One senior student leader from each of the diocesan Catholic high schools was asked to respond to questions. Responders include: Natalie Callaghan of Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City, Sean Flaherty of St. Edmond High School in Fort Dodge, Chloe Grote of Kuemper Catholic High School in Carroll, Rebecca Johnson of St. Mary School in Remsen, Abby Jones of St. Mary’s High School in Storm Lake, Alec Langel of Gehlen Catholic High School in Le Mars and Emory Miller of Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona.
1. If you could meet with Pope Francis, what would you discuss?
Callaghan: I would be completely star-struck if I met Pope Francis. I think that I would just listen and attempt to absorb some of his wisdom during our meeting.
Flaherty: I would discuss some of the concerns the church has had with vocations. Why he thinks people aren’t becoming a priest or committing to a religious vocation. I would also discuss politics with him and what Catholics should do when it comes to voting in leaders.
Grote: If I could meet Pope Francis, I would first start off by expressing my gratitude to him for being a Christ-like figure here on earth. I would also talk to him about how his love for the poor has encouraged Catholics to be more giving. Lastly, I would ask him to pray for the leaders of our nations so that they can make the proper decisions for the people.
Johnson: If I could meet Pope Francis, I would probably discuss his views on immigration.
Jones: If I were given the opportunity to talk with Pope Francis, I would like to discuss his scientific views. He is the first pope to recognize and speak out on the connections between popular scientific views, such as the big bang theory and evolution, and scripture. This would be of great interest to me, as I plan on pursuing a science major in college.
Langel: If I could meet Pope Francis, I would ask him about his life and how he got to this point in his faith. I would like to talk to him about his view on how to end abortion in the United States.
Miller: If I could meet Pope Francis, I would want to discuss his faith journey and how he knew God was calling him to a religious life. I would also ask him if he had doubts about God’s will for him.
2. Describe the most significant faith experience you have had during high school.
Callaghan: My most significant faith experience in high school has been the realization of the importance of service. Faith isn’t only prayer, it includes all the little things we do for others. Community service exemplifies this idea. To me, I am just packing a backpack at the foodbank. To another person, that simple kindness is more than they could have ever imagined.
Flaherty: One of the most life changing experiences I had was when I attended the Steubenville youth conference in Missouri. That experience showed me what it meant to be close to God and more importantly why I should be close to him. I would encourage anyone to go and experience that as it really brought me closer to God.
Grote: By simply praying before every class and going to Mass every week with my classmates, it has shown me that God brings us together everyday through prayer. This is significant to me because if I went to any other school I wouldn’t have the same experience. We all have our faith in common and I think that is very special.
Johnson: I think my most impactful faith experience was the Washington D C March For Life in 2016 and the Mass in the Basilica. It was really cool to see all those people from around the world gather together to stand up for life.
Jones: The most significant faith experience I have had during high school is my senior religion class taught by Mr. Berg. During the class, we discuss current issues and research topics such as poverty, prejudice, and right to life. The class has opened my eyes to why we believe what we believe in the Catholic Faith.
Langel: The most significant faith experience I had in high school was when I got injured playing football this fall. I was told I was never going to play another sport again, but with the healing power of God along with thoughts and prayers from various family members, friends, and faculty from Gehlen Catholic, I have recovered way better than expected, and am now playing basketball.
Miller: One of the most significant faith events during my high school career was visiting Mary’s Place in Minneapolis and serving a meal to the poor and homeless. This helped me grow in faith by allowing me to experience the works of God through the people who are willing to sacrifice their time in order to help those in need.
3. What values have you learned in school that you believe will positively impact your future?
Callaghan: Catholic high school has taught me the importance of hard-work, the significance of perseverance, the positive influence of faith-filled actions, and the power of gratitude.
Flaherty: Throughout my Newman Catholic and St. Edmond Catholic years I have learned that it is important to care for others and believe in them as well. Courtesy takes you a long way in life so practice it. Commitment is another big thing I have learned. Whether it’s on the field, in the classroom or the church, you have to be committed to succeed in any aspect of life.
Grote: Kuemper has taught me a great deal through it’s close-knit and faith-based community. Some values I have learned are leadership and teamwork. Leadership has taught me to step up to make a difference and teamwork has shown me that if you work together you can accomplish much more than you thought.
Johnson: I have learned that all life is sacred from conception until natural death and I think that will positively impact my life by making me appreciate all humans as unique persons.
Jones: Growing up in a Catholic school I have learned the importance of keeping faith a part of every aspect of life, not just Sundays. I have been at St. Mary’s since preschool, and every day has started with prayer, also many high school classes read devotionals or watch short videos to start class so that we always keep our sights set on what is really important. This integration of faith into everyday life is something I will carry with me to college and beyond.
Langel: I believe Gehlen Catholic taught me how to trust God in all situations and also instilled in me the values of integrity and discipline. I know these tools will help me succeed in my future endeavors.
Miller: I have learned many different values throughout my high school career that I believe will positively impact my future. Trust and faith are the two that always come to mind first. It is important to trust in your decisions as you grow older and have faith in yourself in order to truly appreciate life. It is also important to remember that God is always with us no matter what. Through our faith in him we are able to succeed.
