Inclusion & Belonging

A Community of Believers

The Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School community is a diverse group of board members, endorsers, benefactors, faculty and staff who are united by the belief that all women and men are created by God and that each of us embodies an innate, God-given, dignity. We believe that God created us to love and to serve each other and that we are collectively responsible for the common good. Catholics, and other Christians in our community, trace the roots of these beliefs to the person of Jesus Christ and His teachings in the Gospel. Others in our community may cite different foundations for their own beliefs. Nevertheless, the common conviction to love and to serve unites our minds and hearts.

A Commitment to Action

The Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School community believes that all people deserve to live with the dignity that comes from realizing their God-given potential. We believe that each of us is responsible for ensuring the dignity and welfare of others and that this responsibility extends to all people, without exception, and includes the responsibility to provide options for those who may need assistance. The evidence is overwhelming that quality education improves lives, makes our economy more efficient, and contributes to a more equitable society. 

Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School is governed by an independent Board of Trustees that is responsible for ensuring our faithfulness to the mission of the school. Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School is a Member of the Cristo Rey Network of schools and we comply with all Cristo Rey Network Mission Effectiveness Standards.

A Tradition of Faith

At Cristo Rey Philadelphia, we encourage and support the students’ academic, vocational and spiritual growth regardless of their faith traditions. Our core curriculum includes theology classes in all four years, which incorporate the teaching of Catholic faith and values.  In the course of their studies at Cristo Rey, we open the minds of the students to an appreciation of and respect for all of the major world religions.  All students express and explore their faith and the faiths of their peers together in regular service programs, prayer services, retreats and Mass.  We encourage active participation in family and community.  We foster in the students a consciousness of their connection with women and men of all races, nations, religions and cultures of the world and we instruct our students in their responsibilities as stewards of God’s creation.

The community of Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School embraces and reflects the culture and traditions of its two endorsing communities – The Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova, The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  These traditions enrich the academic program as well as the spiritual practices and celebrations in the school.

The Catholic character of Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School impels us to be catholic - to be universal, inclusive and welcoming.  Our mission appeals to a diverse group of individuals who choose solidarity and cooperation to confront a crisis that is devastating our entire community. We believe that our effectiveness is multiplied by working together to promote the common good.

Our faith is invigorated by working together - with and for people of different faiths - in the hope of creating a better world for all.