Daily Summary - 12/13

This will be the last post regarding classwork for the semester.

Scripture
Reviewed for final.
Final Exam - Tuesday 12:55

Religious Studies
Reviewed for final.
Class A Final Exam - Wednesday 8:25
Class B Final Exam - Thrusday 9:00

Oral Communications
Prepared for final speeches in computer lab.
Class A Final Exam - Monday 8:35
Class B Final Exam - Wednesday 12:00

• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 12/12

Scripture
Discussed VIRTUS requirements from the diocese.

Religious Studies
Discussed VIRTUS requirements from the diocese.

Oral Communications
Prepared for final speeches in computer lab.

• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 12/11

Scripture
Finished video on the Prophets. (Handout)

Religious Studies
Section A: Prepared for final exam.
Section B: Test

Oral Communications
Prepared for final speeches in computer lab.

• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 12/10

Scripture
Watched video on the Prophets. (Handout)

Religious Studies
Section A: Prepared for final exam.
Section B: Reviewed for test. Test Tuesday

Oral Communications
Class A: Presented speeches.
Class B: Prepared for final speeches in computer lab.

• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 12/7

Oral Communications
Class A: Presented Speeches
Class B: Took the second names quiz for the second time. There will be one more attempt.

Speeches on Monday:
Chance K.
Cole K.

Daily Summary - 12/6

Scripture
Test

Religious Studies
Section A: Test
Section B: Reviewed for test. Test Tuesday

Oral Communications
Presented speeches.

Speeches Tomorrow:
Bruce I.

Cole K.
Jae-Hong L.
Jonathon S.

Daily Summary - 12/5

Scripture
Reviewed for test.
Test tomorrow.

Religious Studies
Section A: Reviewed for test. Test Tomorrow.
Section B: Continued discussion of the Eucharist and the Paschal Mystery (Handout)

Oral Communications
Class A: Presented speeches. Took names quiz #2.
Class B: Prepared speeches in library.

Speeches Tomorrow:
Andrew W.
Sam B.
Bruce I.
Young Chan S.
Michael F.

Seth B.
Bill M.
Andy C.
Terry J.
Simeon S.

Daily Summary - 12/4

Scripture
Discussed King Solomon (Handout)
Test on Thursday.

Religious Studies
Section A: Began reviewing for test. Test Thrusday.
Section B: Began discussion of the Eucharist and the Paschal Mystery (Handout)

Oral Communications
Speech prep in library/computer lab for speech #4. Speeches start tomorrow.
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Speech Order:
Wednesday, Dec. 5
James L.
Sak L.
Chance K.

Daily Summary - 12/3

I apologize for this being so late. Yesterday my entire internet connection was down.

Scripture
Discussed the sin of David (Handout)
Read #39 on the reading list.

Religious Studies
Continued discussion of the Eucharist and the Paschal Mystery (Handout)

Oral Communications
Speech prep in library/computer lab for speech #4. Speeches start tomorrow.
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Speech Order:
Tuesday, Dec. 4
Andrew Y.
Baykal A.

Daily Summary - 11/30

Friday I was out-of-town for a workshop.

Oral Communications
Began speech prep in library/computer lab for speech #4.
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Upcoming speeches:
Tuesday, Dec. 4
Andrew Y.
Baykal A.

Daily Summary - 11/29

Scripture
Discussed the Covenant with David (Handout)
Read #38 on the reading list.

Religious Studies
Discussed the Eucharist and the Paschal Mystery (Handout)
Retake for second mysteries quiz was today at TA.

Oral Communications
Began speech prep in library/computer lab for speech #4.
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Speech Order:
Tuesday, Dec. 4
Andrew Y.
Baykal A.


Wednesday, Dec. 5
James L.
Sak L.
Chance K.

Thursday, Dec. 6
Andrew W.
Sam B.
Bruce I.
Young Chan S.
Michael F.
Bill M.
Andy C.
Seth B.
Terry J.
Simeon S.

Friday, Dec. 7
Cole K.
Jae-Hong L.
Jonathon S.
Jin Y.

Daily Summary - 11/28

Scripture
Discussed King David (Handout)
Read #37 on the reading list.

Religious Studies
Discussed the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus (Handout)
Retake the 2nd Mysteries Quiz tomorrow at TA.

Oral Communications
Discussed Carnegie 3.12.
Carnegie 4.2-4 due tomorrow.
Reading assignments checklist and Reflection prompts.

McFadden for Heisman!

All of us Arkansans think that Arkansas Razorback running back Darren McFadden is one of the best things to come out of Arkansas in a long time. Since the Razorbacks didn't have the best season this year, we are really pulling for McFadden to win the Heisman to redeem our season.

Since Nissan is the Heisman sponsor they get one official Heisman vote. They have decided to let the public vote to see who gets their official vote. If you click here you can vote towards Nissan's official vote. For those of you who are not from around here, and want to vote for someone else, it's okay if you don't vote.

Vote McFadden!

Daily Summary - 11/27

Scripture
Discussed the Judge Samuel and the first kings of Israel. (Handout)
Read #36 on the reading list.

Religious Studies
Discussed the necessity of Jesus' Passion and Death. (Handout)

Oral Communications
Presented dramatized points based on Carnegie 3.11.
Carnegie 3.12 due tomorrow.
Reading assignments checklist and Reflection prompts.

Daily Summary - 11/26

Scripture
Discussed the Judges. (Handout)
Read #35 on the reading list.

Religious Studies
Discussed the necessity of Jesus' Passion and Death. (Handout)

Oral Communications
Took the second names quiz.
Read Carnegie 3.11 and dramatize a point.
Reading assignments checklist and Reflection prompts.

Daily Summary - 11/19

Scripture
Discussed Covenant with Joshua. (Handout)
Read #34 on the reading list.

Religious Studies
Students had a chance to complete any missing assignemtns for 1/2 credit.

Oral Communications
Discussed Carnegie 3.10
Will discuss 3.11 after the break.
Reading assignments checklist and Reflection prompts.

UN Death Penalty Decision

On Thursday the United Nations approved recommendation a moratorium (suspension) of the death penalty by all countries. The vote ended with 99 in favor, 52 against, and 33 not voting.

The resolution urges countries that apply this punishment to "establish a moratorium on executions, looking to abolish them."

Although countries are not required to follow the recommendations of the UN, Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and former Holy See representative at the United Nations (yes the Vatican has a UN rep), sees this as "a relevant step" towards ending the death penalty.

Continue to pray for an end to the culture of death throughout the world.

Read the Church's teaching on the Death Penalty in Catechism paragraph 2267.

Daily Summary - 11/16

Oral Communications
Carnegie 3.10
Reading assignments checklist and Reflection prompts.

Daily Summary - 11/15

Scripture
Test.
Discussed Joshua and Jericho. (Handout)
Read #33 on the reading list.

Religious Studies
Finished watching The Passion of the Christ
2nd Mysteries of the Rosary quiz Monday.

Oral Communications
Carnegie 3.7, 3.8, & 3.9 (treat them as one section)
Reading assignments checklist and Reflection prompts.

Wish a Soldier "Happy Thanksgiving!"

"Let's Say Thanks"

Xerox will send a card from you to a soldier who will not be able to come home for Thanksgiving. By clicking here or the link above, you can choose from among cards drawn by kids from across the country. You do not get to choose the soldier your card is sent to, but look at this as a good thing. We are all God's children. You don't have to know someone to pray for them and hope for their well-being.

Daily Summary - 11/14

Scripture
Test.
Tomorrow we will begin the next section. This reading list has been updated. Tomorrow we will begin #32.

Religious Studies
Continued watching The Passion of the Christ
2nd Mysteries of the Rosary quiz Monday.

Oral Communications
Here is the list of reading assignments checklist and the reflection prompts.
Carnegie 3.6

Daily Summary - 11/13

Scripture
Review for test tomorrow.

Religious Studies
Continued watching The Passion of the Christ
Make-up for the 1st Mysteries of the Rosary quiz is tomorrow at TA.
2nd Mysteries of the Rosary quiz Monday.

Oral Communications
Here is the list of reading assignments checklist and the reflection prompts.
Read Carnegie 3.4 & 3.5 (these have been changed on the list mentioned above.)

Daily Summary - 11/12

Scripture
Discussed the building of the Tabernacle. (Handout)

Religious Studies
Began watching The Passion of the Christ

Oral Communications
Here is the list of reading assignments checklist and the reflection prompts.
Class A - Carnegie 3.3
Class B - Carnegie 3.4 & 3.5 (these have been changed on the list mentioned above.)

Daily Summary - 11/9

Oral Communications
Here is the list of reading assignments checklist and the reflection prompts.
Class A - Carnegie 3.2
Class B - Carnegie 3.3

Daily Summary - 11/8

Scripture
Discussed the 10 Commandments and the Golden Calf. (Handout)

Religious Studies
Finished discussing the public life of Jesus (Handout)

Oral Communications
Here is the list of reading assignments checklist and the reflection prompts.
Class A - Carnegie 3.1
Class B - Carnegie 3.2

Daily Summary - 11/7

Scripture
Watched a Moses video to cover some of the things we don't have time for otherwise.

Religious Studies
Discussed the public life of Jesus (Handout)
Quiz tomorrow over the Joyful and Luminous mysteries of the rosary.

Oral Communications
Speeches Wednesday:
Jae-Hong L.
Jin Y.
Chance K.
Bill M.

• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Renaissance Day

I took a group of students to the Jones Center for Families in Springdale, Arkansas. The main attraction for us was ice skating, but the center has many different activities available.



















A Buddhist monk was creating a mandala in the foyer.

November - The Month for Souls

"he acted in a very excellent and noble way, inasmuch as he had the resurrection of the dead in view; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought." - 2 Maccabees 12:43-45

In Catholic tradition, the month of November is dedicated to praying for the souls of those who have died. This begins with All Saints Day on the 1st and All Souls day on the 2nd. One of the bulletin boards in my classroom is dedicated to this. On the bulletin board there are pictures of several people who have died in the past year and a folder for names of any others who have died. We pray specifically for these people every day. If anyone has any names of people you would like us to pray for, please post the names in the comments section below, and I will add them to the folder.

Those on the board who have died since last November are:
Fr. Harold Heiman, O.S.B.
Fr. Raphael DeSalvo, O.S.B
J. B. Hunt
Peter Boyle
James Brown
Saddam Hussein
Anna Nicole Smith
Helen Walton
Boris Yeltsin
Luciano Pavarotti
Victims of the Virginia Tech shooting
1,024 U.S. Soldiers in Iraq
Over 1,000,000 victims of abortion in the U.S.

Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.

Daily Summary - 11/5

Scripture
Discussed the 10 Commandments. (Handout)
The chapter review questions on page 147 are due Wednesday.

Religious Studies
Discussed the early life of Jesus (Handout)
Quiz on the Joyful and Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary on Thursday. (Handout)

Oral Communications
Speeches Wednesday:
Jae-Hong L.
James L.
Jonathon S.
Cole K.

• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 11/2

Oral Communications
Speeches Monday:
Seth B.
Jin Y.
Terry J.
Chance K.
Bruce I.
Sam B.
Andrew W.

• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Happy All Saints Day!

Daily Summary - 10/31

Happy Halloween!

Scripture
Discussed the meaning of All Saints and All Souls days.
The chapter review questions on page 147 are due Tuesday.

Religious Studies
Discussed the meaning of All Saints and All Souls days.

Oral Communications
Speeches Friday:
Sam B.
Bruce I.
Michael F.
Young Chan S.
Andrew W.
Sak L.
Cole K.
Simseok Y.
Bill M.

• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Congratulations Br. Mel!

Br. Mel Stinson recently received the Charlie Johnson award for promoting tourism in the Arkansas River Valley area. Some of you may have not had the opportunity to see this. Students, if you see him, congratulate him.

Daily Summary - 10/30

Scripture
Discussed the beginning of Israel's journey in the desert. (Handout)

Religious Studies
Discussion the Incarnation and the Nativity. (Handout)

Oral Communications
Speeches tomorrow:
Yu-Tsu C.
Simeon S.
Baykal A.
Jonathon S.

• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Get your free tacos!

The baseball coach in me loves the fact that my sport has earned everyone in America a free taco. During the World Series last week, Taco Bell said that if anyone stole a base, they would give everyone a free taco between 2 and 5 today. Thank you Jacoby Ellsbury.

Daily Summary - 10/29

Scripture
Discussed the 10 Plagues (Handout)

Religious Studies
Continued discussion of Christ in Salvation History. (Handout)

Oral Communications
Speech preparation in the library.
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 10/26

Oral Communications
Quiz #1 over the names of the new students.

Speeches begin on Wednesday
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 10/25

Scripture
Discussed Moses and the Burning Bush. (Handout)

Religious Studies
Continued discussion of Christ in Salvation History. (Handout)

Oral Communications
Quiz #1 over the names of the new students will be Tomorrow.

Speech preparation in the library.
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Scripture Resource

I found a very interesting and useful Scripture reference online yesterday. It is called The Jerome Bible Commentary; named not after St. Jerome, but after the son of its creator. It has a large number of simple commentaries and reflections arranged in lists. My favorite piece of content is the list of prophecies for the Christ that he has indexed.

Daily Summary 10/24

Scripture
Discussed Moses and the Hebrews' stand against the oppression of Egypt. (Handout)

Religious Studies
Discussed Christ in Salvation History. (Handout)

Oral Communications
Class A - Discussed requirements for PowerPoint presentations.
Class B - Began speech preparation in the library.

Quiz #1 over the names of the new students will be Friday.

Here is the speech order for speech round #3.

Wednesday - 10/31
Yu-Tsu C.
Simeon S.
Baykal A.
Jonathon S.

Friday - 11/2
Sam B.
Bruce I.
Michael F.
Young Chan S.
Andrew W.
Sak L.
Cole K.
Simseok Y.
Bill M.

Monday - 11/5
Seth B.
Jin Y.
Terry J.
Chance K.

Wednesday - 11/6
Jae Hong L.
James L.

Daily Summary 10/23

Scripture
Discussed the rise of Joseph (Handout)

Religious Studies
Discussed the importance of the Incarnation. No handout.

Oral Communications
Discussed Carnegie section 2.6.

Quiz #1 over the names of the new students will be next Friday.
I still need affirmations of classmates from some students.

Daily Summary - 10/22

I apologize for this being a day late. I was one of the many people around the Academy who was feeling under the weather yesterday.

Scripture
Discussed Jacob and his sons (Handout)

Religious Studies
Discussed the Hypostatic Union (Handout)

Oral Communications
Discussed Carnegie section 2.5.
Reflection on Carnegie section 2.6 is due tomorrow.
On Wednesday we will begin preparing for our next round of speeches. For this speech, all students will be required to make a PowerPoint presentation.

Quiz #1 over the names of the new students will be next Friday.
I still need affirmations of classmates from some students.

St. Isaac Jogues

Today is the feast of my favorite saint, St. Isaac Jogues, and a group called the North American Martyrs. This is the feast day for Br. Isaac, residential dean in the Main Building. It is also the feast day for my son, whom my wife and I named after St. Isaac. I have had a devotion to St. Isaac since I was a freshman in high school, and I visited the National Shrine to the North American Martyrs, which is the place where Isaac was killed. It is beautiful shrine in Auriesville, New York.

Say a prayer today to St. Isaac and his companions.

St. Isaac Jogues and the North American Martyrs - Pray for us!

Daily Summary 10/19

Oral Communications
Section A - Read Carnegie section 2.5 for Monday. Students do not have to turn in the reflection questions, but be ready to discuss on Monday.

Section B - Read Carnegie section2 2.4 and 2.5 for Monday. When answering the reflection questions, treat them as one section.

Daily Summary - 10/18

Scripture
Wrote petitions for next week's Mass.

Religious Studies
Discussed Jesus as the Word (Handout)

Oral Communications
Section A:
Discussed Carnegie section 2.3.
Reflection on Carnegie section 2.4 is due tomorrow.

Section B:
Discussed Carnegie sections 1.3 and 2.1.
Reflections on Carnegie sections 2.2 and 2.3 are due tomorrow.
Reflections on Carnegie sections 2.4 and 2.5 are due Monday.

Quiz #1 over the names of the new students will be next Friday.
I still need affirmations of classmates from some students.

Is there a new Cardinal in your hometown?

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 17, 2007 (Zenit.org) - "Benedict XVI announced the names of 23 new cardinals for the Church, including a historic move to bestow the first red hat to the head of a Texas archdiocese."



Archbishop Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Texas will be the first Cardinal from the state of Texas. Cardinal DiNardo is now also a cardinal elector, meaning that he will have a vote in the election of the pope.

"Archbishop DiNardo, whose diocese consists of 1.3 million Catholics, said in reaction to his appointment: 'I am deeply grateful to the Holy Father for his kindness in appointing me and for his trust in allowing me to be placed in the College of Cardinals. May I immediately add that it is also very humbling and surprising! I promise him my fullest communion, loyalty and obedience.'" (Read more from ZENIT Catholic News)

Congratulations to those of you from the Galveston-Houston Diocese.

Daily Summary - 10/17

Today is a national testing day. All students took standarized tests in the morning, and we had our school Mass at 1:00.

Oral Communications
Reflection on Carnegie 2.3 due tomorrow.

Daily Summary - 10/16

Scripture
Discussed Jacob and Esau. (Handout)
Students should be reading chapter 6 and answering the review questions on page 125. This does not yet have a due date.

Religious Studies
Began our discussion of Jesus. (Handout)

Oral Communications
Discussed Carnegie section 2.2.
Reflection on Carnegie section 2.3 is due tomorrow.
I still need affirmations of classmates from some students.

Daily Summary - 10/15

Scripture
Discussed the Patriarch Isaac. (Handout)
Students should be reading chapter 6 and answering the review questions on page 125. This does not yet have a due date.

Religious Studies
Wrote petitions for this week's Mass.

Oral Communications
Discussed Carnegie section 2.1.
Reflection on Carnegie section 2.2 is due tomorrow.
I still need affirmations of classmates from some students.

Quote

"Everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was."
- Pope Paul VI

I think this is a great quote for us here at Subiaco. With so many students from so many backgrounds, we are all at a different place in life when we arrive here at Subi. Pope Paul is reminding us, that we are all on a journey of faith, and no matter where we are right now, God is calling all of us to grow. To grow in respect, responsibility, maturity, and to grow in faith. I hope that for all of you, Subiaco is a place that truly allows you to do that.

Daily Summary - 10/12

Oral Communications
Discussed Carnegie section 1.3.
Read Carnegie section 1.4 from Monday. You do not have to turn in written answers to the reflection questions, but be able to answer them for our discussion.
Affirmations of classmates are due on Monday.

Daily Summary - 10/11

Scripture
Test
Read #21 on reading list for Monday.

Religious Studies
Test

Oral Communications
Discussed Carnegie section 1.2.
Reflection on Carnegie section 1.3 is due tomorrow.
Affirmations of classmates are due on Monday.

Daily Summary - 10/10

Scripture
Reviewed for tomorrow's test.
Completed notes are due tomorrow.

Religious Studies
Reviewed for tomorrow's test.
Completed notes are due tomorrow.

Oral Communications
Discussed Carnegie section 1.1.
Reflection on Carnegie section 1.2 is due tomorrow.

Catholic Podcasts

Check out SQPN. I had a link to some Catholic Podcasts on the sidebar already, but I think this is an even better site. It is also listed now in the sidebar as "Podcasts 1." You can download these to iTunes, play them from the site, or subscribe to the feed.


Catholic Insider is just one of the many podcasts featured on this site.

Thank you to the parent who sent me this link.

Daily Summary - 10/9

Scripture
Discussed Abraham's attempt to sacrifice Isaac. (Handout)
Page 104 is due Tomorrow.
Test on Thursday

Religious Studies
Reviewed for test.
Test tomorrow.
Handouts for this section:
• Call to Holiness
• The Trinity
• The Trinity as a Family
• Omni- characteristics of God
• God the Father
• The Father's Blessings

Oral Communications
Introduction to How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
Reflection on Carnegie section 1.1 is due tomorrow.
• Writing prompts for the daily Carnegie assignments.

St. Lucy of Syracuse

I came across this picture today on a blog called Smallpax. It a blog of Catholic Illustrators, and I have a link to it in the "Christian Artists" section below. You can read more about St. Lucy here.

Daily Summary - 10/8

Scripture
Discussed Sodom and Gomorrah. (Handout)
Page 104 is due Wednesday.

Religious Studies
Discussed God the Father. (Handout)

Oral Communications
Continued second round of speeches.
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 10/5

Oral Communications
Continued second round of speeches.
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 10/4

Scripture
Discussed God's 2nd promise to Abraham. (Handout)
Page 104 is due next Wednesday, October 10.

Religious Studies
Began discussing God the Father. (Handout)

Oral Communications
Continued second round of speeches.
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 10/3

Scripture
Discussed God's Covenant with Abraham. (Handout)
Page 104 is due next Wednesday, October 10.

Religious Studies
FInished discussion the "Omni-" qualities of God. (Handout)
Hail Mary quiz will be taken again Thursday.

Oral Communications
Began second round of speeches.
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Scripture Reading List

To make sure that everyone in Scripture class is staying up-to-date with his reading assignments, we will be having 5-point quizzes over the reading every day for a while. The reading for tomorrow is #17 on the list.

Daily Summary - 10/2

Scripture
Discussed Abraham the Patriarch. (Handout)

Religious Studies
Discussed the "Omni-" qualities of God. (Handout)
Hail Mary quiz will be taken again on Thursday.

Oral Communications
Speech preparation in library.
Speech round #2 begins tomorrow with Andy, Seth, Sak, and Terry.
Speech forms and handouts:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 10/1

Scripture
Discussed the passing of the Covenant blessing and the re-spreading of sin after the Flood. (Handout)

Religious Studies
Discussed the connection between families and the Trinity. (Handout)
The Monk interview assignment is due tomorrow.
Hail Mary quiz will be taken again on Thursday.

Oral Communications
Speech preparation in computer lab.
Speech round #2 begins Wednesday.
Speech forms and handouts:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Speech Order - Round 2

Wednesday - 10/3
Andy
Seth
Sak
Terry

Thursday - 10/4
Baykal
Simeon
Cole
Jae Hong
All of Oral Com B

Friday - 10/5
Chance
Bill
Jin
Jonathon

Monday - 10/8
Simseok
James

Daily Summary - 9/28

Oral Communications
Speech preparation in computer lab.
Speech round #2 begins Wednesday.
Speech forms and handouts:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Happy Feast Day!

Today is the feast day of one of my patrons, St. Vincent de Paul. My middle name is Vincent after my grandpa. Vincent de Paul was a French priest who lived in the 1600s. He was know for his charity work with the poor, and he started two religious orders that to this day are both dedicated to works of charity. He is in fact the patron of all charitable works.

The picture is of his actual body as it looks today. He has remained incorrupt since his death in 1660. If you ever get a chance to visit his church in Paris you can view his body just as it appears above.

If you don't mind, please say a prayer today for me, for all other Vincents, and for all those who do works of charity.

Daily Summary - 9/27

Scripture
Discussed the Covenant between God and Noah. (Handout)

Religious Studies
In-class and homework assignment: Pg. 48 in textbook
The Monk interview assignment has been moved to Tuesday, Oct. 2, because some students have had problems arranging a time to meet with the monks.

Oral Communications
Oral Com A - Discussed extemporaneous speaking and notes
Oral Com B - Began preparation for Speech #2 in computer lab

Sad news from the Diocese

You might be seeing in the news today the story that six sisters from Hot Springs, Arkansas were formally excommunicated by the Catholic Church yesterday. I wanted to take a second to explain a few things about excommunication.

To be excommunicated requires the person in question to choose excommunication. It is not a forced punishment, but the result of a person's choice to stay on the wrong path.

In this particular case, the sisters belonged to a Canadian group that the Church had declared to no longer be in communion with the teaching of the Church (i.e. ex-communicated). The diocesan administrator, Msgr. Gaston Hebert, gave the sisters one week to consider their choice between membership in the society or in the Church. If after one week they still chose the non-Catholic society, they would be considered excommunicated.

The Church never wants to resort to excommunication. The Church always hopes that when this choice is presented to someone, that person will choose the Church. But just as with any group, if a member is not willing to follow the guidelines of that group, they have effectively removed themselves from it. The Church is saddened by these events, but if we hope to maintain the integrity and unity of the Church, it is sometimes necessary.

Here are several links if you would like to read more about this particular case:
• Arkansas Catholic Newspaper Article
• Diocesan Press Release
• Declaration from the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith

Daily Summary - 9/26

Scripture
Discussed the Flood as a New Creation. (Handout)

Religious Studies
Took Hail Mary Quiz
Continued discussion of the Trinity. (Handout)
The Monk interview assignment has been moved to Tuesday, Oct. 2, because some students have had problems arranging a time to meet with the monks.

Oral Communications
Oral Com A - Finished watching videos of speeches.
Oral Com B - Discussed extemporaneous speaking and notes

Blog Notes

If you would like to leave a comment, after clicking on the comments link, when it asks you to "Choose an Identity," please choose "other." You will then be able to enter your name rather than posting as "anonymous."
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Please bear with me as I become more familiar with Google Docs. I realize that some of the links to class handouts do not look as good as they should. I hope that they will get better with time. Parents please know that the handouts the students are given in class look much nicer.
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Somehow the "View My Complete Profile" link was turned off recently. It is now back on and should work fine.

Why no new posts?

It is a shame that on the day that I was finally able to invite you all to visit this blog, I was not able to post for two days. My wife and I have both been sick for the last day and a half, and I was not able to come to school yesterday. I should be able to get back on track now. Thank you to all who have visited and posted so far.

Bonus Points Anyone?

To kick off the use of this blog, the first person from each of my 5 classes to post a comment saying one thing he likes about this site will recieve a few bonus points. Please add these to the comments section on this post.

Please don't stop there though. Browse around and check out the site some more. I hope you will find something useful.

Interesting Noah's Ark Website

The website is called World Wide Flood.com, and it has almost anything you ever wanted to know about Noah's Ark. Not the story, but the actual boat. Using the blueprints for the Ark in Genesis 6, they have done everything from draw cross-sections, to wave testing scale models.

If you are a math/engineering/construction type, you'll enjoy it.

Daily Summary - 9/21

Oral Communications
Watched and discussed recorded speeches.

Have a good weekend! Go Trojans!

Do you use Windows Vista?

For anyone who uses Windows Vista and wants to use Vista files on computers at school, you need to save your work in a certain way. When you save documents in Microsoft Office on Vista you need to save it in a Microsoft Office 97-03 version. If you don't do this, your file will not open on any of the school's computers, including the one in my classroom. See the photo below, and click the photo for a larger image.

Mid-quarter Averages

The class averages for the mid-quarter are:

Religious Studies A - 81%
Religious Studies B - 90%

Congratulations Class B!
Class A, you beat them on the Our Father Quiz. It's up to you to regain the title.

Daily Summary - 9/19

Scripture
Test

Religious Studies
Continued discussion of the Trinity. (Handout)
Hail Mary quiz is on Tuesday, Sept. 25.
Monk interview assignment is due next Thursday, Sept. 27.

Oral Communications
Continued first round of speeches.

Daily Summary - 9/18

Scripture
Review for test tomorrow.

Religious Studies
Discussed last night's homework.
Began discussion of the Trinity. (Handout)

Oral Communications
Continued first round of speeches.

Daily Summary - 9/17

Scripture
Jesus vs. Sin (Handout)

Religious Studies
Finished discussion of how the Academy's Mission Statement applies to students' lives. (Handout)

Oral Communications
Began first round of speeches.

Our Father Quiz

The averages for the Our Father quiz are:

Religious Studies A - 95%
Religious Studies B - 93%

Congratulations Class A!
Class B, do you think you can beat them next time?

Daily Summary - 9/11

Scripture
Began discussion of Jesus vs. Sin (Handout)
Interrupted for class pictures

Religious Studies
Discussed how the Academy's Mission Statement applies to students' lives. (Handout)

Oral Communications
Final wrap-up/review before speech round #1.
Speech forms and handouts:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

The Bourne Ultimatum

I am a big fan of all three of the Bourne movies. I believe though that the final installment is my favorite. In a movie about an assassin, there is bound to be death. This is certainly the case with this movie, and the series as a whole, but it is Bourne’s approach to death that is most important.

Bourne has been trained to end lives, but throughout the series, he gradually realizes that each time he takes a life, he loses a part of his soul. Of all the murders that do take place throughout these movies, it is those that Bourne chooses not to commit, which have the most profound impact on himself and the audience. He has begun to realize how dangerous it is to have such little respect for life.

Bourne comes to the full realization of this when he states in frustration to a peer, “Look at us! See what they make you give!” As he utters this line, which he in fact heard from a fellow assassin in movie #1, you realize that he finally understands, that those who trained him to kill, and expected him to kill, have tried to take from him the goodness of his soul. Something which, he realizes, no one should ever give up.

The film contains much intense and fierce violence and intermittent profanity. The United States Bishops Conference rates this movie “A-III.” The MPAA rating is PG-13.

Daily Summary - 9/10

Scripture
Discussed Marriage in Creation and the Fall of man into sin.
Handout

Religious Studies
Finished saints discussion
Assigned Monk Interview - Due Thursday, September 20

Oral Communications
Dr. Kenney worked with students on voice projection and enunciation.
Remember:
• Explode on beginning and ending consonants
• Elongate vowels
• Have steady airflow when speaking

Happy Birthday Mary

Today is the day we celebrate the birth of Mary. Why? In Church tradition we believe that Mary, by God's grace, was conceived without sin, which we call the Immaculate Conception. We celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. Today, we celebrate Mary's birth exactly 9 months after her conception.

Wish Mary a happy birthday today!

Why do Catholics do that?!?

Just like in my classroom, if you have any questions about what Catholics do or why they do it, just ask. Please click "comments" below to leave any questions. As soon as I can, I will post the answer. Also, the links below are the answers to questions that have already been asked. Please contribute as much as you want. I never get tired of answering questions about the faith.

If you would like more information that what I have given in the answers below, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Catholic Encyclopedia are excellent resources.

The following questions have all been asked by high school age boys, either in class or on this website, and are questions that are relevant to that age. Some of them regard mature topics.
Previous questions:

• Mr. Pohlmeier, why do you teach something so boring?

The Church
• What are some differences between Catholics and Protestants?
• Why can’t women become priests?
• Why is there a pope?
• Do Catholics believe in Evolution?
• Why do Catholics make the Sign of the Cross?
• What is the meaning of the clothes the priest wears at mass?
• Why does the Catholic Church excommunicate people? Why can’t you just believe what you want?

God
• Is it possible for God to do anything?
• What is “fear of the Lord?”
• Why is the Holy Spirit a dove? Why can't he be something else?

Mary
• How is Mary the mother of God?
• Did Mary die? Did she go to heaven?
• Why do Catholics pray to Mary?

Miscellaneous
• What is the Apocalypse?
• Do Catholics believe in Evolution?
• What does it feel like to be in heaven?

Morality (Sexual morality is listed separately below)
• Is cussing a sin?
• I have trouble cussing, especially using God’s name. What can help me stop?
• If we have to repent when we do bad, how can I? Catholics have confession. Who or where non-Catholics can go to repent and be forgiven?

Prayer
• What is the Rosary?

Sacraments
• If we have to repent when we do bad, how can I? Catholics have confession. Who or where can non-Catholics go to repent and be forgiven?

Saints
• Why do we pray to someone or something we don’t even know?

Sexual morality
• Is foreplay a sin? Such as kissing, touching, or sleeping together without sex a sin?
• Why do Catholics not use condoms?
• Can married couples who can’t support a child use contraception?
• What is the Church’s view on sex in marriage, but not to get children?
• Why is masturbation wrong? Can it be a mortal sin?