Catholic Life: Living the Mission of Community, Achieve, Respect, Encounter
As a Catholic Sixth Form student, you are not only a learner but a member of a community that has a mission statement of Community, Achieve, Respect, Encounter. This mission statement embodies the Catholic way of life, which seeks to foster a sense of belonging and purpose, while nurturing faith, learning, and service to others. In this article, we will explore what it means to live a Catholic life in the context of this mission statement.
Community
Community is the foundation of Catholic life. It is a community of believers who come together to worship, learn, and serve one another. As a Catholic Sixth Form student, you are part of a larger community of students, teachers, and staff who share your values, beliefs, and aspirations. You are called to live your life in a way that promotes the common good, serving others with generosity and compassion.
In the Catholic tradition, community is not just a physical gathering, but a spiritual connection. You are part of a body, the Church, which spans across time and space. This connection is expressed through the sacraments, which are the outward signs of God’s grace working in your life. By participating in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, you deepen your relationship with God and with your community.
Achieve
Achievement is an important aspect of Catholic life. It is not just about getting good grades or achieving personal success, but about striving to be the best version of yourself, using your talents and abilities to make a positive difference in the world. As a Catholic Sixth Form student, you are called to use your education to serve others and contribute to the common good.
The Catholic tradition emphasises the importance of learning as a lifelong process. You are called to use your intellect to seek the truth and to make a positive impact on the world. This means not only acquiring knowledge, but also developing critical thinking skills, moral reasoning, and a deep appreciation for the arts and sciences.
Respect
Respect is a core value of Catholic life. It is about recognizing the dignity and worth of every human person, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances. As a Catholic Sixth Form student, you are called to treat others with respect and to promote a culture of inclusion and diversity.
The Catholic tradition teaches that every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. This means that every person has inherent dignity and worth, regardless of their age, gender, race, or any other characteristic. You are called to promote a culture of life, respecting the sacredness of human life from conception to natural death.
Encounter
Encounter is a central aspect of Catholic life. It is about encountering God in the people and events of everyday life. As a Catholic sixth form student, you are called to be open to the presence of God in your life and to be attentive to the needs of others.
The Catholic tradition teaches that God is present in the world in a variety of ways. You are called to be open to encountering God in the sacraments, prayer, Scripture, and in the people around you. You are also called to be attentive to the needs of others, especially the poor, the marginalised, and the vulnerable.
Conclusion
Living a Catholic life is about embracing the mission of Community, Achieve, Respect, Encounter. It is about being part of a community of believers who come together to worship, learn, and serve one another. It is about using your education and talents to make a positive impact on the world, while treating others with respect and promoting a culture of inclusion and diversity. It is about being open to encountering God in the people and events of everyday life and being attentive to the needs of others.
Tony
