Charisms

School Year 24-25: The Year of Determination

Acts 5:41

"The Apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer because of the name [of Jesus]."

This year we focus on the Determination to follow Jesus and be faithful to Him, especially when it is difficult and when He invites us to share in the suffering of His Passion.

Suffering and rejoicing are often seen as conflicting experiences. But for the Apostles, and for many early Christians, suffering was a sign that they were being faithful to Jesus Christ and His teachings, and therefore was cause for great joy.

This year, we will focus on cultivating the Determination that allows us to persevere in suffering and transforms that suffering into an opportunity for great joy.

Seton Catholic Preparatory instills in its students the charisms, or spiritual gifts, gained from the life of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: COURAGE, DETERMINATION, FAITH and LOVE. Each school year, we focus on a single charism, integrating it in all we do, from our Sentinel Summit All School Retreat to Christian service and retreats to the classroom across the curriculum. This way, the freshman through senior year Seton Catholic experience explores all of the charisms. These spiritual gifts are what set our students apart and guide them to not only become leaders, but to inspire others.

When an individual embraces these charisms, they will help guide their decisions and actions throughout life. When these four charisms are interwoven with the knowledge gained from a Seton Catholic education, there is no stopping the potential for our graduates in what they can achieve.

Determination

The quality of having a “firmness of purpose.” Having determination is being a witness to Christ and following after Him regardless of the difficulty, distraction, discouragement, or resistance that might be encountered.

Courage

The “virtue of bravery in facing difficulties, especially in overcoming the fear of consequences in doing good.” One exemplifies moral courage and is a witness to pursuing a Christian moral course, regardless of the possibility of incurring disapproval, contempt or even public shame.

Faith

“The assent of the mind to what God has revealed” and living up to what we profess. One who exemplifies faith lives a Catholic sacramental life of prayer and ministry at school, at the parish, and in public.

Love

“The selfless love of another for that person’s own sake.” One who exemplifies love shows a genuine Christ-like love for others. This love is more sacrificial in nature, going beyond simply being nice or pleasant, to instead acting for the well-being of others without regard for self-benefit.