Core Valuesof CSJ Sponsored Ministries

Reflection

Song (optional): “Mission Mantra,” by Kathy Sherman

Opening Prayer: May we be encouraged and inspired by the witness of one another in living our call to be leaders of this ministry in the Congregation of St. Joseph. May this time together bring us deeper into the heart of leadership in the mission of uniting all neighbors with one another and with God.

This we ask in the name of Jesus, the Christ, who is the model for all leadership. Amen

Leader: “Core” is defined as “the most essential part of anything”. Core Values, then, are the beliefs we hold that form the foundation for everything we do as an organization. They guide the way we conduct ourselves internally as well as the manner in which we relate to the external world. These are not values that change from time to time, or from situation to situation; instead, they are the underpinnings of all that we do and of who we say we are.

Our CSJ Core Values are the primary way we distill the CSJ mission into its most central, critical parts. Embracing and fully living out of these values is what defines us as a CSJ Sponsored Ministry. It is what distinguishes us from being just another excellent social service, or high school, or foundation. Learning and living out of these values grounds us in who we are, how we function, and how we relate to everyone we meet in ministry.

Distribute Core Value Cards: Take a few minutes of quiet so each person can read and reflect on the card silently. Then invite one or several persons to slowly read the content aloud.

Reflection: Take a few minutes to reflect quietly on the following questions:

  • What in the purple circle catches my attention? Why?
  • Which of the four values on the right side of the card seems the most challenging to me?
  • Which of the four values expresses a vision that excites me?
  • Which statement from the card could significantly and positively impact the effectiveness of this ministry, if my leadership exudes this value in every opinion I offer and decision in which I participate?

After reflection, turn to one other person and share your responses. If you like, share with the larger group what you heard. What do you want to take away from this conversation?

Reading: 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 14

That is why I am reminding you now to fan into flame the gift that God gave you…God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the spirit of power and love and self-control. So you are never to be ashamed of witnessing to God’s Great Love…but rely on the power of God who has called us to be holy…not because of anything we ourselves have done but for God’s own purpose and by God’s own grace…You have been trusted to look after something precious; guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Closing Prayer: God of Grace and all Good Works,

You see us and you know us

in the innermost core of our beings.

Help us to more fully integrate these Core Values,

both within our ministry and within ourselves,

so that one informs the other

for the good of every neighbor,

everywhere we meet.

Amen.

Reflection #1