Re-igniting the Spirit of Mercy: “Reverence” Core Values Training 2011

Instructions To view this presentation please go to “Slide Show” then click on “View Show.” At the end of this presentation you will be asked to answer three questions. Please submit your answers to Mike Gendreau at gendreaum@mercy.com

What are Core Values? “Core Values are those vital few values that all members of the organization are expected to use, live by and demonstrate on a daily basis while executing their work responsibilities.”

Mercy’s Core Values Reverence for each Person Excellence Community Justice Commitment to the Poor Stewardship Courage Integrity

Our values are influenced by the following sources: Gospels of Jesus: Read Luke 13:10-17 Catholic Tradition and Social Teaching: “The human person is the clearest reflection of God’s presence in the world; all the Church’s work in pursuit of both justice and peace is designed to protect and promote the dignity of every person. For each person not only reflects God, but is the expression of God’s creative work…” (Challenge of Peace #15) Catherine McAuley: “In the care of the sick, great tenderness above all.” Sisters of Mercy: “Through direct service and through our influence we seek to relieve misery, to address its causes and to support all persons who struggle for full dignity.”

Our first Core Value is Reverence

A Reflection on Reverence Please click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKjdLqlwz0c

A few definitions: Webster’s dictionary: “Honor or respect felt or shown; a gesture of respect, such as a bow.” Book of Genesis: “every human person is created in the image and likeness of God.” Catherine McAuley: “We strive to witness to mercy when we reverence the dignity of each person…we allow others to be what they are and who they are.” Catholic Bishops: “When we deal with each other, we should do so with the sense of awe that arises in the presence of something holy and sacred. For that is what human beings are.” A Mercy employee: “Treat other people the way you want to be treated.”

We define “Reverence” in this way: “We believe that every person is a manifestation of the sacredness of Human Life”

Some Examples of Reverence Shows respect and consideration for each person Accepts people’s differences Honors other’s privacy Says “please” and “thank you” and “excuse me” Uses eye contact Greets people in the hallways Clearly communicates concerns with those directly involved. Talks directly to people without gossiping or spreading rumors Addresses misunderstandings Acts patiently when asked questions Returns calls and emails

Reverence The following slides contain questions for you to answer. Please forward your responses to Mike Gendreau at: gendreaum@mercyme.com Review the quotes on the next slide, take a few minutes to reflect on what reverence means to you. Write your definition of “Reverence.” Who has helped you cultivate a sense of reverence for life and the natural world? Where in your daily work have you seen or not seen the core value of reverence practiced?

Quotes for Question #1  Nothing is insignificant, and everything worthy of respect and care. Nothing is second-class. What God has made is of value. — Paula D'Arcy I cannot but have reverence for all that is called life. I cannot avoid compassion for everything that is called life. That is the beginning and foundation of morality. — Albert Schwietzer I know to love is to respect. And reverence is the nature of my love. — Thich Nhat Hanh Let everything you touch be treated as if it were as precious as the altar vessels. Whenever you handle any equipment or any person, be reverent. Be full of care with everything entrusted to you. Everything you touch or see, everyone for whom you have responsibility, is to be viewed as something cherished by God, and thus to be cherished by you. — Norvene Vest

Thank you for the many contributions you make to creating an environment of Reverence at Mercy