Mercy Values
St Joseph’s Primary School is a Christ-centred learning community founded in the Mercy tradition. It invites us to take up the challenge – one that encourages us to develop fully our own God given talents.
At the same time, it enkindles within us a desire to assist others, so that they too
‘may have life, and have it to the full’ John 10:10
The vision and mission of the School serve to promote the dignity and uniqueness of each human person. Their aim is to foster the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, physical and social wellbeing of all members of the School community within a safe, healthy, caring and sustainable environment.
St Joseph’s seeks to live out the following Mercy Values which underpin all that takes place at the School:
Mercy is defined as empathy or love that manifests itself in action that is practical and thoughtful, warm and open, respectful and enabling. The value of mercy is inextricably linked to compassion, justice, dignity, excellence, hospitality, stewardship.
Mercy … not only bestows benefits, but receives and pardons again and again …. Catherine McAuley
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15
Compassion is a non-judgmental understanding of another’s need, which results in unselfish giving to meet that need.
Let charity be our badge of honour … so that it may truly be said, there is in us but one heart and one soul in God.
Catherine McAuley
As God’s Chosen ones, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.
First Letter of Paul to the Colossians 3:12
Justice is the treatment of each person with fairness in relation to the equality of all, and the maintenance of a balanced and fair relationship with self and all members of the community.
Never speak with contempt of any nation, profession, or class of people … Catherine McAuley
Walk in the way of righteousness along the path of justice. Proverbs 8:20
Dignity is the treatment of each person with respect and the recognition of their inherent value and worth.
Now and again bestow some praise. Catherine McAuley
So always treat others as you would like them to treat you.
Matthew 7:12
Excellence is the state of achievement of the highest possible standards.
There is nothing of greater importance than the perfect discharge of our ordinary duties. Catherine McAuley
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Hospitality is the creation of a welcoming, open, inclusive and respectful environment for all individuals, through word and deed.
A good beginning is of great importance. You must waste some time with visitors. Catherine McAuley
Welcome one another just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Letter of Paul to the Romans 15:7
Stewardship is the grateful and responsible celebration of the sacred gifts God has given us to do the work he is calling us to do.
We can never say ‘It is enough’ Catherine McAuley
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
2 Corinthians 9:6
Service is the exercising and ministry of leadership in order to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
If we are humble and sincere God will finish in us the work he has begun. Catherine McAuley
Serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.
First Letter of Peter 4:10
All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honour, duty, mercy, hope. Winston Churchill