The Identity of Catholic Institutions

The body is one and has many members, but all members, many though they are, are one body.(1 Corinthians 12:12)
The Roman Catholic Church is a mosaic with many individual pieces: some large, some small, some highly visible, some nearly concealed. All are members of the Body of Christ joined together by Baptism and nourished through the Eucharist. All contribute to Gods glory and reflect the universal values of the Catholic Church. All help to reveal Christ to the world calling every person to encounter the Triune God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Central to the identity of the Catholic Church and her institutions is respect for the dignity of the human person. Catholics believe that human life is sacred from conception to natural death and should be valued as a gift from God. This primary value shows forth in the actions of Catholic institutions and organizations regardless of their mission. Catholic institutions and organizations acknowledge this fundamental respect for human dignity through attentiveness to five essential realities of the human person:

• Spiritual
• Communal
• Educational
• Institutional
• Service

 Catholics are not alone in our attentiveness to many of these realities, but a truly Catholic organization needs to respect all of them in some manner. This is the essence of Catholic identity.

How Do Catholic Organizations Demonstrate Respect for the Dignity of Human Life?

For Institutional Reflection
1. In what ways does our organization value staff, volunteers, members and benefactors as persons as well as providers of services?

2. How does our institution promote the good of people and not just the institution itself?

3. Do our employees, members, students and volunteers provide appropriate care to all in need? In what ways can we improve?

4. How does our institution respect the human rights of all people equally?

5. How does our organization work toward the removal of hatred and bigotry in society? What other strategies could we use to work toward this goal?

6. In what ways are individuals and families, who are influenced by our institution or organization, encouraged to show respect for the sacred value of human life from its very beginning until its end?

7. How does our organization promote the Gospel?

For Personal Reflection
1. How do I display my respect for the dignity of all human life?

2. Am I aware of my own personal prejudices? Do I treat all people fairly and with respect?

3. How do I show my regard for the value of all people in themselves rather than treat them as objects to be used for my own gain or promotion?