Ben Brown
Office 360 sales representative
Each year as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, I always reflect on how much I appreciate my Catholic upbringing and education.
There are several areas of my faith that I could reflect on, but there are a few in particular – now that I have aged – that give me a better understanding of why our faith is a little different than others.
I was having a discussion with a potential speaker, who was not Catholic, for an event where we ask for one’s faith journey. One of my first questions to her was, “What are your views or thoughts about Catholic faith?”
She said her only issue was that Catholics thought they were the only true Christian religion and not accepting of other faiths. I thought this particularly interesting as I remember learning about other faiths at St. Jude Grade School as well as Roncalli, just as my daughter is. I explained this to her and also that as Catholics, during our prayers of petition, we frequently pray for other faiths and for acceptance and peace.
One other important lesson that I try and carry through each day, not just on Sunday, is the golden rule or WWJD (What would Jesus do). As imperfect beings, this is never easy to do, and many times it is only after failing that we remember this lesson. I know I can never be like Christ, but I do understand what it means to be Christ-like, and I strive to treat others with respect and kindness.
I am most thankful to my parents for raising me Catholic and providing me with not only a wonderful education but great life lessons that a Catholic education provides.
Office 360 sales representative
Each year as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, I always reflect on how much I appreciate my Catholic upbringing and education.
There are several areas of my faith that I could reflect on, but there are a few in particular – now that I have aged – that give me a better understanding of why our faith is a little different than others.
I was having a discussion with a potential speaker, who was not Catholic, for an event where we ask for one’s faith journey. One of my first questions to her was, “What are your views or thoughts about Catholic faith?”
She said her only issue was that Catholics thought they were the only true Christian religion and not accepting of other faiths. I thought this particularly interesting as I remember learning about other faiths at St. Jude Grade School as well as Roncalli, just as my daughter is. I explained this to her and also that as Catholics, during our prayers of petition, we frequently pray for other faiths and for acceptance and peace.
One other important lesson that I try and carry through each day, not just on Sunday, is the golden rule or WWJD (What would Jesus do). As imperfect beings, this is never easy to do, and many times it is only after failing that we remember this lesson. I know I can never be like Christ, but I do understand what it means to be Christ-like, and I strive to treat others with respect and kindness.
I am most thankful to my parents for raising me Catholic and providing me with not only a wonderful education but great life lessons that a Catholic education provides.