Calls, Goals and Criteria
In order to discern the Holy Spirit's call for the Congregation, the Xaverian Brothers periodically convene a General Chapter, the principal legislative and policy-making body of the Congregation. During this assembly, the Brothers prayerfully reflect on the developments and ever-changing needs of the Church and the world in order to decide how they, inspired by the Founder's charism, may best serve the Church's mission of evangelization. The Founder's charism is, thus, seen as a dynamic force in the life of the Brothers urging them to respond and adapt to the needs of the times.
In 1995, at the first session of the 24th General Chapter, the Xaverian Brothers were challenged to respond to the following calls:
With lives rooted in Gospel values, the example of St. Francis Xavier and the vision of Theodore James Ryken, the Xaverian Brothers are called personally and congregationally to a contemplative stance in the world and to mission among the poor and marginalized.
Likewise, in Chapter, the Xaverian Brothers adopted the following statement regarding their sponsorship of schools:
The Twenty-fourth General Chapter recognizes
a vision of Church that calls us to be collaborators
as a Congregation with lay men and women in ministries
that further the mission of the Church
and educate for justice.
a vision of Church that calls us to be collaborators
as a Congregation with lay men and women in ministries
that further the mission of the Church
and educate for justice.
We consequently affirm the work of education
and of Catholic schools as one of the collaborative ministries
in which we are engaged.
and of Catholic schools as one of the collaborative ministries
in which we are engaged.
As an international missionary congregation,
we continue our commitment
to collaborating with lay colleagues
in the sponsorship of schools that respond to the
Calls of the Twenty-fourth General Chapter
for a contemplative stance in the world
and ministry among the poor and marginalized.
we continue our commitment
to collaborating with lay colleagues
in the sponsorship of schools that respond to the
Calls of the Twenty-fourth General Chapter
for a contemplative stance in the world
and ministry among the poor and marginalized.
We look to strengthening the current network
of sponsored schools in the United States
through a sponsorship structure that furthers the vision
and unique Xaverian nature of each school.
We are open to discovering ways in which this structure
can be expanded in other areas of the Congregation.
of sponsored schools in the United States
through a sponsorship structure that furthers the vision
and unique Xaverian nature of each school.
We are open to discovering ways in which this structure
can be expanded in other areas of the Congregation.
The Xaverian Brothers, recognizing the unique value of the Catholic school as a means of evangelization, continue to commit themselves to the sponsorship of schools, while challenging the Sponsored Schools to respond to the ever-changing developments and needs of the Church and the world.
The Xaverian Brothers, therefore, expect their Sponsored Schools to respond to the following specific calls, goals and criteria:
THE FIRST CALL
The call to stewardship for the church's mission and ministry of education in the tradition and spirit of the Xaverian charism.
THE FIRST GOAL
Leaders of a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School are selected, formed, and supported for governance and administration so that they have an understanding of the stewardship they share with the Xaverian Brothers for the mission of the school.
Leaders of a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School are selected, formed, and supported for governance and administration so that they have an understanding of the stewardship they share with the Xaverian Brothers for the mission of the school.
CRITERIA
Members of the governing boards of the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools are selected for their professional leadership and expertise, their familiarity with the operations of Catholic schools and their willingness to be responsible for the mission and institutional development of a given Sponsored School.
Members of the governing boards of the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools are selected for their professional leadership and expertise, their familiarity with the operations of Catholic schools and their willingness to be responsible for the mission and institutional development of a given Sponsored School.
- Board Members receive in-service training in order to understand the spirit of the Xaverian charism, their role of leadership in the governance of a Xaverian Sponsored School, and the expectation of a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School for mission effectiveness.
- The chief administrator of the Xaverian Sponsored School, selected by that school's governing board, has a demonstrated familiarity with and commitment to the expectations and demands of Catholic education, and proven experience in institutional development, finance, staff and curriculum development.
- Administrators of the Sponsored Schools participate in regular formational activities to help them understand the spirit of the Xaverian charism, their roles as spiritual leaders within their school community, and their responsibility for institutional development and mission effectiveness.
- The administrators of a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School select and develop personnel on the basis of their educational and professional competencies, their effectiveness in working with youth, their understanding of the nature of Catholic education, and their willingness to participate actively in the Church's ministry of education.
- A Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School provides formational programs for their faculty and staff that help them to deepen their understanding of the spirit of the Xaverian charism, their role in the Church's ministry of education and the stewardship they share for the mission of the school. Such programs also support the educational personnel in dealing with their own growth, as well as in coping with the many issues related to educating and forming youth.
- Faculty and staff from all the Sponsored Schools come together periodically to participate in programs dealing with various spiritual and professional formational issues, such as, beginning ministry, theological updating, and student formation. Activities are also developed to promote collaboration, network resources and develop unity among the staff and students of the Sponsored Schools.
SECOND CALL
The call to become centers of faith that articulate, transmit and live the teachings of Jesus Christ as found in the scripture and the authentic traditions of the Catholic church.
The call to become centers of faith that articulate, transmit and live the teachings of Jesus Christ as found in the scripture and the authentic traditions of the Catholic church.
THE SECOND GOAL
The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School will implement programs and activities for transmitting the Catholic faith. These will focus on the following:
The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School will implement programs and activities for transmitting the Catholic faith. These will focus on the following:
- theological understanding of the human person, the world and the Church
- effective formal religious instruction and spiritual formation
- a school community that articulates and lives the teachings of Jesus Christ as found in the Scriptures and authentic tradition of the Church
CRITERIA
- The governing board of a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School evaluates the primacy and effectiveness of the school's religious instruction and spiritual formation programs.
- The administrators in a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School select, develop, evaluate and support competent and caring personnel needed to carry out the ministry of religious education and spiritual formation.
- The administrators, faculty and staff of a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School articulate the Gospel vision of life and the teachings of Jesus Christ for the school community.
- The religious studies program provides students, on a level appropriate to their development, an intellectual understanding of faith, God, Church, Christology, Church doctrine, Scripture, sacraments, moral and social teachings and Church history. The spiritual formation program assists the students to integrate their life experiences with their knowledge of Christian faith through such events as retreats, service programs, shared prayer and sacramental celebrations.
- The Sponsorship Office assists the Sponsored School by providing necessary formational programs and in-service for theological updating.
THIRD CALL
THE CALL TO AFFIRM AND CELEBRATE LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY.
THE CALL TO AFFIRM AND CELEBRATE LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY.
THIRD GOAL
The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School will seek to form Christian community by deepening the understanding of Jesus Christ's teachings about life and by affirming and celebrating significant moments in the life of the school community. As a Christian community, the Xaverian Sponsored School will welcome and affirm the giftedness and dignity of each person, respect diversity and create a caring atmosphere in which human relationships can grow and thrive.
The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School will seek to form Christian community by deepening the understanding of Jesus Christ's teachings about life and by affirming and celebrating significant moments in the life of the school community. As a Christian community, the Xaverian Sponsored School will welcome and affirm the giftedness and dignity of each person, respect diversity and create a caring atmosphere in which human relationships can grow and thrive.
CRITERIA
- The administration of the Xaverian Sponsored School provides the leadership as well as appropriate time and space for activities that create and express Christian community.
- The Xaverian Sponsored School regularly assesses how it manifests characteristics of Christian community.
- The Xaverian Sponsored School, as a community of believers, seeks ways to express Christian service both within and outside the school community.
- The Xaverian Sponsored School seeks ways of collaborating with parishes, dioceses, and other faith communities to help students participate in the larger Church.
- As a center of growth and learning for young people, the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School creates an atmosphere that makes young people feel welcome and secure, while respecting diversity and helping to develop the individual student's gifts and talents.
- The Xaverian Sponsored School implements procedures to promote authentic self-esteem, respect for others, appropriate self-control and caring approaches to dealing with conflict and disagreement.
FOURTH CALL
THE CALL TO PROVIDE A CHALLENGING ACADEMIC PROGRAM THAT PROMOTES THE FULL DEVELOPMENT OF EACH PERSON'S GIFTEDNESS.
THE CALL TO PROVIDE A CHALLENGING ACADEMIC PROGRAM THAT PROMOTES THE FULL DEVELOPMENT OF EACH PERSON'S GIFTEDNESS.
FOURTH GOAL
The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School implements an educational program so that it responds to students' needs, challenges students to learn, to appreciate and develop personal talents, and prepares them to make their contribution to the betterment of humankind.
The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School implements an educational program so that it responds to students' needs, challenges students to learn, to appreciate and develop personal talents, and prepares them to make their contribution to the betterment of humankind.
CRITERIA
- The administration of the Xaverian Sponsored School communicates clearly to the teachers, students and parents the Xaverian educational philosophy and expectations for learning and behavior.
- The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School actively promotes and supports the partnership for Catholic education that needs to exist among parents, students, teachers, support staff and administrators.
- The administration of the Xaverian Sponsored School provides programs that allow for and encourage the development of the individual's gifts and talents, both academically and personally.
- The administration of the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School regularly involves members of the school community in the ongoing evaluation of the educational and co-curricular programs.
- The governing board of a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School assures that the benefits of a Xaverian education are available to students desiring them regardless of financial means. The board assures that financial assistance is available to those who demonstrate the need.
FIFTH CALL
THE CALL TO BE A CENTER OF CHRISTIAN CONCERN FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE.
THE CALL TO BE A CENTER OF CHRISTIAN CONCERN FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE.
FIFTH GOAL
The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School will be a center of active Christian concern for Gospel justice by modeling just practices and by educating and forming their students in the attitudes, values and competencies needed for a life of Christian service and social consciousness.
The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School will be a center of active Christian concern for Gospel justice by modeling just practices and by educating and forming their students in the attitudes, values and competencies needed for a life of Christian service and social consciousness.
CRITERIA
- Those responsible for the governance and growth of the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School assure that the policies and procedures dealing with personnel and students reflect Gospel care and justice.
- The educational program of the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School provides special attention to the formation of social consciousness rooted in Gospel values and the social teaching of the Catholic Church.
- The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School encourages all members of the school community to be engaged in service programs that reach out to the poor and marginalized.
SIXTH CALL
THE CALL TO VALUE AND SUPPORT THE DIGNITY AND SELF WORTH OF THOSE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE CHURCH'S MINISTRY OF EDUCATION.
THE CALL TO VALUE AND SUPPORT THE DIGNITY AND SELF WORTH OF THOSE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE CHURCH'S MINISTRY OF EDUCATION.
SIXTH GOAL
Recognizing that the ideals of a Xaverian education are realized through the dedication and talents of all school personnel, the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School will devote the attention and resources needed for the personal and professional development of teachers and support staff.
CRITERIA
- The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School selects teachers and support staff on the basis of their professional competencies; their ability to influence students in a positive way; and, their willingness to be involved actively in the Church's ministry of education.
- The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School involves teachers and staff in decisions affecting the mission of the school and others areas that affect them.
- The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School invites and enables teachers and staff to share the stewardship for the mission of the school by providing needed formational programs which assist them to understand its educational ministry and supports them in this important work.
- The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School supports teachers in their mastery of teaching by means of a growth-oriented program of teacher supervision and assessment.
- The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School institutes policies for the supervision and assessment of the non-teaching staff that acknowledges their contribution and promotes growth.
- The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School supports the personal and professional growth of the staff by means of a holistic program of staff development.
Saint John's High School
Saint John’s High School has educated young men under the sponsorship of the Xaverian Brothers since 1898. Through the Saint John’s strong college preparatory curriculum, over 900 students in grades seven through twelve pursue personal and intellectual growth in an environment that is committed to the development of the whole person and recognizes a moral dimension of life through service to God and to others.