The most visible manifestation of the Church’s activity in the world is her charity, the way her members love their neighbors.  One need only call to mind the great saints who started organizations, religious orders and social movements dedicated to the protection of human dignity at every stage and in every condition.

At the heart of Catholic Social Doctrine is a collective commitment to bring the Good News to those on the margins.  A Catholic Mind for social service means approaching social justice issues in light of the Gospel commands: protecting life and promoting human dignity; protecting at-risk populations; defending human rights; building strong families, creating healthy communities, supporting laborers, standing in solidarity with all people, and working for environmental justice. It means meeting people where they are, accepting who they are, and working with them as they are.

At The Catholic University of America, we educate social service professionals in the science of social justice – in identifying the causes of injustice and discovering ways to manifest God’s justice and mercy.