In 2020, the bicentenary of the foundation of the FCJ Society, Sr Barbara Brown-Graham fcJ, Leader of Australia, launched The Characteristics of Catholic Education in the FCJ Tradition document. The purpose was to provide a framework for FCJ college communities in Australia in the 21st Century to contextualise three critical faith and spiritual ‘stories’ which are fundamental to Catholic Education in the Faithful Companions of Jesus tradition:
- The enduring story – Jesus, his life and ministry and values of the Gospel.
- The expressive story – the story and the values expressed in the prophetic response of the foundress, Marie Madeleine d’Houët, recorded in her Memoirs and in the living of the Faithful Companions of Jesus Society (FCJ Society). Throughout her life Marie Madeleine experienced and embraced Ignatian spirituality.
- The evolving story – how to work courageously with these legacies in an interpretive manner that carries them forward to create a renewed contemporary expression of the FCJ spirit and charism. The story evolves as the world and society changes.
“An FCJ college’s identity is expressed in a distinctive way inspired by the Gospel and true to Marie Madeleine’s founding ideal. … [All involved in FCJ education] are called to lead those connected with the colleges towards authentically Christian living, marked by dedicated service, committed to truth and justice and underpinned by hope and faithfulness”.
The culture of a faith—based community of an FCJ college seeks to be characterised specifically by:
- Companionship
- Gentleness
- Justice
- Courage & Confidence