How to: Live the Mission

“LIVING THE MISSION” does not require grand gestures, says Christopher Fuller, Holy Family’s vice president of mission integration. “One need only make small, consistent choices,” he explains.

In his role, Fuller seeks out ways to further intertwine the school’s mission and motto; its core values of family, service, and responsibility; and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth’s teachings about loving relationships into every aspect of the University. “Our alumni frequently tell us how much their time here shaped them and how it continues to do so after graduation,” he says.

On campus or off, these tenets come to life in actions that prioritize the holistic well-being— spiritual, intellectual, and physical—of everyone, regardless of their background or faith, and help build and strengthen compassionate relationships with others.

Fuller offers some practical ways to incorporate those ideas into every day:

• Instead of rushing through tasks, slow down, make eye contact, and truly listen to the person in front of you.
• Send an “I thought of you” message via email or a card to a family member, friend, or coworker.
• Advocate for the inclusion of those whose voices are missing at the table, especially regarding important family or workplace decisions.
• Be generous with understanding and support, especially when burdens are weighing someone down.
• Be a consistently warm and compassionate presence, ensuring every member of your different communities—your family, your friends, your colleagues, and so on—feels welcomed, respected, and supported from the moment they enter your space.