In the mission statement "unity with God" means two things. First, it means that people come together when they share a relationship with God. Love of God finds its highest expression in love of neighbor. Speaking of "unity with God" from this perspective points to a communal value. Community life is enriched when God is present.

Second, "unity with God" also describes the end of a person's journey in faith. In the language of Christian spirituality, people move through three stages of faith. The way of purgation prepares one for the way of illumination, leads at last to union with God.

Purgation means, "to cleanse." In their most honest moments most people acknowledge they have made mistakes in their life. They may have hurt or disappointed someone they love. They may not have lived up to their own expectations. Some may regret how in the past they have acted selfishly or struck out in anger.

The journey to unity with God begins with deep cleansing. This is what forgiveness does. It washes away stains of the past leaving a person fresh and clean ready to begin life again.

Illumination means, "to shine a light." There comes a moment in faith, after cleansing, when a person begins to understand and more fully appreciate who one is as a child of God. A person begins to discern God's purpose in the world. A spiritual light turns on. The journey of faith carries a person from the way of cleansing into a world that shines bright with divine light.

Union with God is the third and final stage of the formative spiritual experience. This is where a person experiences one's full humanity in relationship with God. This stage is characterized by finding great joy in service. The life of a person on the unitive way overflows with grace, love, and peace.

When, in our mission statement, we call people to unity with God, we are inviting them to live a life of intentional faith so they may grow into their full humanity in relationship with God.

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