Compassion, as exemplified in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, calls for the openness necessary to let oneself be touched by another’s life and the courage to reach out in loving service to others. Compassion is the eyes, the ears and hands of Christian charity. It is the heart seeking action. Compassion impels those at Good Counsel to look at life with the eyes of Christ, to suffer with those who suffer, to accompany them and to seek appropriate action to eliminate the sources of suffering. Compassion leads one to a lifestyle rooted in mercy and forgiveness.

Simplicity is another aspect of the Xaverian charism and is rooted in humility, trust of God, zeal for the Church’s ministry of education and compassion. Simplicity frees the heart, the mind and the soul for the work of evangelization and education.

Good Counsel makes simplicity a way of thinking, feeling and acting in order to offset the modern tendencies of materialism and consumerism, which can minimize the spiritual values of God’s kingdom. Good Counsel applies the value of simplicity in all decisions related to the life and mission of the school so that inclusivity of all persons and outreach to the poor and marginalized is upheld.

Programs and activities of the Xaverian Sponsored School educate and form students in Gospel simplicity and responsibility for their neighbor.

The word zeal is traditionally used among the Xaverian Brothers to mean the single-minded devotion to, the ardent enthusiasm for and the intense drive to fulfill the Church’s ministry of education. The Founder’s zeal for the Church’s work of evangelization formed the spirit and charism that the Xaverian Brothers have transmitted to their Sponsored Schools. Furthermore, the renowned zeal for evangelization of St. Francis Xavier led Theodore James Ryken to the select this saint as the patron of the Congregation.

Single-minded devotion to the mission of the Xaverian Sponsorship unifies and strengthens the Xaverian educational ministry. Ardent enthusiasm for the Christian formation of young people increases a person’s desire for personal growth and learning. Intense passion for the more abundant life proclaimed by Jesus Christ inspires and forms the Christian community.