Catholic Schools Week

This week is Catholic Schools Week in Boise and across the United States.  It is a time to celebrate and appreciate the opportunity to attend a Catholic school.  Catholic schools have a long and interesting history in our country.  Almost simultaneously Catholic schools originated from Franciscan missionaries in Florida and Jesuit in the middle colonies.  As the United States progressed from colonies to states, the school’s needs and objectives evolved.

In the years following the American Revolution, the country, being predominantly Protestant, structured the schooling and curriculum on the teachings of the Protestant Church.  This was at times done at the expense of the Catholic children looking for and education.  In response to the threats of prejudice, Catholic Church leaders decided to start their own schools to ensure a proper education founded in the beliefs of Catholics.

Between the 1830s and the 1960s, the number of schools and students increased.  By around 1965 Catholic schools in America reached its all time high with more than 12,000 parochial schools.  In addition, close to 50% of all Catholic children attended a Catholic School.  In 2006, the number of schools is about half of that and the percentage of Catholic children attending Catholic schools is closer to 15%.  Although this may seem like a significant drop, about 40% of all Catholic schools have a waiting list for incoming students and the needs in suburban areas continues to be high.

In Boise, we are truly blessed to have 4 parochial schools and a Catholic high school.  It seems appropriate this year’s theme for Catholic Schools Week is “Faith, Academics, Service”.  We are lucky to be part of a school which embraces our faith as we establish high academic standards and promote a community focused on providing service to others.    

What do you think about your Catholic education?  What would you say to someone who was interested in sending their children to St. Joe’s?  

Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday, January 16 we are remembering the life and teaching of Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the United States.  While we each may enjoy a day off of school, we do not want to lose the purpose of commemorating his life and his impact on the United States and the world by taking the day for granted.

Martin Luther was born in Atlanta, Georgia.  He was the son, grandson, and great grandson of Baptist ministers.  While he initially was reluctant to accept his inherited occupation, during his time at Morehouse College, Dr. King began to learn how to use his devout Christian beliefs and his natural ability to gather people to promote the ideas of social change.

As his life continued, he actively engaged in the promoting the civil rights of African Americans and the social changes so long overdue.  While the civil war ended nearly 100 years prior to Dr. King, it was not until the 1960’s that America began to recognize the equality of African Americans. 

The teachings of Martin Luther King are as relevant today as they were 40 years ago.  Even though we have taken great strides as a country, we still hear and see acts of prejudice and bigotry in our society.  While we strive for equality and tolerance, we know there is still hate in the world.  Dr. King would encourage us to seek out acts of hate and intolerance in the world and find peaceful solutions to promote the human spirit.

In addition to Monday being a day for remembrance, it should also be a day of action.  A day dedicated to doing something to promote humanity and discourage intolerance.

The following is a link to the King Center.  The website includes many interesting and thought provoking ideas, including a biography of Dr. King and the history of the holiday.

http://www.thekingcenter.org/

What do you think Dr. King would think of our world today and the changes the country has undergone?  Can you think of situations in our world today where intolerance and prejudice exist?  What actions are you willing to take to promote the human spirit and the ideas of tolerance, acceptance and forgiveness?

Year in Review 2011

At the end of each year, many people and publications take time to reflect on the significant events which shaped the year.  We like to remind ourselves of the inspirational events and people that may have touched our lives.  We remember the tragic situations which made us stop and pray.  We hold in memory those we have lost and smile at the thoughts of those that made us laugh. 

Reflection is important in life.  Not to dwell, but to learn.  We use past events to find solutions to the problems of today.  The following events, both the good and the bad, inspired, baffled, and made me smile.

Global Events

Tsunami in Japan

The Royal Wedding

The political unrest in northern Africa

The deaths of Osama Bin Laden and Sudam Hussien

Entertainment

The release of the last Harry Potter movie

Kim Kardashian’s brief marriage and quick divorce

U.S. Events

Death of Steven Jobs

The Occupy Wall Street protests

The continuing economic troubles

10^th Anniversary of the September 11^th attacks

150^th Anniversary of the start of the Civil War

Events in Idaho

Education Reform

Execution of Ezra Rhodes by lethal injection

St. Joe’s Events

8^th Grade Boys win Hallissey

The completion of the school expansion

The retirement of Mrs. Violette and Mrs. Anchustegui

Personal Events

My daughter starting high school

Getting my own classroom

Bell’s Palsy

What events were the most significant to you in 2011?  Why?  What are you looking forward to in 2012?

Thanksgiving

On Thursday across the United States we will be celebrating Thanksgiving.  The tradition of dedicating at least one day to thanks dates back as far as 1621 in the United States.  While the original purpose was to give thanks for a plentiful harvest, it has evolved over time to a day spent with family and reflecting on the riches we have in our lives.

From its origin to 1863, the date of Thanksgiving was decided on by each state independently.  It was not until President Abraham Lincoln issued a presidential proclamation to uniformly recognize the last Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving.  In the midst of the Civil War President Lincoln was looking for any and all reasons and methods to unify the country.  While it may not have meant much in 1863, the establishment of a national holiday started a day of tradition.  Whether it be the turkey, football, or special desert, we each have special family rituals while focusing on giving thanks for the many things we have.

Do you think President Lincoln was right to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday?  Do you have any special traditions in your family for Thanksgiving?  If so, what?  What are you thankful for?

Idaho's Death Penalty

On Friday, November 18, 2011, Paul Ezra Rhodes is scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection by the Idaho Department of Corrections.  Rhoades is a convicted murder of three people in 1987 and has been serving his time on Idaho’s Death Row since his sentencing in 1988.

If Rhoades appeals are rejected he will be the first person executed against his will in the state of Idaho since 1957 and the second person executed since 1994. 

Rhoades was found guilty of gruesomely murdering three people in eastern Idaho between February 28, 1987 and March 19, 1987.  He was arrested shortly after the crimes were committed in Welles, Nevada.  The police found the murder weapon in his car while Rhoades was playing blackjack in a casino.  He was tried for each crime separately.  In March 1988 he was sentenced to death for the murder of an Idaho Falls teacher.  In May of the same year he was sentenced to death for the murder of a convenient store clerk in Blackfoot. 

His convictions and sentencing have been reviewed and affirmed by the Idaho Supreme Court in 1991.  His appeals to the U.S. District Court, the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court have all been denied.  His attorneys filed an appeal as late as November 15, 2011 with the 9^th Circuit claiming the process used in Idaho, if not performed properly, will result in cruel and unusual punishment, violating his rights protected by the 8^th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.  His appeal was again denied.

When I investigate the legal rationale for having the Death Penalty as a sentencing option, I find two reasons; deterrence and retribution.  The courts believe if a person is aware the death penalty is a possibility if they were to commit a capital crime, they may reconsider.  The courts also believe a criminal must understand how unacceptable their actions are within a civilized society and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law permitted within the Constitution, which is death.

Catholics have opposed the death penalty in nearly all cases.  The belief of the church is only God has the ability to take a life. 

Do you agree or disagree with the ideas of deterrence and retribution for capital crimes?  Do you think the death penalty is a deterrent for capital crimes?  What do you think of the death penalty from a moral viewpoint? 

Veteran's Day

November 11 is Veteran’s Day in the United States.  It is a day to remember the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the American way of life.  Through the years these individuals have put their safety and well-being in jeopardy in the name of freedom, liberty, and justice.  We owe all former and current members of our armed services a great deal of gratitude.

Whether or not you agree with the involvement of our military around the world, the support of our troops is necessary.  It is not the soldier who decides where to go, they take orders.  They go where they are needed and where they are asked to go.  It is a difficult life.  In addition to risking their life, they are often separated from their families for months on end.  They give up the comforts of Saturday afternoon football games, microwave popcorn, and a nice fireplace in exchange for tents in the middle of the desert.

It is fitting we dedicate a day during the year to remember those brave men and women who truly understand what it means to be called to duty.

What are your thoughts on Veteran’s Day?  What ways can you personally honor our veterans and current military members?  What do you think life would be like in the armed services today?

Most Powerful People in the World

Forbes Magazine released its list of the 70 most powerful people in the world this week.  The top 10 include the heads of state of the United States, Germany, Great Britain, China, and Russia, the King of Saudi Arabia, a retired CEO, a precocious 27 year old, the Federal Reserve Chairman, and the Pope.

Forbes is famous for its frequent lists of various things.  They rank the richest, the best, and the most powerful.  They rank women, companies, men, colleges, and countries.  Their lists are intriguing to the public fascinated with the ideas of wealth and power.

The 10 Most Powerful People according to Forbes from top to bottom are:

1.       Barack Obama – President of the United States

2.       Vladimir Putin – Prime Minister, Russia

3.       Hu Jintao – President, The People’s Republic of China

4.       Angela Merkel – Chancellor, Germany

5.       Bill Gates – Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates’ Foundation

6.       Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud – King of Saudi Arabia

7.       Pope Benedict XVI – Pope, Roman Catholic Church

8.       Ben Bernanke – Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, United States of America

9.       Mark Zuckerberg – Founder, Facebook

10.     David Cameron- Prime Minister, United Kingdom

For a complete lists go to:  http://www.forbes.com/powerful-people/

Why do you think the readers of Forbes are interested in the ranking Forbes publishes every so often?  What do you think of Forbes’ list of the most powerful people in the world?  Do you agree or disagree?  Does anyone surprise you?  Do you think there is somebody who should be in the top ten that is not?  If so, who?