wife, who’s a pretty vehement atheist, said that she could cope with just about any life decision our children may make - apart from them wanting to join the military or the clergy."

Often parents are accused indoctrinating their children, forcing them into their own faith at a young age. However the counter argument is that when something is so important to you, surely you want to pass it on to your children? Most parents would encourage their children in their beliefs until the point that they can make up their own mind.

One family have spoken in The Guardian about how, while living in France, their daughter has decided to become Catholic. She has attended a Catholic school and now wants to fully join the faith.

The author of the article talks about how "our world view isn't enough for her" and that she has decided she wants to be baptised and receive the other sacraments. Her mother in particular, struggles with her decision.

The article ends with the author (the father) saying: "I just hope that, the next time she faces a life-defining decision, she remembers this time when she told us she had faith in something we don't. And we believed in her."

Do you think parents are right to impose their world view on their children? At what age can you make up your own mind? Is it better when people choose a faith for themselves? Do you think their belief will be stronger?

Read more here: http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/14/daughter-of-atheist-wants-to-be-catholic 

New Year Resolutions from Pope Franics

Have you made your broken your new year resolutions yet? Here are a 'Top 10' from Pope Francis. They were not written as a Top 10 by him but people have put them together from his many inspirational speeches over the last year:

1. Don't gossip.
2. Finish your meals.
3. Make time for others.
4. Choose the 'more humble' purchase.
5. Meet the poor 'in the flesh.'
6. Stop judging others.
7. Befriend those who disagree.
8. Make commitments, such as marriage.
9. Make it a habit to 'ask the Lord.'
10. Be happy.

Read more here: http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/46933-new-year-resolutions-pope-francis-quotes