Catholic social teaching is meant to be a gift of peace and well-being to the world, borne from the very heart of the Church. It is up to us to share it in joy, humility and respect.

Through its social teachings the Catholic Church offers rich and profoundly truthful ground for discussion of the many challenges facing our world today: ground which affords ample space for the authentic growth of everyone, so that each of us can live the life that is intended for us. From the environment to the economy to the roles of family, media, and government, the Church's doctrine provides guidance for broad and respectful conversations leading to healthy, respectful, and truly inclusive resolutions of society's problems, no matter where we live. It all starts from an understanding of life's source and purpose.

Students, voters, and others of goodwill will recognize in the principles, values, and virtues of Catholic social teaching the very principles, values, and virtues that make documents such as the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights possible.

We Catholics have a duty to understand and apply these principles, values, and virtues, and to teach them at every moment of every day by witnessing them in joyful and respectful humility before everyone God sends into our lives.