Values Statement (Guide to behaviour) – Draft
In God the Father, we value all of creation as a loving gift as part of God infinite wisdom
- We experience each other and the diversity of nature as a unique gift through which we come to know God’s plan of sheer goodness
- We understand that diversity is the proper expression communication of the one gift of Love
- We affirm that all people have a contribution to make to the community
- We act for the good of all
In Jesus the Son, we value the personal self-gift of the Father to the world
- We experience a sense of wonder as the beginning of all wisdom
- We understand that faith and reason are united paths to true knowledge
- We affirm that questions manifest and express the desire for wisdom
- We act intelligently and responsibly, inspired by the Beatitudes, in the search for Wisdom
In the Cross we value the unconditional nature of God’s love
- We experience the suffering of others as our own suffering
- We understand that some decisions evoke personal sacrifice
- We affirm that service of others takes priority over self-interest
- We act in the light of the Greatest Commandment: to love God and neighbour
In the Resurrection we value the transforming power of God’s love
- We experience the newness of life springs from faith in God
- We understand that love is stronger than all trials this life will offer
- We affirm that forgiveness is a beginning to new life for our community
- We act so that every moment is open to the transforming power of God’s love
In the Holy Spirit, we value God’s love for every generation
- We experience the wisdom and understanding of others across the ages
- We understand that knowledge begins and ends in the search for God
- We affirm that God’s love in constant in the world
- We act in joy, peace, patience and generosity.
In the Church, we value the community that accepts God’s love as the centre of its life.
- We experience the unity of a community
- We understand that unity is derived from our shared faith in God
- We affirm the value of the Sacraments as moments of God’s grace
- We act to bring the joy of the Gospel to the world
In Eternal Life, we value that God’s love will endure in all things
- We experience the just consequences of our actions
- We understand that justice is the balance of equity and fairness
- We affirm every moment is an opportunity to grow in knowledge and wisdom
- We act in the knowledge that love is stronger than human frailty