What Makes Catholic Institutions and Organizations Unique?

We recognize that God is at the center of all we do.

Catholic institutions and organizations serve the Church and the world in ways that are distinctly Catholic. This distinctiveness can be seen in the attitudes and actions of the people in the organization whether or not they share the Catholic faith. These distinctions make a Catholic institution or organization recognizable as Catholic.

Think about that for a moment. What does it really mean?

In what ways are Catholic elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities unique?

What makes Catholic Charities different from a government-funded social service agency? What is special about Catholic hospitals or Catholic nursing homes? Are Catholic cemeteries different?

What is unique about the way Catholic institutions and organizations help people? Are Catholic support groups different? Is there something distinctive about Catholic food pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens or outreach programs?

What is different about Catholic youth groups? Catholic young adults? Catholic mens and womens groups? Catholic senior citizens? Catholic professional organizations?

How do organizations in Catholic parishes differ from other community-based groups?

In this booklet, we will have a chance to explore these distinctions. Key elements involving Catholic identity are examined through questions for group discussion and individual reflection. This text is also accompanied by a video.

Think of the booklet and the video as a guide for boards of directors, parish councils, administrative staffs and leadership teams. These resources will be helpful in strategic planning, formulating mission statements, setting policies, making decisions and resolving conflicts. The materials can also be incorporated into orientation sessions, staff or volunteer training workshops, retreats and discussion groups.

The booklet and video are designed to stimulate reflection, dialogue, action and evaluation. Allow them to help staff, students, members, volunteers and benefactors answer the question: What makes a Catholic institution or organization unique?