The THREE DYNAMIC CORE VALUES of the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters Schools System represent our deeply held beliefs and serve as the fundamental driving force of our behavior, as well as our guide to decision-making.

These are:

1. UNIFYING INTERDEPENDENCE;
2. LIVING FAITH; and
3. LIFE-GIVING SERVICE.

These will characterize who we are and what we stand for in the society and in the world as co-journeyers.

The guiding principle in forming the children that as they grow in age, they should also grow in wisdom and in grace in the Franciscan spirit may be lived out through these three dynamic core values:

GROWING IN AGE

Infants and children are totally dependent on others for their survival, including love and emotional support. Children are normally self-centered; their world is all about their needs. As they grow in age, they become less dependent and more independent. As they transition to adults and mature emotionally, they grow to be interdependent.

Interdependent relationship is when people value each other and take equal responsibility for mutual support. It thrives through clear communication and empathy. Learning to be more interdependent in relationships can help people feel more secure and responsible to one another. Thus, the formation towards UNIFYING INTERDEPENDENCE is essential as students grow in age.

GROWING IN WISDOM

Wisdom begins with knowledge. One cannot have wisdom without knowledge, but can have knowledge without wisdom. Wisdom goes beyond knowing information or facts; it is the ability to use knowledge in a profound way and making sense of the knowledge learned. Wisdom is the combination of knowledge and character. More specifically, wisdom is one’s knowledge of the Truth combined with one’s ability to live the Truth. Like, having the knowledge of the gospel values combined with the strength of character to live out those values.

The more knowledge one develops about the Truth and the more one develops his/her character practicing that knowledge, the more wisdom one gains. Knowledge, understanding and wisdom all comes from God, but they come through education and experience.

Knowing and understanding one’s faith and learning to apply it in life’s choices and decision-making, one gains wisdom. Thus, formation towards a LIVING FAITH will facilitate growth in wisdom.

GROWING IN GRACE

To grow in grace is to remain connected with the true source of all good – the Triune God. Close relationship with God through prayer and sacraments will sustain our life in the Spirit. This awareness of the abiding presence of God will also bring one closer to others.

In gratitude for all graces received, one can give to others. God has gifted each one out of love, so every act of giving should be acts of love, too. In this way, sharing to others will be life-giving. One’s service to others must be motivated by what is good for them, not by what one will receive in return. Formation towards a LIFE-GIVING SERVICE is a way of growing in grace.

Thus the formation towards:

1. UNIFYING INTERDEPENDENCE is essential as students GROW IN AGE;
2. LIVING FAITH will facilitate GROWTH IN WISDOM;
3. LIFE-GIVING SERVICE is a way of GROWING IN GRACE.