ENRICH YOUR SPIRIT: OUR MISSION & VALUES
We are Catholic college-preparatory community, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, that educates our diverse student body to build a more just, joyful and sustainable world.
Our educational mission is rooted in our Catholic heritage. We believe the most important thing we can do for our students is to instill a strong set of values – faith, community, and character. Our success is built on the partnership of students, staff, parents, the community, and the Diocese of Oakland. Through our academic, spiritual, and co-curricular programs, our graduates develop into exceptional people, communicating Christ to others and enriching society by demonstrating Gospel values in how they live their lives.
OUR CHARISM
Finding God in All Things
A “charism” is a gift of the Holy Spirit and a set of spiritually inspired core values. At O’Dowd, our inclusive charism of “Finding God in All Things” calls us to: community in diversity, strength of character, academic excellence, kinship with creation, social justice, and joy.
Each year, school administrators and student leaders strive to enliven, challenge and animate the O’Dowd community with the spirituality and values of our charism. While giving preference to Catholics, we welcome students of all faiths who both embrace and contribute to our mission.
COMMUNITY IN DIVERSITY
Recognizing the inherent dignity of all humans, attuned to the real world experience of difference and the shared experience of being human
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Purposeful pursuit of knowledge in a process of self-development and in service to the common good.
KINSHIP WITH CREATION
Practices that care for God's creation as a sign of our love for God and neighbor.
STRENGTH OF CHARACTER
Integrity with self and others built on truth and expressed in loving action guided by an informed conscience.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Responsible to stand in solidarity with the marginalized and to work for a more equitable society.
JOY
Passionate appreciation of the infinite love of God, of self, of others, and of the gift of life.