By Owen Phelps, Ph.D.
Director, Yeshua Institute
I have a friend and colleague with a remarkable leadership track record who says when it comes to values, he likes to keep it simple.
In over 50 years of priesthood, this man has distinguished himself in pastoral, diocesan and community leadership. And at over 80 years of age, he’s still going strong – continuing to provide a regular schedule of counseling services and to serve on a variety of charitable and civic boards.
We’re truly blessed to have him on our Yeshua Institute’s board of directors. His name is Father David Beauvais.
Some months ago we were talking over breakfast and our conversation came around to the matter of values. How do individuals and organizations identify and manifest their values as they pursue their missions and visions?
Our own Yeshua Institute has six values to which it holds fast as we try to help Catholics become better leaders at home, at work, in our parishes and in our communities.
With typical simplicity, Father Dave says he likes to keep it simple – subscribing to just three values to try to stay on track as he continues to serve his church and humanity. I asked him to list them, which he was happy to do:
- honesty;
- humility; and,
- gratitude.
There are a legion of people in northern Illinois – people of all faiths and no faith at all -- who will testify to the power of these three basic values to enhance their lives because they are embodied in the life of a Catholic priest.
What are your values? Have you identified them? Are you living them?
MEET FR. BEAUVAIS IN SHORT VIDEOS:
Veteran priest talks about building community
What are biggest challenges facing priests in parish ministry?
Veteran priest offers tips for pastors
Priest explains the value of our work
Priests should engage wider community