Vision, Mission, and Core Values
Our Vision: Guided by our Catholic tradition, we will serve as a bastion of truth, beauty, and goodness for all students, reflecting the light of Christ in all that we do.
Our vision statement emphasizes our deep commitment to upholding the core values of the Catholic faith. By stating "guided by our Catholic tradition," HCHS ensures that our mission and activities are firmly rooted in the teachings and wisdom of the Church. As a "bastion of truth, beauty, and goodness," we aim to create an environment where these ideals are not only taught but lived out, fostering a holistic education that nurtures the intellectual, moral, and spiritual development of our students. The phrase "reflecting the light of Christ in all that we do" specifically highlights the role of the faculty and staff, emphasizing their responsibility to embody and model Christ-like virtues in their interactions, teachings, and daily responsibilities. This vision underscores our commitment to forming students who are guided by the example set by their educators, preparing them to be virtuous leaders in society.
Our Mission: To educate and form young men and women who will live faithfully, think critically, speak truthfully, and act justly.
Our mission statement emphasizes the dual focus of education and spiritual formation of our students. "To educate and form” highlights not only the academic rigor but also the moral and spiritual development integral to our mission. “Live faithfully" highlights the school's commitment to nurturing a deep and enduring relationship with God, grounded in Catholic tradition and values. "Think critically" aligns with the classical curriculum's focus on developing logic, reasoning, and discernment, encouraging students to engage deeply with complex ideas. "Speak truthfully" reflects the importance of integrity and the pursuit of truth, which are central to both Catholic teaching and classical education. Finally, "act justly" connects faith to action, emphasizing social responsibility and the moral obligation to work for the common good. The mission of Holy Cross High School seamlessly blends faith formation, intellectual growth, and moral development, embodying the holistic approach of Catholic education while resonating with the timeless principles of classical learning.
Our Core Values:
Justice - iustitia
Prudence - prudentia
Temperance - temperantia
Fortitude - fortitudo
We have selected the cardinal virtues as our core values. The cardinal virtues are foundational principles in Christian moral teaching, and are essential for living a virtuous life. Justice is the commitment to fairness and giving each person their due, ensuring right relationships with others and society. Prudence is the virtue of wise decision-making, guiding individuals to discern the best course of action in any situation by considering moral principles and practical realities. Temperance involves self-control and moderation, helping individuals to balance desires and pleasures in a way that fosters true happiness and moral integrity. Fortitude is the courage to face challenges and endure difficulties with steadfastness, enabling individuals to uphold their moral convictions even in the face of adversity. Together, these virtues form the cornerstone of ethical living, guiding individuals toward moral excellence and the flourishing of both personal and communal life.