Catholic & Vincentian

• When the church becomes a field hospital, it can radically change the way we view our community life… We are a community that taps into and shares our talents to find creative ways to help those most in need. -Cardinal Blase Cupich
• The Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching hone our lens on the needs of the world and prioritize our actions.
• Saint Vincent DePaul & Saint Louise DeMarillac were social workers who created an inclusive body of servants to the poor, initiating a legacy of sustainable structures for charity.
• The central Vincentian question: What must be done?

What must I do?

• We each recognize our identity as a unique, beloved creation, “fearfully & wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139)
• Our theology curriculum and prayerful reflection develop a well-formed conscience in each student.
• We work to instill our Core Values in our students so that they become instinctual in practice.

What must we do?

• Christ has no body now on earth but yours… Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world.   —Saint Teresa of Avila
• Mass & retreats unify us as members of the human family, focusing on unity, not uniformity.
• Our F.R.E.S.H. Advisory (Faith, Respect, Excellence, Service & Health) program provides social-emotional learning in small groups.
• Our DEI initiatives engender a sense of belonging where all are seen and heard and equip students for dialogue and action.

What must be done?

• Scripture & Catholic Teachings enlighten us on how we care for the vulnerable among us.
• Service-Learning leads us to truth about the circumstances of our most vulnerable sisters & brothers.
• The moral mandate imparted on us by the life of Jesus compels us to dismantle oppressive social structures and work for justice.
• Amen I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25

The education of conscience is a lifelong task. From the earliest years, it awakens the child to the knowledge and practice of the interior law recognized by conscience. Prudent education teaches virtue; it prevents or cures fear, selfishness and pride, resentment arising from guilt, and feelings of complacency, born of human weakness and faults.    The education of the conscience guarantees freedom and engenders peace of heart.

#1784 Catechism of the Catholic Church

What does it mean to live out our Core Values?

faith

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… 
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. --Matthew 5:14-16

• Integrate the Vincentian Charism of holistic service to the poor into your everyday life and work.
• Demonstrate an active faith life and an openness to grow in faith.
• Share hope with others and act as a voice for social justice.
• Engage and dialog with people of faith traditions other than your own.

respect

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. -- John 13:34-35

If you judge people, you have no time to love them… If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. -- Mother Theresa

• Carry yourself with self-respect.
• Address students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the school with respect.
• Dialogue respectfully with people who hold opinions that differ from your own.
• Demonstrate respect for all environments in which you live including home, school, house of worship, city, country, and nature.

excellence

 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. —1 Corinthians

• Show an awareness of your unique God-given gifts and invest them in useful ways
• Ground your standards in integrity and a well-formed conscience.
• Accept constructive criticism graciously and grow from your mistakes.
• Demonstrate a willingness to collaborate and learn from the strengths of others.

service

 ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ --Matthew 25

• Show a readiness to respond to the needs of the community.
• Take time to reflect on service experiences and discern how to help.
• Demonstrate an openness to relationship and to learning with those you serve.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

 I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  --Psalm 139

• Honor your body and its well-being as a gift from God.
• Nurture all facets of your well-being, including heart, mind, and body.
• Ask for help from others when struggling with well-being in heart, mind, or body.