Three virtues which give focus to our covenant community are set forth in the sacred scriptures.

"Make hospitality your special care." (Romans 12:13). To know and care about each other, to share a deep sense of belonging, to welcome the stranger - these are the Christ-like qualities of an hospitable community. "The person who welcomes you, welcomes me." (Matthew 10:40);

"Become holy yourself in every aspect of your conduct, after the likeness of the Holy One who called you." (1 Peter 1:15). Our covenant community is summoned to a passionate belief in the possibility of that holiness. Longing for a more complete fidelity to the Lord is itself a gift. "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill." (Matthew 5:6)

"Set out into the deep." (Luke 5:4) The spirituality of our covenant community is nourished and expressed in three fundamental ways - full, active participation in the Liturgy, spiritual growth for life through small group participation, and engaging in ministries of spiritual growth.

Saint Peter reminds us that a Christian is a steward of the grace of God. "As generous stewards of God's manifold grace, put your gifts at the service of one another, each in the measure he has received." (1 Peter 4:10) Saint Paul instructed the early Christians, "People should regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." (1 Cor. 4:1) We express our sense of stewardship in three fundamental ways: a universal sense of ministry, works of justice and charity, and sacrificial giving in support of the Lord's work.

Universal Sense of Ministry: Each Confirmed member of our Community is blessed by God with an ability to fulfill the mission of the Church in some way. Our commitment as a Community is to assist in calling forth, developing and, often, coordinating these many gifts for fulfilling the Father's dream for humanity, the Kingdom of God. Each member deserves to know and thank God for the gifts he or she has received and should prayerfully discern how his or her time and talent can be employed to fulfill God's purposes.

Justice and Charity: Jesus tells us that we will be judged by our response to those in need. "Come, you have my Father's blessing: Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me; naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you comforted me; in prison and you came to visit me." (Matthew 25:34-36) Our Social Concerns Ministry is charged with the special responsibility of keeping the whole Community aware of our duties toward the oppressed, the poor and the needy.

Sacrificial Giving: Jesus was untouched by those "who make contributions out of their surplus" (Luke 21:4), but praised the widow who gave from her substance. Her giving meant a sacrifice, which is also what the Father asks of us - to return a sacrificial portion of His many gifts to us so that the work of His Son may continue upon this earth. "Everyone must give according to what he has inwardly decided; not sadly, not grudgingly, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Cor. 9:7)