Identification of Theme
Relating Experiences to Essential Truths and Creation
My life experiences of receiving the Sacraments of Christian Initiation- Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation- relate to the various Catholic Essential Truths and my chosen theme of Creation.
FoR instance, in Baptism we are freed from our Original Sin that was a result of the Fall of Adam and Eve and we become a Child of God.
In addition, In First holy Communion, we strengthen our relatiOnship with jesus christ since we receive his saCred body and blood.
MoreovEr, in coNfirmation, we become united wiTh the holy Spirit, who fills us with his gifTs and love.
Moreover, these life experiences anD essential truths of the catholic fAith relate to tHe theme of creation Because we are sTarting "new" chapters in our lives, similar to the freshmen in pieTa whO are starting high School.
Explanation of Creation Activity
Reference to Scripture
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
My chosen Bible verse relates to my chosen topic of Creation and "new beginnings." For instance, this beautiful quote from Isaiah is stating that we must not dwell on the past, but look to the the future trusting that God will always guide us. In addition, I chose this Bible verse because I noticed a strong connection between this verse and the Pieta Retreat. For instance, oftentimes, freshmen starting high school find it difficult to let go of their elementary and middle school years. However, this Bible verse will encourage them to start anew and embrace their new life. This Bible verse, thus correlates with the theme of Creation since we are to always look forward creating new memories that will last forever.
Reference to the YouCat
"God has placed in our hearts a longing to seek and find him. St. Augustine says, “You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” We call this longing for God" (YouCat, Chapter One: Man is Receptive to God-3:27-30).
My chosen YouCat verse relates to my chosen topic of Creation and "new beginnings." For instance, whenever we are starting a new chapter in our lives, it is important to make God the center of it. Moreover, many freshmen can agree that starting high school is extremely difficult and they may feel as if they want to give up. However, this YouCat verse should strengthen freshmen to remember that in any new beginning God will always be there to give them strength and guidance. "All things are possible through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). Therefore, in any new endeavor in our lives, God must always be the center of it to help us in this new chapter.