The Mission of Catholic Education

1. The Catholic Church believes that people are basically good.

How do we share this belief through our work at St. Francis Xavier School?

• We treat all people, especially students, with respect and dignity.
  
• We look for the good in all students, parents, and co-workers. 
• We believe that all children can learn. We help our students discover and develop their unique gifts and talents.

2. The Catholic Church believes that life is a gift to be celebrated.

How do we share this belief through our work at St. Francis Xavier School?

• We have an attitude of gratitude.
  
• We model that life is a blessing to be enjoyed and celebrated, not a burden to be endured.
  
• We challenge students to live up to their full potential – a person fully alive is a celebration of God’s glory.
• We celebrate prayer pauses, moments of grace, the Sabbath rest.

3. The Catholic Church believes in a worldview that life is good and gracious, meaningful and worthwhile.
 
How do we share this belief through our work at St. Francis Xavier School?

• We recognize that every life, regardless of society’s criteria, has a purpose in building God’s kingdom.
  
• We teach our students not to measure success by the world’s standards.
  
• We encourage students to see the beauty in the ordinariness of life, particularly through the sacraments, with Eucharist at the center.
  
• We teach students to enjoy nature and be good stewards of creation.
  

4. The Catholic Church believes that we are called to build up God’s reign of peace and justice in the world, with special favor for the poor and disadvantaged.


How do we share this belief through our work at St. Francis Xavier School?

•  We challenge students to be honest and fair in their dealings with others.
  
• We view stealing, lying and cheating as acts of disrespect against others and ourselves.
  
• We encourage action on behalf of those who are less fortunate and in need.
  
• We educate students about the causes of injustice and work for peace and justice.
  

5. The Catholic Church believes that we are persons in community and a community of persons.


How do we share this belief through our work at St. Francis Xavier School?

• We teach students to respect individual rights while accepting responsibility for the good of the community. 
  
• We encourage students to use their gifts and talents for the benefit of all. 
  
• We accept and celebrate people’s differences and welcome all people into our faith community. 
  
•  We use the saints as models of faith and companions on the journey.
  
• We help our students develop a personal relationship with God within a community of shared faith.