Essential Elements

Blessed Edmund was given the grace to respond to the call of Jesus by identifying with Christ in the poor. His example evoked a deep awareness of God's loving presence in all with whom he came in contact. He awakened within them a consciousness of their dignity as children of God. He invited his followers to share his gospel insight and empowered them to reach out to the needy, especially the materially poor.

The life of Blessed Edmund Rice - businessman, husband, father, widower, religious brother, teacher, and founder. He challenges all involved in Christian Brother education to live and teach gospel values in today's world. His charism inspires the Essential Elements of a Christian Brother Education:

Edmund Rice was moved by the Holy Spirit to open his whole heart to Christ present and appealing to him in the poor (1984 General Chapter).

EVANGELIZE YOUTH WITHIN THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH

PROCLAIM AND WITNESS TO ITS CATHOLIC IDENTITY

give priority to religious instruction with opportunities for faith formation and theological understanding
participate in the sacramental life of the Church and models a living faith through the prominent use of rituals and symbols
foster devotion to Mary and the communion of saints
ensures that Catholic identity permeates all endeavours, all classes and activities, procedures and policies, services and programs

STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH THOSE MARGINALIZED BY POVERTY & INJUSTICE

promote policies and structures that reflect a climate of compassion for the disadvantaged
include education and advocacy for peace, justice, global awareness, and care for the earth
prepare students to work towards the creation of a just society
encourage ministries that work with and serve the poor and marginalized
support mission areas at home and abroad
establish tuition and scholarship policies that open its education to the poor and disadvantaged

FOSTER AND INVIGORATE A COMMUNITY OF FAITH

provide a disciplined, safe atmosphere in which students are free to grow and to take responsibility for their own learning and for the life of the community
sustain compassionate, respectful relationships among all stakeholders
encourage faculty and staff to give daily witness to their integral role in communal faith formation
embrace the human condition and welcome God’s healing

CELEBRATE THE VALUE AND DIGNITY OF EACH PERSON & NURTURE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHOLE PERSON

promote respect for each individual as created in the image and likeness of God
value the diversity of the human family and seek to reflect local diversity among the students, faculty, and staff
promote strong programs of personal, professional, and pastoral care
offer co-curricular activities and programs that are important to students’ holistic education.
strive to provide just remuneration for faculty and staff

CALL FOR COLLABORATION AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MISSION

PURSUE EXCELLENCE IN ALL ENDEAVOURS

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81. The Essential Elements Album

"These songs have been used to unveil new buildings, say goodbye to grads, and bring our community together at masses. The elements that were so vague as a high school kid finally had embodied meaning and were brought to life through music."

71. Essential Elements Paintings

"It is my hope that these paintings, a visual reminder of our daily call to action, can help advance the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice and strengthen our faith personally and as a community."

70. Pursue Excellence in All Endeavours

While our boys’ achievements at graduation are worthy of praise and celebration, we also reflect upon and note their acts of kindness and generosity that we witness on a daily basis.

69. Collaborate and Share Responsibility for the Mission

The willingness to share responsibility for our Mission, coupled with the can-do attitude of generations of parents, alumni, and staff, have enabled VC to accomplish so much more than we would do with a more traditional approach.

68. Celebrate the Value & Dignity of Each Person and Nurture the Development of the Whole Person

It is in the whole and holistic yet diverse community that Vancouver College is able to celebrate and value each person’s inherent dignity.

67. Foster and Invigorate a Community of Faith

Be it through our daily religion classes, prayer, liturgies, retreats, or outreach, every day at Vancouver College, our community of faith is fostered and invigorated.

66. Stand In Solidarity with Those Marginalized by Poverty and Injustice

Student experiences in the service of those marginalized by poverty and injustice are true capstones of a VC education. The ultimate expression of our Better Man aspirations lies in these opportunities as we equip our boys with the awareness, skills, and faith, to truly make a difference in our world.

65. Proclaim and Witness to Our Catholic Identity

Not a day goes by that we do not witness one of our teachers, coaches, educational assistants, volunteers or chaplains demonstrating over and over again how to live a moral and just life, how to genuinely proclaim and witness to our Catholic identity.

64. Evangelize Youth Within the Mission of the Church

One of the most difficult things for us to measure at Vancouver College is how effective we are in evangelizing our boys within the Church’s mission. It is a result of these moments when they behave in deeply empathetic and Christlike ways, without anyone watching, that we know we are on the right track.

4. Who is Blessed Edmund Rice?

Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice was the founder of two religious Congregations of teaching Brothers: The Presentation Brothers (FPM) and the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers (CFC).

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