Formation: IntentionallyPassing on Mercy Culture

Why Formation?

• To enhance individual purpose and meaning• Why we do what we do – response to our call to SERVE

• To strengthen the ministry• With whom - Join with others in Community• Bonded together by Mission, Vision and Values

• To assure fidelity to what it means to be MERCY• How we do this – Build a culture • We identify abiding convictions• We strive to shape service and sustain Community

What is Formation?

Academic Definition:

• An ongoing process that develops knowledge, skills and behaviors consistent with our Catholic/Christian and Mercy identity, and which fosters growth in, and commitment to, the mission, values and abiding convictions of Mercy.

What is Formation?

Experiential – Process definition:

Formation involves prayer, study, reflection, sharing & action in the context of the following…

• My Story (life lessons, education, etc.) and

• Our Story(Mercy heritage and tradition)within

• THE Story (Life/Ministry of Jesus)

What do we mean when we say “Hospitality”?

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What do we mean when we say “ministry”?

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• People of all faiths and cultures are welcomed

• We are a Christian organization

• We are a ministry of the Catholic Church

• Our ministry was founded by the Sisters of Mercy

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What do people expect?

• Why did Jesus teach?

• What did it mean to those who were present?

• What do people in our community experience through our teaching?

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• Think of a time when you were in need of some information and/or “teaching?”

• Was there someone who stepped forward and touched your life in that experience?

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CatherineMcAuley

1778 – 1841

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Catherine’s Last Words Were About Hospitality and Comfort for Others.

“Be sure to have a comfortable cup of tea for them when I am gone.”

What we mean when we say “Core Values”

• Dignity• Justice• Service• Excellence• Stewardship

Dignity

Justice

Excellence

• Bias for Action

• Entrepreneurial

• Hospitality

• Right Relationships

• Fullness of Life

Charism

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Formation suggestions: Participants

• Personal• Faculty/Staff• Students• Board• Parent Groups• Marketing/Communications• Community “Partners” (education,

business)• Community Presentations

Formation suggestions: TOPICS

• Ministry: faith-based; welcoming ALL• What does that mean? Look like in behavior/attitude?• Jesus is model; Catherine McAuley is a disciple• How do we witness the Critical Concerns?

• Personal development regarding role in/with the school

• Decision-making Process• Who are stakeholders? Who is invited to the table?• How do we “message” the DECISION?

• Simple “tools” to demonstrate

THANK YOUFor your gracious service andFor your faithful commitment!

Remember: YOU are the messengers of the message

of God’s MERCY!

Break-Out Groups: Focus

• In light of your own personal learnings, all that you have known and experienced as a member of Mercy Culture, and what we have considered here today,• What are Priority Groups, Key Elements and Possible

Strategies you can name/create for your FORMATION PROGRAMS at your school?