Prophets are people who see how God is working in the world and how we should respond to Him. If you were a prophet what would you proclaim on Christmas?

Have you ever had to apologize to someone? Do you think the experience helped you become a better person? Why does being sorry motivate us to change?

What is Advent to you? What do you or your family do to prepare for the coming of a guest? How can we prepare ourselves for Jesus' coming?

At times, we all face the temptation to do something to be popular or admired. How do you handle this temptation?

"We are called to do a certain work. No one can do it for us. If we fail to do it, it won't be done."

How can you apply this quote to your personal life and/or education.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” –  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Please reflect and write what this quote means to you.

What might God be saying to you through a person or symbol in the Infancy narratives? (Ideas: Mary, star, Joseph, innkeeper, shepherd, Magi)

The saying below came from a book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. Write what this means to you.
Habit 1: Be Proactive

I am the force. Take responsibility for your life.

Once upon a time, there were four people named Everybody, Somebody, Nobody and Anybody…. When there was an important job to be done, Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. When Nobody did it, Everybody got angry because it was Everybody’s job.  Everybody thought that Somebody would do it, but Nobody realized that Nobody would do it. So it ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done in the first place!

By Chris Osgood *taken from ‘Spiritual Reflections’ –  Complied by St Vincent de Paul Society,  Parramatta Diocese, 2003

Reflection Questions • Which of the people featured in the story do you associate with the most?Which person do you feel you need to challenge in your life?  What are some actions you can take to change this?

Our Good Writer's Club quote was:
Ability is what you are capable of doing.
Motivation determines what you do.
Attitude determines how well you do it.

What does this mean to you?

What does the Serenity prayer mean to you?
 God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can, and
The wisdom to know the difference.

" Children receive the love of Jesus and teach us about the kingdom of God." Mark 10:2-16

Why do you think children are so special to Jesus? Do you feel like you are part of God's kingdom?

What things are necessary to you to keep a friendship growing? Why?

Complete each statement:

1. When I was younger, I thought heaven was like.......
2. Now I think heaven is......
3. I look forward to heaven because......

What is one thing that you learned in Religion class that has made a difference to you? Why?

"Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- John Watson

Reflection: Think about this quote and write what it means to you.

Jesus was a leader, but most important He was a servant. He is here to serve others.

"Good leaders must become good servants."  ----- Robert Greenleaf

Explain completely and thoughtfully what this truly means to you.

When have you face opposition for acting as a Christian? How did you respond?

Do you believe in the Power of Prayer? Explain.

Today in class we took a Spiritual Life Inventory. In what ways do you personally need to grow in faith?

After learning about the decision making-process today, do you think that what you have learned will assist you with making decisions in the future?

At today's Mass we sang "Christ Be Our Light."  What do these words mean to you?

Just as Thomas doubted the Risen Jesus, there are time we have doubted others.

Reflection: Write about ahow you may have felt when you learn that what you doubted turned out to be true. Do you feel like you want to say "I'm sorry for doubting you"?

Think about the position Peter is in. His friend has been arrested and faces harsh punishment. People start pointing fingers because they are scared, and Peter, who is only human like the rest of us, doesn’t know what to do. He panics and claims not to know Jesus. He betrays his friend. Imagine if you were in the same situation. It’s not always easy to go against the crowd and to stand by what you know is right and good, and Peter realizes this when it is too late. Think of Peter when you find yourself in a similar situation.

Reflection: In what ways do you intentionally or unconsciously "betray' others?

When have you rationalized some decision you made as necessay and right - when you knew it wasn't?

What changes are you facing in your life that scare you the most? How can you face those changes in a spirit of hope?

What "veil" do you hide behind to avoid difficult situations that make you uncomfortable?

What clear "sign" of God's presence do you often overlook in your life?

Who has been your most inspiring teacher or most generous mentor in matters of faith?

What do you find to be the biggest obstacle to forgiving someone who hurts you?

Reflection from our reading in class:

What device or activity in your life might be monopolizing too much of your time at the expense of more important things?

Who do you find the most difficult to "love" and what might be the first step in beginning a relationship or healing the rift between you and that person?

Is there a situation in your life that you have accepted as "the way things are" but could be better resolved or made whole?

Our Lenten Journey has much in common with a family trip. We discuss with our family where, when and for how long will our journey be. We prepare by packing and how we are going to get to our destination. If we go by car we need to observe the traffic laws, speed limits and follow a map. For your Lenten journey discuss with your family how and what you will do for the 40 days of Lent. What preparation will you need to do and what are the things you will need to observe and follow?

How can you make the next forty days a time of true conversion (change or transformation) that lasts well beyond Easter?

"To err is human, to forgive, divine.” ~ Alexander Pope

Reflection: Explain in at least 4 sentences what this quote means to you.

Think about the last really busy time you had. Maybe it was a school day with lots of things going on, homework, sports, scouts and then up early the next day to start all over again. In yesterday's Gospel, Jesus had one of those days. He started out at synagogue, then to Simon's house to heal his mother-in-law and continues helping others, goes off to pray, preaches to the villages, and then gets up early and starts all over again. Jesus also knew what a busy schedule was like. Can you find the one thing in the above account of His day that He took time to do?

Reflection: Do you take time everyday for that special thing? Or do you say "I'm to busy?" Write a one-sentence personal prayer pledge that states your intention to make prayer a part of your every day life.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  Explain this in your own words.

"If God is so perfect and everything he makes is so good, how come he had to send Jesus to save us? Why did he bother making a bunch of sinners when he could have made us perfect?" How would you respond to this/

Jesus showed compassion for people who suffered. Think of a person you know who needs a compassionate word or deed. How will you respond to that person?

We could go on and on, Gracious God. Our lives are filled with goodness, yet we seldom turn to you with gratitude.

Write a short prayer or poem showing gratitude to God for all you have been given.

As a 7th grader what is your biggest challenge to being a disciple of Jesus?

What in your life would be different from the way it is today if you had not been baptized?

Suppose the world were to end tonight. What would you wish to have changed about yourself to be better prepared to meet Jesus?

Reflection: Ephesians5: 8-9

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.

Think about all the good things you have seen and heard during the day, and how they made you feel. Decide on one specific thing that you could do or say to someone else to make their day good.