The Origin and Effect of the CERES Principles Essay

The Origin and Effect of the CERES Principles - Essay Example As a result, came the moment when the world realized what powerful structures the industrial era had created – corporations. Surely, large companies have never been the greatest evil of the society. Nevertheless, their influence over people’s behavior (buying habits), government regulations and even environment has risen drastically in the latest decades due to the expansion of globalization processes. For that reason the level of social responsibility each company overtakes in the contemporary business environment is now greatly influencing both the society and the company’s success. Similarly, it is very likely that even if the Exxon Valdez wreck had not occurred, CERES would exist today as an organization that helps companies in developing their environment protection strategies and corporate social responsibility principles. Of course, the wreck became a point at which the importance of protecting the environment raised due to the high publicity of the Exxon Valdez incident. Nevertheless, in addition to such cases as Exxon Valdez wreck, the natural development trends of the global business environment would have lead to the creation of an organization like CERES. Furthermore it is worth noting that greater public concern about companies’ being responsible in their business practices has already lead to the development of the corporate responsibility concept and such international documents as, for instance, the Global Compact of United Nations Organization. In particular, this document â€Å"asks companies to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, a set of core values in the areas of human rights, labor standards, the environment and anti-corruption† (United Nations Global Compact). Another attempt to force companies to conduct business in an environmentally friendly manner is the Copenhagen Accord of 2009. It was a result of the Climate Summit, which was the fifteenth conference of the global govern ments. This agreement was meant to be reached by the world countries in order to reduce human impact on the environment (United Nations 1). However, though the document acknowledges the fact that the temperature rise should be kept below 2 degrees Celsius with the help of emissions reduction, no specific goals were set for the countries to comply with the objective. Another point was that developing countries that are influenced by climate change most of all were to receive financial aid form developed countries in the period of 2010-2012 for adapting to the climate change (United Nations 3). The Accord also encourages the practice of paying developing countries for reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (Vidal, Stratton, and Goldenberg 2009). It should also be noted that previously developed proposals that called the countries for limiting temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 80% by 2050 were abandoned. In addition, the in teresting fact is that the United States, who refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol of 1997, was the major contributor to and strongest supporter of the Copenhagen Accord. The country’s motive for objecting to sign documents like the Kyoto Protocol, the purpose of which is worldwide reduction of greenhouse gas emission, is, most likely economic. The USA is one of the largest environment polluters in the world because of the high level of economy

Organizational Controls Essay Example for Free

Organizational Controls Essay The case describes one of the most common problems that arise in cross-cultural business expansions without accounting for cultural and social differences across borders. Lincoln is a well established company with a great concurrent control system which enables it to move swiftly through processes and end up with phenomenal figures of efficiency and productivity. The control system at Lincoln is concurrent, although it can be argued that the system has certain similarities with the feed-forward control system. However, one thing is certain: the system is quick and flexible to change quickly which does not consist of the slowness of the feedback system. In particular such a system along with the different types of reward schemes makes Lincoln highly successful in the United States. It would be really difficult to find an organization comparable to Lincoln in terms of the amounts and kinds of rewards given to its employees. The different employee rewarding schemes are all tools and techniques which Lincoln has adapted to over the years because of the realization of the fact that employees in the US are highly motivated through pay-based rewards. (Susan Meredith, 2004) Essentially speaking it is this single factor which has contributed largely to the success of Lincoln in the US and the different kinds of pay-based rewards only seek to satisfy all kinds of people with different ideas and expectations for pay-based rewards. It should be understood by the management of Lincoln when they are transporting the US approach to other cultures that the cultures of different nations maybe and probably are entirely different from the American culture. It is not necessary that the same kinds of objects and pay-based rewards may drive them and motivate them towards high productivity. There are a lot of other intrinsic rewards available at the disposal of managers to use to meet the demands of the workforce. The same types of rewards may not work on different cultures due to the social and political circumstances of those nations. Employees may have different needs, which if met by the management, will motivate them to work harder and achieve levels of high productivity and efficiency. (Daft, 2001) The problem made by the management at Lincoln was to generalize that fact that pay-based and other monetary rewards will definitely motivate employees to achieve high productivity and efficiency. Instead, the operations failed due to the different cultures having different motivational factors, which obviously were not identified by the Lincoln management. The suggestion here to be followed by the management is to identify through research and internal mingling the factors that affect motivation and job satisfaction amongst the different cultures in which they have expanded their operations to and address specifically those issues to reap the same results as in the US. (Robbins, 2004) Employees would maintain their relationship and confidence in Lincoln only if the organization upholds it’s the expectations the employees and their unions hold from them. If Lincoln is unable to pay its US workers the bonus they deserve, Lincoln will be in deep trouble. The overall situation would go from bad to worse. It should be understood that the US employees had no share or tear in Lincoln’s expansions and that the losses arising as a result of the bad policies implemented in the new acquisitions was not transferable onto the US employees. Thus, Lincoln should not dishearten the US employees or risk the deterioration of employee satisfaction, morale and motivation which will affect Lincoln negatively in a significant manner. (Robbins, 2004) Therefore, I believe that Lincoln should borrow money to pay its US workers the bonus they actually deserve to take no risks in losing potential employees to its competitors or risk the loss of employee boost and motivation due to a break in expected promises.

Teaching maths

Teaching maths Introduction Mathematics is an essential part of our world and an important life skill. In our society today, we are bombarded by numberous data that requires us to record, sort and organize. We need to use mathematics not only at our work places, but also in our everyday life. Even simple daily tasks like making a purchase or financial recording at home needs mathematical skill. By having a strong understanding of mathematics, it will open doors to a promising career and a productive future (The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2004). Early childhood education sets the foundation upon which future learning is built. Before children enter school, many of them develop number and geometric abilities like counting objects and making shapes (Clements, 2001). Children develop informal mathematical knowledge that is complex and sometimes sophisticated (Clements, 2001). During preschool years, children’s brains undergo significant development as their learning and experience affect th eir brain structure. Their brains grow most as a result of complex activities and not just from simple tasks. Preschoolers are a special group and therefore, it is important to have developmentally appropriate activities for them (Clements, 2001). In order to help children with mathematics, teachers need to first understand how they learn mathematics. It is also crucial to find out the difficulties they may face during the learning process so that Teachers can use appropriate methods to help them. How children learn mathematics and their concept development At a very early age, children start to demonstrate their knowledge of mathematics. Children are curious about their world and this leads them to explore the concept of mathematics (Barbour Seefeldt, 2000). In the ordinary environment, they experience everyday mathematics involving topics like space, shape, pattern, number and number operations (Ginsburg, Lee Boyd, n.d.) . Children’s play and interest are the sources of their first mathematical experiences (Clements, 2001). They need different kinds of concrete materials to manipulate and the time to play in order to construct mathematical concepts (Smith, 1997). For instance, when playing with blocks, children spend a lot of time figuring out which block is higher than the other. The blocks also help the children to further explore mathematical concepts such as shapes and symmetries (Ginsburg et al., n.d.) . As children manipulate materials, their action forces some thinking and reaction. Materials allow children with a wide range of interests and abilities to enjoy success (Barbour Seefeldt, 2000). Interaction with others is another way that children learn mathematics. Through interaction with other children, they are able to question their own view of the world and adjust accordingly. Mathematical group project is an example that provides opportunities for social interaction and can be a strategy for mathematics learning. During project work, children can share different ideas, discuss approach and argue about their suggestions. Children talk and listen to each other when playing and working. They naturally talk about what they are doing. Use of the language is essential to learning about mathematical ideas and procedures (Barbour Seefeldt, 2000). Besides interacting with others, language also helps children in learning mathematics because it aids in organizing their thinking and experiences. Children are able to learn new concepts better when they have the ability to describe mathematical ideas an d relationships (Barbour Seefeldt, 2000). The theory of Piaget and Vygotsky gives teachers information about children’s course of mathematical concept development and aid in developmentally appropriate teaching. Piaget proposed a four-stage theory of cognitive development (Barbour Seefeldt, 2000). From zero to two years old, it is called the sensorimotor period. Mathematical concepts are believed to develop as children grasp, touch or move objects of different sizes and shapes. Classification skills are also believed to develop during this period of time. Preoperational stage is from two to seven or eight years old. During this period, children learn about conservation concept and they develop the understanding that objects remain the same no matter how they are changed in form or arranged in different ways. They acquire language rapidly and are able to use symbols to represent real objects. Concrete operations period is from seven to eleven or twelve years old. As they think, they still need to handle and manipulate objects. However, they start to become more independent from the manipulation of objects. They can think about classes, seriation and numbers (Barbour Seefeldt, 2000). Vygotsky’s theory consists of natural and cultural development (Smith, 1997). Natural development influences learning. Cultural development occurs when children interact with others and language is improved through interaction. He believed that when children are in their â€Å"zone of proximal development†, learning takes place. With the help of teachers and peers, they can achieve certain tasks. He also believed that in early learning scaffolding is essential to grasp a task. Later on, the support is slowly reduced in order for the children to master the skill independently (Smith, 1997). Role of teachers in helping children learn mathematics Teachers play an important role in helping children learn mathematics. First of all, the teacher should plan the learning environment in such a way that it is beneficial to mathematical explorations. For example, the classroom should contain a variety of objects related to numbers and concrete materials like blocks and manipulatives (Clements, 2001). Classrooms can also be numbered (Barbour Seefeldt, 2000). This will help the children learn mathematical concepts through their play. During their play, teachers must observe and intervene when necessary to create teachable moments. But when should teachers intervene? A useful way is to observe whether mathematical thinking is developing or already installed in children. If the thinking is developing, the teacher can take notes and discuss about the experience after they finished playing. On the other hand, if the thinking is installed, the teacher can discuss and clarify the ideas with the children. In this way, the children can clarif y their thinking and extend the idea (Clements, 2001). Teachers can work with the children on group projects so that they can be involved in different mathematical ideas like measurements, numbers, space and so on (Ginsburg et al., n.d.). Developmentally appropriate curriculum is an essential part of developing mathematical knowledge. A curriculum offers planned activities and assumes that mathematics does not need to be always integrated with other activities, but it can also be an interesting subject on its own (Ginsburg et al., n.d.). It strengthens children’s geometric and number knowledge (Clements, 2001). Some children may have difficulty in learning mathematics and it is the teachers’ role to help them cope with the problem. Some children have math anxiety and it has a negative influence on the children’s academic performance (Mazzocco, 2007). Others may have inability to estimate quantity (ScienceDaily, 2013) and spatial difficulty (Mazzocco, 2007). In order to help these children in mathematics, teachers can use different methods to improve the learning experiences. For instance, in order to help children with math anxiety, teachers can enhance the basic numerical and spatial processing. This can be done both in school as well as collaboration with parents. Research shows that the quality of numerical and spatial talk by parents is related to the children’s math and spatial skills. Hence, the parents can engage the children in daily activities that are related to math. This will help the children to have more basic knowledge of mathematics when they come to sch ool and reduce the anxiety in them (Beilock Willingham, 2014). Small group learning is another strategy that the teachers can use to help those children that has difficulties. Small group is where teachers plan the materials and lessons based on the children’s interest and their level of development. Teachers can scaffold each child’s learning. As children gain confidence in their abilities, they are more willing to take up new challenges. Small group also allows teachers to observe each child in the group through daily interactions and understand more about their abilities and interests (HighScope Educational Research Foundation, 2011). Integrated curriculum is another approach to enhance the children’s learning in mathematics. It emphasizes the holistic development of the child- physical, social, emotional, intellectual and aesthetic development. Stories are a great teaching resource and when used effectively, can promote thinking and new knowledge. For examp le, the story book â€Å"Pancakes, Pancakes† can be used as a resource for integrated curriculum. Through storytelling and the use of learning centres and group settings strategy, language, math and cooking are learned (Velu, 2012). Case study Child’s profile Name: Jason Age: 6 years old Gender: Male Race: Chinese Preschool: Little kids kindergarten Skills: Able to count one to ten. Able to sort, match and compare by one attribute (example size, shape and colour). Able to recognize basic shapes. Family background: Both parents are busy with work and have little time for him. He has two siblings so the parents cannot give him full attention. Parents do not communicate with him often and they often use television to keep him occupied. Siblings: two Parents: Both parents working Spoken language: English Activities other than school: Watch Television and play online kids’ games Problems he face in mathematics This child faces some difficulties in mathematics. He is not able to do more advanced pattern like AAB pattern. During class he has difficulty in number bond and he isn’t able to finish his numeracy activities in class. The teacher has been trying to do one-to-one teaching such as helping him to be more familiar with pattern by re-introducing AB pattern using paper and stamp. The teacher also helps him in number bond by pairing him up with another child. However, there is little improvement and the child continues to have difficulties in mathematics. In order to help this child to improve, lessons can be conducted for both pattern and number bond. Both teacher and parents should collaborate to help Jason to improve. Lessons to help him with pattern and number bond Lessons for pattern: The activity is call people patterns (Big Ideas of Early Mathematics, 2014). This is a visual pattern activity and the material is the children in the class. It is a simple pattern activity to help Jason to understand the basic pattern from the environment. The teacher arranges the children in AB pattern: stand, sit; stand, sit; stand, sit. After that, the teacher can ask the children to describe the pattern. Lastly, the teacher ask questions like â€Å"what is the pattern† and â€Å"what is its rule?†. Each child takes turn to give the answer (Big Ideas of Early Mathematics, 2014). If Jason is not sure, the teacher can explain to him immediately. At the same time, Jason’s parents can also help Jason to reinforce his pattern knowledge at home. They can carry out activities like shape pattern. His parents can use concrete materials like plain wooden blocks of different shapes to teach him the AB pattern. For instance, three square and three triangle blocks can be used. Then the parents can set the pattern: square, triangle; square, triangle; square, triangle. They can ask Jason to describe the pattern and after that ask him to demonstrate the same pattern. Once Jason is more confident with the AB pattern, the teacher and parents can use the same materials and methods to introduce AAB pattern. Instead of using paper and stamp for AAB pattern activity, the teacher can try to use concrete material. After Jason has a better understanding of AAB pattern, the teacher can replace concrete materials with paper and stamp. Lessons for number bond: The first activity for the number bond can be done at home. Jason’s parents can use material such as raisins to carry out the activity. For example, they can ask him how many raisins are in his hand. He is then allowed to eat some of the raisins. After that, ask him to count again. If he gets the correct answer, he is allowed to eat all the raisins. After Jason is able to understand the number operations at home, he can go on to the number bond lesson in class. Concrete materials like small dinosaur models can be used together with the number bond worksheet. The dinosaurs can assist Jason to see the numbers using real objects. For instance, if the numbers are three and seven, the teacher can give Jason three dinosaurs first and ask him to count. Another seven dinosaurs can be given to him. After that ask him to count the total number of dinosaurs and he can write the answer on the worksheet. This activity can use different combination of numbers and is a good way to help Jason to understand the number bond concept better. Conclusion References Beilock, S., Willingham, D. (2014). Math Anxiety: Can Teachers Help Students Reduce It?. American Educator. Retrieved 10 November 2014, from http://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/periodicals/beilock.pdf Barbour, N., Seefeldt, C. (2000). Early Childhood Education-An Introduction (4th ed., pp. 449-462). New York: Macmillan College Publishing. Big Ideas of Early Mathematics. (2014) (p. 91). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Ginsburg, H., Lee, J., Boyd, J. Mathematics Education for Young Children: What It Is and How to Promote It. Social Policy Report. Retrieved 10 November 2014, from http://srcd.org/sites/default/files/documents/21-3_early_childhood_education.pdf HighScope Educational Research Foundation,. (2011). Scaffolding Children’s Learning at Small-Group Time. Retrieved 10 November 2014, from http://www.highscope.org/file/Trainer%20Page/Preschool/1%20Day%20Workshops/W2006_11-Scaffolding%20SGT%20Booklet%20%239_press.pdf Mazzocco, M. (2007). Early Predictors of Mathematical Learning Difficulties: Variations In Childrens Difficulties With Math. Exchange. Retrieved 10 November 2014, from http://msdp.kennedykrieger.org/pdf/42.pdf ScienceDaily,. (2013). Preschoolers inability to estimate quantity relates to later math difficulty. Retrieved 10 November 2014, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130814132508.htm Smith, S. (1997). Early Childhood Mathematics (pp. 1-18). Boston: Allyn Bacon. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics,. (2001). Mathematics in the Preschool. Retrieved 10 November 2014, from http://gse.buffalo.edu/org/buildingblocks/writings/preschool%20math%20in%20tcm.pdf The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics,. (2004). A Familys Guide: Fostering Your Childs Success in School Mathematics. Retrieved 10 November 2014, from http://illuminations.nctm.org/uploadedFiles/Activities_Home/FamilyGuide_FullText.pdf Velu, G. (2012). Intergrating Language, Math and Cooking Through Storytelling. Early Educators.

Use of Fantasy in Langston Hughess On the Road Essay -- On The Road e

Use of Fantasy in Langston Hughes's On the Road Langston Hughes's short story "On the Road" begins and ends realistically enough: his protagonist, Sargeant, enters a strange town one winter's night during the Depression and finds himself without shelter, as many did during this era. Hughes gives Sargeant the additional burden of being an African-American in the "white" part of town; therefore, he faces the perfectly plausible obstacles of shelters that "drew the color line" and racist police officers who beat and imprison him. But despite the realistic beginning and ending of the story, Hughes places an elaborate fantasy segment involving Sargeant talking to a stone Christ who has "broken off the cross" in the story's middle. Hughes uses this fantasy segment to condemn the hypocrisy of many so-called Christians. That the town's "Christians" are hypocrites is established by Hughes before the fantasy sequence. Hughes foreshadows the Sargeant-Christ conversation by having the townspeople reacting in a very un-Christian, racist manner to Sargeant's desire to enter t...

Importance of adult education and ways to implement Essay

SYRIAN CONFLICTS Security Council Fellow Delegates Ladies and Gentlemen.Good morning everybody,my name is Melwin.Today i take this oppurtinity to speak about Syrian conflcts.The Syrian conflicts has admitted it has a chemical weopans stockpile and says its willing to destroy it under international supervision. The UK is working with the US and the France to draft a UN resolutionon on the Russian for Syrian’s chemical weopans to be put under international control.The 3 nation want a timetable and consequences of failure spelt out. Prime Minister David Cameroon says that he still supports military action. Speaking at the G-20 summit,MR.Cameroon announced that the uk would give an additional of $80m in aid for Syria-much of it for medical training and equipment to help civilians targeted by chemical attacks. SYRIAN CONFLICTS Security Council Fellow Delegates Ladies and Gentlemen.Good morning everybody,my name is Melwin.Today i take this oppurtinity to speak about Syrian conflcts. The Syrian conflicts has admitted it has a chemical weopans stockpile and says its willing to destroy it under international supervision. The UK is working with the US and the France to draft a UN resolutionon on the Russian for Syrian’s chemical weopans to be put under international control. The 3 nation want a timetable and consequences of failure spelt out. Prime Minister David Cameroon says that he still supports military action. Speaking at the G-20 summit,MR.Cameroon announced that the uk would give an additional of $80m in aid for Syria-much of it for medical training and equipment to help civilians targeted by chemical attacks. Prime Minister David Cameroon says that he still supports military action. Speaking at the G-20 summit,MR.Cameroon announced that the uk would give an additional of $80m in aid for Syria-much of it for medical training and equipment to help civilians targeted by chemical attacks â€Å"PRAISE THE LORD† STMC SUNDAY CATECHISM Lesson-8 Church: The Prophetic People. 1. Who is a prophet? What are his functions? A prophet is the one who communicates God’s message to the people. He speaks for God. He also bears witness to God’s Word in his own life. God sent prophets to Israel from time to time to form the people of Israel as his own  people, to make them know His will and to lead them according to his will. 2. What do you understand when we speak of the prophetic function of the members of the Church? The members of the Church who receive the Holy Spirit through Baptism and Anointing become a prophetic people. The prophetic people are those who are anointed by the Holy Spirit and led by the Holy Spirit. To become witnesses of Jesus Christ is the mission of those who receive the Spirit and become prophets in the Church. 3. A prophet is called to be the light of the world and salt to the earth: illustrate. Salt preserves edible thing; it also gives taste. In fulfilling their prophetic function the members of the Church should work for the elimination of evil in the society and to add taste to life which they experience deep within them. Wherever they are, the members of the Church are called to bear witness to Christ through proclaiming the Word of God and by the example of their lives. As a prophetic people, Christians are called shed the light of Christ on those who live in the darkness of immorality, deceitfulness and fraud. 4. Write a short note on: A Christian is one who has to bear witness to truth. Our prophetic function in the world is to bear witness to truth like Jesus. The Church should really become the conscience of the world by fighting against untruth and injustice and by witnessing to truth, justice and love. This is the prophetic function of the Church. 5. How do the lay people fulfill their prophetic mission? The lay persons are called to fulfill their prophetic function in the Church by strengthening themselves through the reception of the sacraments, by leading a life of faith and by proclaiming the gospel through their words and lives. Lesson-9 The Missionary Church. 1. The Church is missionary by her very nature. Explain. After resurrection from the dead, Jesus appeared to his disciples and said: â€Å"As the father has sent me, even so I send you†. â€Å"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you†. Jesus entrusted the Church with the mission to bear witness to him. Therefore the Church, by her very nature, is missionary. 2. How does  the Church perform her missionary function? The Church’s mission is to proclaim Christ and make him known as the only Saviour of the world lead all peoples to this path of salvation. It is the duty of every Christian to proclaim Jesus Christ to others who do not know him yet. The Church perform this God given mission in three ways (i) The Church proclaim Christ to those people who have not heard of him.(ii)She instructs those who are already in the Church through faith and baptism, so that they may deepen their knowledge in the mystery of faith.(iii)She re-evangelizes those Christians who have become weak in their practice of faith. 3. Every Christian is a missionary. illustrate. One is called to participate in the mission of proclaiming Christ by virtue of baptism. To bear witness to Christ by leading a life in accordance with the gospel values is the fundamental mission of every Christian. This mission is carried out differently by the members of the Church depending on the state of life each one has chosen. 4. Write notes on: The missionary endeavors of the Syro-Malabar Church. The Christians, who received faith from St .Thomas, imbibed his missionary zeal and faith. Many missionaries, both men and women, from the Syro-Malabar Church are engaged in octane missionary work in different parts of India. In recognition of the missionary spirit and zeal of the Syro-Malabar Church and its members, Pope John 23rd entrusted the care of Chanda Mission to the Syro-malabar Church. Later a number of dioceses in the north,such as Satna, Sagar, Ujjain, Bignor, Rajkot, Jagadalpur, Gorakpur were entrusted to the Syro-malabar Church by the Holy See. Diocese of Kalayan was established in 1988to look after the spiritual needs of the members of the Syro- Malabar Church who have settled in Mumbai for job, and trade and commerce. The diocese of Thakkala in the south was established in i996 and in the North, the diocese of Balthangadi in 1999 comprising the mission territories of Kerala. The diocese of Chanda was divided and the diocese of Adilabad was formed. The diocese of Chicago in USA is a part of the Syro-Malabar Church. 5. How can we participate in the mission of the Church as its members? We bear witness to Jesus Christ by the words and actions, particularly when we live in the midst of people who are non-Christians. Lesson-10 The Pilgrim Church 1. What is the hope that gives meaning to Christian life? Christians are a people who move forward with eager longing for heaven and the bliss of Paradise. It is this hope of eternal life, which gives meaning to Christian Life. 2.How does the Christian life become a foretaste of life in heaven? Christian Life means our union with Jesus Christ. It is state in which we are in Christ and He is in us. A complete and final realization of this union with Christ is heaven. In real Christian life, we can have a fore taste heaven, provided we live according to the promptings of the Spirit. Peace and happiness are the fruits of the Spirit which the presence of the Holy Spirit ensures in our lives. Enjoying peace and happiness here on earth through the presence of the Holy Spirit, is an experience of heavenly life-only in small measures here, but there in full. 3. How can we help our departed faithful? The faithful who are on earth can assist the souls in purgatory, through their prayers, particularly the Eucharist, almsgiving and sacrifices. 4. Explain, individual judgment and final judgment.  The separation of the soul from the body is death. The body gets decayed in the soul but the soul, at very movement of death, appears before God, to be judged individually, according to each one’s life and conduct. We call this the individual judgment. The final judgment is the one in which the just and the unjust are going to be separated finally and eternally. Lesson-11 The Church is One 1. The Catholic Church is the fellowship of the individual Churches. Explain. The Church is the body of Christ. In the Church, the members live out their Christian life in individual Churches under one common authority of the Pope. The Catholic Church is the fellowship or communion of these individual Churches. There exists a wonderful unity among these Churches. 2. What are the factors that that constitute the basis of the Church’s fellowship and unity? i) Unity in Faith: Our faith is in Triune God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as revealed Jesus. It is the faith in the salvation,  made real by the son of God, who was sent by the Father, for the redemption of the world and completed by the Holy Spirit. Thus all the believers are united in one Spirit through one Lord, one faith and one baptism. ii) Unity in sacraments: Having been made into one body with Jesus through baptism, we are nourished by the Holy Eucharist and other sacraments. Church is the fellowship of those who participate in the one and the same life by participating in the same spiritual drink and the same spiritual food. Thus the members of the Church are united through one baptism and one bread for all. iii) Unity in Apostleship: Fellowship with the apostles and the Bishops is essential for maintaining the fellowship of the believers in the Church. This is called unity in apostleship. The believers who are united like this have one faith, one sacrament and one apostolic leadership. 3. Which are the main liturgical traditions in the Catholic Church? They are six liturgical traditions in the Catholic Church follow are ancient. Of these, Byzantine, Antiochian, Alexandrian, Chaldean, Armenian are of Oriental liturgical traditions and Roman (latin) tradition is Western. 4. To which liturgical tradition does the Syro-Malabar Church belong? The Syro-Malabar Church follows the Oriental Syrian Liturgical tradition. 5. On what basis are the individual Churches formed? Individual Churches has sprung up in its own particular historical context and is rooted in a particular culture. Each of them has its own life-style (CCEO 28:1). They, have all equal status in the Catholic Church. Lesson -12 The Church is Holy 1. How did God reveal his holiness to the prophet Isaiah; explain. Once prophet Isaiah was praying in the temple and he had a vision. He saw the Lord seated on a throne. The hem of his robe filled the entire temple. Above him stood the seraphim; each had six wings; with two he covered his face and with two he covered his feet and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: â€Å"Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.† And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. This vision of Isaiah is one that reveals God’s holiness. 2. Why do you say that the Church is holy? The Church is a community called by the most high God, who is Holy, and dedicated to service. The holy one, God, is dwelling in the Church. The Church is being led by the Holy Spirit. The Church is also enriched by the presence of so many holy people in it. All these factors account for the holiness of the Church. 3. What are the means of sanctification in the Church? i) Sanctification through Jesus: -In the New Testament, Jesus, the Lamp of God, purifies us through his blood. It was his sacrifice on the cross that liberated us from the power of the evil one, sanctified us from sin and made us God’s children. ii) Sanctification through the word of God:- The Word of God has the power to sanctify us. Jesus said: †You are already made clean by the Word which I have spoken to you.† The members of the Church can walk on the path of holiness by reflecting on the Word of God prayerfully every day and living it out during the course of the day. Iii) Sanctification through the Sacraments:- Sacraments are the means for the sanctification of the Church. They are the stream of divine life established by Jesus. God sanctifies every phase of human life through various sacraments. He specially sanctifies our bodies and souls through the holy sacrifice of the Qurbana every day iv) Sanctification through the Sacramentals:- The sacraments help us to grow in holiness. They prepare us to receive God’s love and kindness and assist us in our growth in holiness. The sacramental are rituals that sanctify the members of the Church, in their verifying states of life, situations, places and things they use. v) Sanctification through Prayer, Fasting, and Abstinence:- Through prayer we can confess our weaknesses and limitations before the Almighty God and gain strength and confidence. vi) Sanctifications through Our Vocations:- Any state of life in Church is a divine vocation. Whatever is the state of life, when one moves the path of perfection of love according to his/ her state of life and inspire others to grow in holiness, the holiness illuminates. 4. How do the vocations become the means of holiness? Perfection of love is attained and holiness is achieved, by fulfilling faithfully the duties pertaining to each one’s state of life. Any state of life in the Church is a divine vocation. Whatever is the state of life, when  one moves the path of perfection of love according to his/ her state of life and inspire others to grow in holiness, the holiness illuminates. In a way the works entrusted to one’s care can also be seen as a divine call. Through this we get an opportunity to participate in the creative, redeeming and sanctifying works of God. They become means of holiness for us when we lovingly co-operate and creatively respond to the call of God the works entrusted to us. 5. How do abstinence, prayer and fasting help us to grow in holiness? Prayer, fasting and are also means for sanctification. In prayer we meet God; we come to know his will for us. Through prayer we can confess our weaknesses and limitations before the Almighty God and gain strength and confidence. Anyone who prays sincerely is greatly strengthened against falling into sin or in case of failure, he gets back the path of holiness quickly through repentance. Though fasting and abstinence we make amends for our own as well as for others sins. Fasting gives us the strength to keep away from the situation of sin. The Church is Apostolic 1. How does the faith experience of the apostles become the foundation of the Church? The faith experience of the apostles is the basis of the Church. The apostles believed in Jesus as the Lord and God proclaimed this faith with boldness to others. And those who listened to the proclamation accepted this faith. Thus the faith – experience of the apostles became the basis of the Church, the community of believers. 2. What are the functions of the Bishops, the successors of the apostles? The Bishops in the Church are the successors of the apostles. They, through the power of the Holy Spirit given to them, are the authentic teachers of faith, the high priests and shepherds. They are the shepherds of the Lord’s sheep entrusted to their care. The bishop is the head of the local Church, namely the diocese. In union with the Pope, a bishop teaches leads and sanctifies the people entrusted to his care in a diocese. 3. Write a short note on the apostolicity of the Syro- Malabar Church? Our fore-fathers had the privilege of receiving the faith directly from St. Thomas, the Apostle. We, the members the Syro- Malabar Church inherit this faith tradition. References like ‘Mar Thomma Nazranikal’ ‘Mar Thomma Christians’ are indicatives of our apostolic tradition and heritage. It was St. Thomas who confessed Jesus as Lord and God and expressed his readiness to go and die with him. The faith  experience that we have received through the apostle St. Thomas is the apostolic foundation of the Syro-Malabar Church. 4. When does the council of Bishops express itself in the Church? Bishops who are the successors of the apostles and the Pope who is taking the place of St.Peter, have an apostolic mission and fellowship which is exercised in the leadership of the Church. The Pope is the head of the council of Bishops. When the Bishops of the Church exercise their apostolic authority in union with the Pope, we see the collegiality of Bishops. The ecumenical councils also reflect the collegiality of Bishops. 5. What do you mean by the Primacy of the Pope? Pope is the first among the Bishops in the Church as he is the successor of Peter. The Pope is at the one and at the same time the Bishop of Rome and at the head of the Universal Church. He has the authority to lead, sanctify and teach the Universal Church. The first Vatican Council declared the Primacy of the Pope as a fundamental truth. Through the encyclicals and apostolic instructions the Pope exercises his teaching authority over the entire Church.

Essay on Ecosystems Water and Illinois River

Essay on Ecosystems Water and Illinois River Essay on Ecosystems: Water and Illinois River A favorite natural ecosystem of mine in my local area is the Illinois River. The Illinois River is used for a lot of different things in the community. The Illinois River is a huge tourist attraction for river rafting, canoeing, and camping. I know this first hand because I drowned while river rafting this summer. The river also provides local farmers with rich moist soil. That is why the Tahlequah farmers market is thriving each season. Another very common use for the river is for septic systems. The main function of a river is to transport water from head waters to the ocean. The natural process is never ending the hydrologic cycle returns river run off to the sea. For surface water the cycle lasts 11 days (all surface water is replaced every 11 days). Rivers provide a source of fresh water that is replenish able within a short time frame. Rivers carry a different source of water though. The Illinois River carries liquid water but it also carries some solids. Suspended solids (se diments) are small solid particles which remain in suspension in water as a colloid. The other main solid the Illinois River carries are dissolved solids (mostly salts). This is repetitive but rivers carry these solids to the ocean it is any rivers main role. The Illinois River has a dissolved salt content ranging from as low as 50 parts per million (ppm) near the head waters to as much as 1000 ppm in the lower reaches. The amount changes every year depending on Oklahoma weather. In the summer it is normal for Oklahoma temperatures to range from 98 degrees to 105 degrees. This causes the Illinois River to produce a lot of salt this is because it is released from all the waste in the river. The Illinois River doesn't have horrible waste compared to a lot of rivers like the Mississippi River. But I have definitely witnessed people just pouring cans of beer in the river. In Oklahoma there is a lot of irrigation this produces salt. The crops evapotranspire a huge amount of water. The cr ops release good and not so good nutrients from the underlying soil and rock. The Illinois river has suffered a lot of damage from irrigation, heat, and tourists. Since Oklahoma is very protective of our natural ecosystems laws have been put in place to protect the Illinois River. The only changes that occur on the river are usually natural (like salinity levels, wild life, drought, or flooding) because the laws put in place prohibit people from even littering in the river. Also, a lot of people volunteer to clean the river up. The Illinois River is a pretty clean river in a lot of parts the water is not muggy at all you can see to the bottom. There is not a lot of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the Illinois River. The total amount of