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“A statement often heard among Catholics involved in the Church’s social justice ministry is that Catholic social teaching is a well-kept secret. Since the late 19th century with Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical “Rerum Novarum” to the early 21st century of Pope Benedict XVI’s “Caritas in Veritate” the Church has spoken loudly and clearly about contemporary social issues. In the following pages the basic principles of Catholic social teaching with some reflection questions are offered to acquaint or reacquaint you with this precious part of the Church’s proclamation of the Gospel. By living and applying these principles of Catholic social teaching we discover what St. Irenaeus said: “the glory of God is the human person fully alive”.

Most Reverend John Pazak, C.Ss.R. Chairman, Social Affairs Commission, Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario (ACBO)