Notre Dame College

2023 College Theme

 

To Seek, To See, To Respond

The motto “To Seek, To See, To Respond” displays not only an action but a way of discernment that can apply to everyday decisions and decisions that require more in depth thought. “Those who seek; see. Those who See, Respond.”^f

This process of discernment from the motto can be broken down into three parts.

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To Seek

Make a Search or Inquiry

“So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks,

the door will be opened.”

Luke 11:9-13

During the process of searching, we are encouraged to open our eyes, and our hearts to the lord, to be like Jesus and help those around us. We are called to work in harmony with Jesus, and as lay Catholics we are called to connect our faith with Social Action^a. This connection is first identifying where we are called to action and where our actions can benefit all around us. Realising the need for a wider community, within which each makes their contribution every day toward the common good.^b Young people are not meant to become discouraged; they are meant to dream great things, to seek vast horizons, to aim higher, to take on the world, to accept challenges and to offer the best of themselves to the building of something even better. Pope Francis constantly urges young people not to let themselves be robbed of hope; to each of them I repeat: “Let no one despise your youth.” (1 Tim 4:12^)c

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To See

Discern after reflection in light of the Gospel

“Trust in the Lord, with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

To See is to enlighten our path; our journey to action. The Gospels enlighten our actions and are a light on our path (cf. Ps 119:105). Discerning in the light of the Gospels requires us to evaluate and ask ourselves, ‘What Would Jesus Do? (WWJD)’. This is achieved through prayer and listening, which calls us to hear the word of Christ, hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to us, and reflect on what God wants us to do.

God calls us to seek; to know and love God with all our strength^d and with all our hearts as we place our full trust in the Lord, journeying for action.

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To Respond

Act in response to your observations

Stand firm in the faith, be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

To respond with actions that have been enlightened by the gospels, we are all called to let our light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (cf. Mt 5:16).

Pope Francis encapsulates this call to response by saying, “This, then, is your great challenge: to respond to the crippling refrains of cultural consumerism with thoughtful and firm decisions, with research, knowledge and sharing.”^c  

In the Letter of James, the author speaks of a need for ‘faith in action’; that we must do more than just believe, we must also act.

 

 

 

A.   See Judge Act: Catholic Social Teaching and Service

      Author: Erin M. Brigham

      Year: 2014 (revised version)

B.   Gaudium et Spes – Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the modern world

      Author: Pope Paul VI

      Year: 1965

C.   Christus Vivit – A Letter to Young People

      Author: Pope Francis

      Year: 2019

D.   Catechism of the Catholic Church (cf. CCC 1)

      Second Edition 

E.   Laudato Si’ - Care for our common home

      Author: Pope Francis

      Year: 2015

F.   Lumen Fidei – To the Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, Consecrated Persons, and the Lay             Faithful on Faith