Service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality—these core values are rooted in the mission statements of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters and ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥. They form the foundation for decision-making, for program development, and for our relationships with each other in the pursuit of our personal, communal, and educational goals. They make an education at ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥ distinctive. As members of the ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥ community, each of us, no matter our role, willingly proclaims common ownership of these core values.
Service
- We believe that service to others is central to the Franciscan mission and reflects the elemental values of humility and simplicity.
- We value the unique contributions and gifts that each person brings to service in our internal communities.
- We believe that social responsibility and devotion to service, particularly to the materially and spiritually disadvantaged, are cornerstones of the ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥ mission.
Humility
- We recognize that what we have comes from God and, therefore, we exercise care and good spirit in revering and honoring each other.
- We value simplicity that acknowledges need, asks for, and willingly accepts help.
- We believe that what good we do is accomplished by God working in us, and we are not concerned with the appropriation of power or status.
Peacemaking
- We believe that peacemaking is the striving for harmonious relations and the development of an environment that is calm and serene, free from strife and contention.
- We believe that peacemaking in society should make it easy for all to obtain their material needs and to grow in their spiritual life.
- We believe in a peaceful community of learning that resolves conflicts with fairness and justice.
Contemplation
- We believe that each created being, by nature, is called to worship, and we value a prayerful and reverential attitude toward God, one another, and all creation.
- We believe that we all are called to be contemplative, "to see with God's eyes."
- We reverence all life, and we treat all creation with care and respect.
Collegiality
- We believe that collegiality is founded on living the principles of service to others, humility, charity, and joy.
- We believe that the spirit of collegiality is demonstrated in leadership that serves others and in a true community of shared vision, purpose, and decision-making.
- We believe that the talents of each member of the community are necessary to create a nurturing and peaceful environment for personal growth and development.