The Spiritual Reality of Human Life

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, grant you a spirit of wisdom and insight to know him clearly. (Ephesians 1:17)

The human person is created in the image of God and every person is called into a relationship with God now and for eternity.

Catholic organizations and institutions recognize the inherent dignity of all people. We recognize that God is at the center of all we do. We celebrate God's presence in the sacraments especially the Eucharist which is an integral part of Catholic spiritual life.

Catholics believe that every aspect of a persons life work, family, community may be a source of spiritual growth and fulfillment. Staff members of Catholic institutions, including those who are not Catholic, acknowledge and respect our Catholic identity and mission. Recipients of Catholic services recognize the distinctly Catholic character of these institutions.
As a result all of the people that Catholic organizations serve, even those who do not share our Catholic faith, are invited to deepen their relationship with God. In this way Catholic organizations and institutions offer every person the opportunity for living, working and growing spiritually.

How Do Catholic Organizations Recognize the Spiritual Reality of Human Life?

For Institutional Reflection
1. In what concrete ways is the spiritual aspect of life portrayed in our institution or organization?
2. What opportunities exist for Catholics in our organization to celebrate the Eucharist or other sacraments together?
3. How does our organization provide opportunities for staff, clients, patients, students, members and volunteers to pray together? Is there time and space available for prayer and spiritual reflection during the normal routine of the day?
4. In what ways does our institution encourage patients, clients, students and others that we serve on a daily basis to pursue a deeper relationship with God? How can we expand upon this?
5. How are religious holidays respected?
6. How does our institution demonstrate respect for the religious beliefs of other people? How effective is our outreach to people who feel alienated from the Church?
7. What role does faith have in the decisions of our organization?
8. How does our institution deal with behavior that is opposed to Catholic ethical and moral teachings, e.g. gossip, lying, cheating, jealousy, sexist behavior and inappropriate language?
9. In what ways does our organization deal with conflict, anger and resentment? How do we promote and encourage reconciliation and forgiveness?

For Personal Reflection
1. How am I seeking a deeper relationship with God in my life? Should I be doing more?
2. How do I see myself personally as the image of God? Can I see the image of God in others?
3. How are my work and the work of this organization a source of spiritual growth?