1. Ch 5: Understanding Ourselves- Created in God’s Image 1. God intended for humans to strive to avoid sin by using free will intelligently, to be proper stewards of his creation, and to follow His call. 2. Baptism is a significant sacrament since it marks a new beginning for us. Jesus provides a new creation for us when we are baptized. We become a new creation. It endures for our entire life.

2. 3. Jesus’ life and teachings help us understand the origins of the world (how and why we were created). The priority of His ministry was to help us understand that we are in God’s care unconditionally. 4. Disordered affections were seen in Original Sin. They are emotions/passions that are not used or directed where they really should be. Examples: our need to be liked or wanting to succeed

3. 5. We can absolutely break the cycle of sin. We are all capable of achieving salvation- God’s gift of forgiveness of our sins- simply because Jesus chose to become Incarnate and die on the cross for us.

4. Section 2: Redeemed in Christ 1. Ash Wednesday begins the Easter Season. The use of ashes is a reminder of our mortality, of the fact that we will all be united with God through death. Why should we be reminded of this during the Easter Season?..... 2. Redemption refers to the idea that we can be saved, redeemed, uplifted from our sins. God’s forgiveness is ever-present. We simply have to show true remorse.

5. Section 2: Redeemed in Christ 3. We are always invited to participate in Redemption. We can do this by showing awareness and gratitude for the blessings in our lives and by recognizing our sins and then asking for forgiveness. 4. We must act in communion (together with the Holy Spirit) to complete the process of sanctification.

6. Section 2: Redeemed in Christ 5. True almsgiving is showing true charity, not simply donating money. Some actions that constitute true almsgiving: respecting the dignity of everyone, esp. the poor, being aware of the needs of others (J.O.Y.). 6. Holiness refers to a perfected state of charity. Kindness, compassion, and concern should guide all of our thoughts and deeds.

7. Section 3: Visions of the Human Person 1, 2. The “Catholic view of the human person” refers to the idea that each life has value since we are all created in God’s image and likeness. Also, we are all ‘interrelated.’ We are called to love one another as Christ loved us (John 13:34).

8. Section 3: Visions of the Human Person 3. Pope John Paul II- recently declared a saint- emphasis the Genesis-based idea that we are called to be stewards of God’s creation. 4. The ministry of Jesus was designed to help us live a life of solidarity with others- to consistently value the human dignity of all.

9. Section 3: Visions of the Human Person 5. Flannery O’Connor was profoundly Catholic, and her works often portray what some see as brutal and grotesque. However, she chose to portray a darker side of life to show that life is sometimes filled with suffering and sadness as Jesus Himself showed during His ministry.

10. Section 4: The New Life of Baptism 1. Baptism is known as the Sacrament of Initiation since we become a new creation after we are baptized. We are united with the Trinity and are officially welcomed into the Church community. 2. Our immersion in water symbolizes our spiritual rebirth. The lighted candle symbolizes the glory of Christ and the potential goodness of our new life.

11. Section 4: The New Life of Baptism 3. The Paschal Candle is an essential part of the Easter vigil. The color white symbolizes the purity of Christ. The Greek symbols of Alpha and Omega (beginning and end) reinforce the idea that all life begins and ends with Christ. Note its presence during Baptism, during funerals, and one Easter through Pentecost.

12. Let’s Debunk Some Misconceptions About the Homeless 1. They all live on streets or sleep in shelters. 2. Homelessness is necessarily related to substance abuse. 3. They are fine with being homeless. 4. They don’t take care of themselves. 5. They only want money or food. 6. They are the only ones who need help. 7. They don’t use the Internet. (Why would this be a big deal?)