Catholic social teaching is meant to be a gift to the world. It is up to us to share it in joy, humility and respect.

Through its social teachings the Catholic Church offers rich 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 meaning of life itself, the Church's doctrine provides guidance for broad and respectful conversations leading to healthy, respectful, and truly inclusive resolutions of society's problems.

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 and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms 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.