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Pursuit of Excellence
Celestial University
Dear Sisters:
I am
excited to introduce the Pursuit of Excellence Program. This is not a
new program, it was originally introduced to Priesthood and Relief
Society auxiliaries in 1978; it is not well-known. Similar to the Young
Women’s Personal Progress Program, it is designed to help church members
to gain and strengthen a personal conviction of the reality of God the
Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost; to live with
compassion and integrity with our minds; to read inspired words of men
touched with the spirit of God; to search for good and uplifting
thoughts and deeds of mankind; and to realize the importance of a
physical body and the necessity of giving it proper care. I invite and
encourage you to take the Pursuit of Excellence challenge. To the
person who becomes absorbed in achieving eternal goals, life becomes
more abundant. This is an exciting opportunity to find the power and
strength of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“The Lord
and His Church have always encouraged
education to increase our ability to serve Him and our Heavenly
Father’s children. For each of us, whatever our talents, He has service
for us to give. And to do it well always involves learning, not once or
for a limited time, but continually.”
Henry B. Eyring, Ensign Oct., 2002
Objective
The Celestial University's is
modeled and adapted from the Pursuit of Excellence Program started in
1978. Its purpose is to offer each sister motivation, opportunity and
direction to aid her in reaching her divine potential and destiny as a
Daughter of God. If we sisters were to attend college courses offering
exactly what is available to us from one another at Relief Society, it
would cost us several thousand dollars a year. We are offering a degree
which, upon its completion, will have helped to develop a well-rounded
individual. Through a raised self-esteem and a sure knowledge that she
can improve her life and the lives of those around her, each sister will
become an active force in promoting the Kingdom of God on earth.
How the Program works:
There are four types of degrees
offered: Associates, Bachelor, Master’s, and Doctorate. This is a
program in which the purpose is to improve the knowledge and spiritual
lives of the sisters who choose to participate in it, this is an “honor”
system. It is the individual sister’s responsibility to monitor and
judge whether or not they have completed a goal. However, you are
encouraged to discuss your growth with those around you. “We pay our
debt of gratitude by living in such a way as to bring credit to our
parents and the name we bear, by doing good to others, by being of
service, by being willing to share the light and knowledge we have
received so that others will also have joy and happiness…” (Howard W.
Hunter). Diplomas will be awarded during various Relief Society
Activities in 2007.
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Degrees
Offered
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Associates Degree |
·
Complete
required goals* from one of the following Challenges: Spiritual,
Intellectual, Physical, Service
·
Complete
three other goals from the same Challenge
·
Complete
one goal from the Character Challenge |
6-7 |
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Bachelor Degree |
·
Complete
required goals from two of the following Challenges: Spiritual,
Intellectual, Physical, Service
·
Complete
three additional goals from the each of the categories chosen
above
·
Complete
two goals from the Character Challenge |
12-13 |
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Master’s Degree |
·
Complete
required goals from three of the following Challenges:
Spiritual, Intellectual, Physical, Service
·
Complete
three additional goals from the each of the categories chosen
above
·
Complete
three goals from the Character Challenge |
18-19 |
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Doctorate of Celestial
Studies |
·
Complete
required goals from of the following Challenges: Spiritual,
Intellectual, Physical, Service
·
Complete
three additional goals from the each of the categories chosen
above
·
Complete
4 goals from the Character Challenge |
25 |
*Required
goals are in a bold font
and are the first two or three goals listed under each challenge.
SPIRITUAL CHALLENGES
“Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual”
(D&C 29:34).
1.
Strengthen your testimony of the gospel through fasting, prayer,
and study.
2.
Undertake a consistent program of scripture study.
3.
Read Enos 1-5. Following the example of Enos, increase the power
of prayer in your life. Seek to draw nearer to your Heavenly Father
through sincere daily prayer.
4.
Design and undertake a one-year program of extensive Church
reading. (Books by Presidents of the Church and other General
Authorities or similar major gospel studies may be considered.)
5.
Develop a personal file of teaching and speaking enrichment
ideas, including quotations, thoughts, anecdotes, scriptures, and
inspirational experiences. Accept every opportunity to use these
materials in speaking or teaching.
6.
Keep a personal journal. Record memorable spiritual experiences
or events, goals for the future, areas for personal improvement, and
personal thoughts and feelings.
7.
Complete the Teacher Development Basic Course, followed by an
active teaching assignment.
8.
Graduate from an institute of religion, complete at least 24
quarter hours or eighteen semester hours of Church religious training,
or complete the equivalent hours of a Church Educational System
individual study program.
9.
Fill an honorable full-time mission for the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.
10.
Fill an honorable stake mission.
11.
Attend the temple at least once each month.
12.
Participate in bringing a new member into the Church or in
reactivating a member.
13.
Enroll in a Church-approved genealogy class. Complete at least
four generations on a pedigree chart for your own family. Write a
family history relating incidents, backgrounds, and inspirational
experiences based on research and interviews.
14.
Prayerfully consider an individualized goal. Discuss with Relief
Society leader or Presidency member before submitting.
INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES
“Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye
out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and
also by faith” (D&C 88:118)
1.
Plan and undertake a reading program of uplifting, outstanding
literature. The selection of books may reflect a variety of interests
or may emphasize one particular theme.
2.
Develop a new interest in any creative field (such as poetry,
fiction, music composition, art dance, crafts, photography, drama) or in
a hobby (such as coin, nature, or stamp collections; woodwork;
astronomy). Emphasize involvement and participation in a n area that is
new to you.
3.
Enlarge a talent you have already developed, such as music,
painting, writing, and dance. Pursue excellence to the point of
performing, exhibiting or publishing your talent for others. (Avenue
for creativity include regional or stake contests, exhibits, programs
and publications.)
4.
Expand your cultural appreciation by completing a one-year study
program of an art form available in your area, such as opera, symphony
concerts, theater, museums, ballets and folk dancing.
5.
Enlarge your cultural appreciation by regularly attending
cultural events available in your area.
6.
Participate in a book-review group on a regular basis.
Selections may come from any literary category, including biography,
drama, fiction and poetry.
7.
Within your own family or another group, participate in a
structured study of other countries. Prepare and present material about
different countries and cultures.
8.
Improve your knowledge in a specific academic field, such as
history, science, literature, political science or philosophy. Where
possible, attend classes or lecture series in the field you have chosen.
(This challenge is suggested for those not attending college.)
9.
Develop fundamental speaking and writing skills in another
language.
10.
Under the direction of the priesthood, assemble, write and
publish (if possible) a history of a ward or stake, including both text
and pictures.
11.
Graduate from an accredited post-high-school program.
12.
Prayerfully consider an individualized goal. Discuss with Relief
Society leader or Presidency member before submitting.
PHYSICAL CHALLENGES
“Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean…cease to sleep longer than is
needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early,
that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated: (D&C 88:124).
1.
Establish a physical fitness program, tailored to you needs, to
help you reach a higher level of health. Complete physical fitness
activities regularly.
2.
Evaluate your adherence
to the total spirit of the Word of Wisdom. Establish a goal
improvement, particularly in terms of eating and sleeping habits.
3.
Bring
your weight to an appropriate level.
4.
Acquire
greater proficiency in a specific athletic or recreational skill, such
as swimming, diving, golf, tennis, basketball, bowling, skiing, skating,
cricket, football, or other activities of your culture.
5.
Acquire greater proficiency in an occupational or homemaking
skill, such as carpentry, antiquing, knitting or quilting.
6.
Significantly improve
your personal attractiveness through bodily health and vigor, and
optimistic attitude, personal charm and friendliness, good grooming, and
modesty of dress. (Consider posture, voice, and disposition.)
7.
Participate in an organized ward or stake athletic recreational
sports activity.
8.
Participate in an
individual or a group activity that is new to you, such as cycling,
back-packing, camping, hiking, sculling, or some other physical activity
appropriate in you culture.
9.
Participate in groups organized for recreational activities.
Emphasize improvement of physical proficiency through group interest and
effort.
10.
Prayerfully
consider an individualized goal. Discuss with Relief Society leader or
Presidency member before submitting.
Note:
1. Medical consultation is recommended when a significant change in
physical exertion is contemplated.
2. Disabled persons may participate by selecting other goals
within their physical capacity.
SERVICE CHALLENGES
“When ye are in the service of your
fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17).
1.
Give special service to your own family. If you are not living
at home, this service may involve roommates or members of a home evening
group.
2.
Give consistent service
to the Church in addition to your church calling(s).
3.
Give significant service
to individuals or groups outside your immediate family.
4.
Teach an art or skill to someone who cannot afford to pay for such
training or who probably would not cultivate it without your help.
5. Be
a special friend to one or more fatherless or motherless children and
take them to worthwhile programs or activities, such as cultural or
sports events, camping trips, or outings.
6.
Assist the elderly, divorcees, those living alone, or others who may
need help with household chores, lawn cutting, snow-shoveling, repair
jobs, or yard work.
7.
Fellowship new members of the Church or new ward members. Help orient
them to the Latter-day Saint way of life, or assist them in making the
transition into the ward family.
8.
Write uplifting and encouraging letters regularly to a missionary, a
serviceman, a friend or an absent member of your ward other that oe of
your immediate family. Continue writing even if the recipient’s
schedule does not permit an answer.
9.
Assist people whose activities are restricted, such as those in nursing
homes and hospitals or those who have some mental or physical handicap.
Under priesthood direction, perhaps through the Relief Society, visit
them, read to them, or otherwise assist in any appropriate manner.
10. Check
with appropriate leaders and parents and assist a child needing help
with homework, physical activity, or cultural enrichment.
11. Give
your time and physical talent to a meaningful project, serving in such
positions as coach in an athletic program, youth camp program director,
director of a neighborhood sports clinic, den mother, or volunteer
teacher’s aide.
12. Under
priesthood direction, visit orison inmates. Ring them hope and
encouragement through participation in uplifting projects and
activities.
13.
Participate in a group effort to provide books and recent publications
for prisons, hospitals, convalescent homes, and libraries.
14. Through
the bishop or branch president, contribute toward the financial support
of a full-time missionary.
15. Go
beyond what is specifically requested and serve the bishop or ward
organizations in the preparation, decoration, or clean-up of an
activity.
16. Many
other service activities may be selected. Use your imagination and prayerfully
consider which service activity would be most beneficial to those in
need.
CHARACTER CHALLENGES
“We believe in being honest, true,
chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we
may say that we follow the admonition of Paul – We believe all things,
we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to
endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good
report pr praiseworthy, we seek after these things” (Articles of Faith
1:13)
1.
Read Matthew 5:38-42. Strive to apply the principle of the
“second mile” in all your dealings with your fellowmen by doing more
than is expected of you.
2.
Practice doing unto others that which you would have them do to
you, in the true spirit of the Master’s Golden Rule.
3.
Make
promises and commitments carefully. When you make a righteous promise
or commitment, count it as your sacred word of honor, and act
accordingly.
4.
Read
Proverbs 16:18-22. Seek to eliminate false pride from your character.
Avoid doing or saying anything that would cause another to feel that you
were haughty or disdainful.
5.
Seek to be
truthful in all you say. Avoid gossip and untruthfulness, no matter how
small. Carefully consider your words to avoid hurting or offending
others.
6.
Willingly
accept assignments and complete them to the best of your ability.
7.
Make and
honor a resolution to lead a morally clean life.
8.
Give proper
credit for the work of others in talks, conversation, or composition.
9.
Make and
honor a resolution that you will not cheat in any way.
10.
Set your goal to
take nothing that belongs to any other person, company, or organization,
no matter how small, without permission of the owner.
11.
Do not envy others
or seek by improper means to acquire that which belongs to another.
12.
Cultivate friends
and companions who are earnestly seeking to maintain high ideals.
13.
Develop a love for
and dedication to honorable, hard work.
14.
Be honest in all
your dealings and relationships, whether in business, Church, or at
home.
15.
Cultivate
patience, tolerance, and love for family members, roommates, and other
associates.
16. Keep
sacred any confidences entrusted to you.
17. Be
courageous enough to acknowledge mistakes, to apologize when
appropriate, to make things right if you have given offense.
18.
Prayerfully consider any other area, in which you feel you need growth,
set a goal, perform it for a period of time and incorporate this into
your character for your lifetime.
SETTING AND
ACHIEVING GOALS
Don't plunge
into goal-setting without discovering what you're getting into. Do your
homework for the best chance at success. Consider the following when
choosing your goals:
1.
Obtain a journal!
2.
Choose problems to work on that will
make a difference in the quality of your life.
3.
Your choice of goals should be a matter
of prayer.
4.
Consider your values, preferences, and
resources, then decide how best to reach your goals.
5.
Commit yourself to start and finish
each step.
6.
Ask your Father in Heaven to help you
obtain you goals.
7.
Review the effectiveness of each step
and make changes where needed; some goals may need some changes to make
them work better.
8.
Ask your loved ones, friends, and
Visiting Teachers to help monitor and support your progress.
9.
Each morning ask Heavenly Father for
His help throughout the day; evaluate your progress with Him nightly.
Below is an
example of a simple approach to recording a goal and a plan to achieve
it. Writing the goal and the plan is an important element of success.
What to Do
Read
the Book of Mormon by __________(enter date), marking and recording
passages of special meaning to me.
How to Do It
1.
Obtain an inexpensive copy of the Book of Mormon, colored
pencils, and a notebook by __________(date).
2.
Develop a system of marking and recording key passages.
3.
Read and mark the Book of Mormon from ______(enter 30 minute
block of time), Monday through Saturday, beginning _________(date).
4.
Review the passages marked and record ideas and impressions each
Sunday, __________(enter 2 hour block of time).
5.
Evaluate progress towards completion of goal on the first Sunday
each month.
6.
Record goal, progress, and completion in personal journal.
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BINGO
CARDS