Spirituality
Spirituality defines one’s whole way of life. As such, spirituality can be defined as a way of being, seeing and acting.
What is distinctive about Christian spirituality is that is it a way of being, seeing and acting that has its source in, and takes its inspiration from, the person and vision of Jesus Christ. It is therefore a spirituality that has its source in our communion with God, and is forged in communion with others and with all of creation. It is a spirituality of relationships.
Characteristics of a Catholic Christian spirituality also include:
- A belief in the Trinity as the model of communion between people
- A commitment to liturgy, especially the Eucharist, communal and personal prayer
- A spirit of collaboration
- An ecumenical commitment to unity
- An inclusive attitude to the world
- A readiness to dialogue with all people of good will
- A passion for social justice and human rights
- A view of the natural environment as God’s creation to be loved and cared for
Catholics understand the world as the meeting place between God’s purposes and human hopes. This view has that God’s Holy Spirit is already in the world and embraces the need to dialogue with all people of good will. These are features of a spirituality of communion and are vital aspects of the Church’s mission in the world.
This spirituality calls each Catholic to:
- Deepen our understanding of the person and vision of Jesus Christ.
- Build Communion with God, our brothers and sisters within the Christian community and all people of good will.
- Engage in Christ’s Mission by bringing the Gospel alive in the everyday circumstances of our world.