1.
An Incarnational View of the World
Catholic School students learn that God is present and active
in their lives and in the world. They learn to recognize the
"footprints of God" in their daily experiences, especially in
the midst of life's challenges. They develop a sense of "Sacramental
Awareness." They see the signs of God's love around them, and
become instruments of God's grace in their own neighborhoods,
communities, and the world.
2.
Immersion in the Paschal Mystery
Our lives are a series of small and not so small dyings and
risings. In union with the Paschal Mystery, we realize that
there is redemptive power in suffering, and in the power of
the Cross. In it lies the answer to the mystery of all of life's
successes and failures. In the experience of the Paschal Mystery,
we also realize the need for community. Like Jesus, we encounter
our own Simon of Cyrenes to help us along our way.
3.
The Value of Relationships as a Reflection of the Divine
Catholic School students learn to experience God's grace and
presence in their lives through their relationships with family,
friends, and teachers. The loving and supportive relationships
they experience are reflections of the love and life-giving
dynamic of the Trinity. As a community we celebrate our successes
and achievements. We share grief and downfalls. We unite together
in solidarity, and even challenge each other to become better
reflections of the Divine.
4.
A Nuanced View of Scripture
Catholic School students are given the opportunity to explore
the beauty and richness of Sacred Scripture seen through the
lens of faith and lived out in daily practice. They experience
the ongoing revelation of God in Scripture as the One who leads
the Israelites through the Promised Land, and who redeems them
through His Cross and Resurrection. They also come to view the
Human Person as created in God's "image and likeness," and destined
for eternal life. They learn to apply Scripture to their own
lives as a tool for prayer and the true guide for virtuous living
5.
Civic Engagement
In a survey compiled by a non-American, non-Catholic source,
it was indicated that private school graduates are significantly
more likely to actively participate in civic activities than
their public school counterparts. Catholic Schools were ranked
#1 in the percentage of graduates who actively participate in
civic and community activities such as voting, volunteering,
letter writing to legislators, Catholic Concerns Day, and donations
to charity, not just for a tax write-off, but out of a sense
of the requirements of justice.
6.
Service for the Common Good
Catholic Schools promote service as an essential component of
their curriculum. Many Catholic Schools have service programs
from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Higher education programs
such as the Jesuit or Dominican Volunteer Corps promote service
at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Diocesan organizations
such as Catholic Family Services provide resources and help
to people from all walks of life. Catholic School students learn
that they are in fact "their brother's keeper," and have a responsibility
to respond to the need s of those around them.
7.
Discipline as a Faith Expectation
Catholic Schools promote self-discipline through clarity of
moral vision that is based on the Gospel. Students are challenged
to be Christ-like in word and action. They are asked to examine
their choices and actions in light of the Ten Commandments and
the Gospel law of love. They are given a theological foundation
for ethical behavior. Students are not good because they act
in accord with rules and expectations. Rather, because students
are good, i.e. sons and daughters of God, they are expected
to act and make choices that are in keeping with this dignity.
8.
The Centrality of Arts, Ritual, Drama, Music to the Life of
Faith
Through Catholic education students are exposed to the richness
of the religious Tradition. Music, Art, Literature, Drama and
Ritual are rooted in the rich history of the Church, and find
their truest glory as an expression of divine praise.
9.
The Fullness of the Catholic Identity at the Heart of the Church
Catholic education has always been at the heart of the Catholic
Mission. Catholic education, and the students who are the product
of it, have been called the "greatest work of the Church." They
have been entrusted with the fullness of faith and have been
charged with the mission of evangelization. They are to go out
into the world and share the gifts they have received, as doctors,
lawyers, policemen, firemen, businessmen and women, teachers,
priests and religious; as Catholic School graduates.
10.
Personal Excellence as a Spiritual Goal
Catholic School students learn that excellence is a response
to God's blessings. Academic excellence is not a gospel value
in and of itself. The Sermon on the Mount doesn't say "Blessed
are you who get all A's." Education must have an altruistic
orientation. Students learn so as to help others, and make a
difference in the world around them.
