Franciscan Values
Value for 2008-2009: Peace
The College & the Franciscan Tradition
About Francis & Clare
Prayers
Come and explore the Franciscan heritage and spirit at Silver Lake College, one of 23 Franciscan colleges and universities in the United States! This Franciscan heritage and spirit flow from the person of St. Francis and the religious community of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity who founded and sponsor the College.
Each year the college chooses an important value as taught by St. Francis as the year-long focus of the college community. These values include:
- COMMUNITY
- COMPASSION
- PEACEMAKING
- REVERENCE FOR CREATION
This academic year the Silver Lake College community is invited to explore the Franciscan quality of joy. Joy is the result of a unified vision; of a common focus on our mission, of a conviction that we are dependent on each other, those of our culture and those of other cultures, as the reality with which we must work to transform society. It is precisely in the acceptance of limitations that interdependence, community, justice and stewardship are born. With hope in spite of obstacles, with trust as we seek to overcome them, we find Franciscan joy in the bonding together that results from our common struggle to build the Kingdom.
Personal Reflection
Joy comes from within each of us. It is the culmination of the Franciscan values. If all the values are truly lived, joy permeates all that we are and do. Joy can reveal itself at Silver Lake College as we strive to achieve a unified vision of the mission of the College. We share joy when we appreciate the gifts and talents of each person. Joy is found in the bondedness of striving to build the Kingdom. We can seek to embrace the immediate moment, concentrating on the beauty and promise of the "now", while trying to lessen the worries about tomorrow. This practice will also enhance our attitude of thankfulness and the blessings of the day. Sometimes our joy is clouded by regrets and of personal failures or our failures to forgive others. Leaving to forgive can free us from the illusions of both control and victimization. How can I, personally, be a person of joy? Daily there are situations where it is important to accept differences of opinion, or opportunities to empathize with those who struggle to achieve. As a member of the college learning community can I help to alleviate the sufferings of the poor, the downtrodden, the underprivileged, wherever they are occurring.
Prayer
God, you have called me to joy. You are, indeed, the source and cause of all delight. Blessed be your holy name, for the gift of this world in all its splendor! Blessed be your holy name for creating me, not for sorrow and suffering, but for joy! Blessed be my life - may it burst forth in joy for you and for all those whom I meet! Amen.
