Human and Community Development

Human and Community Development is the philosophy which inspires our lifestyle and pervades the service we extend to one another. A concern for persons and their relationship with others is the core of HCD. It is a philosophy born from the Christian position and the Franciscan emphasis that the natural order of things is to be in relationship. This was first articulated in the 1960’s by S. Virginia Mary Barta, OSF. This philosophy grew out of the urgent and primary need of society to create institutions that provide an environment which makes possible and encourages growth of persons through communal relationships. Today, at Our Lady of the Angels and through our Wheaton Franciscan ministries, HCD has evolved into the following values based behaviors:

• Christian values and gospel witness
• Integration of prayer and action
• Creation of caring community
• Empowerment
• Promotion of peace and justice
• Response to needs
• Shared responsibilities
• Respect for persons