The Catholics for the Common Good Way

Evangelization of Culture and the Organization of Civil Society

The mission of Catholics for the Common Good is evangelization of culture based on the principles of Catholic social teaching and insights from Christian anthropology. Christian anthropology answers the fundamental question about what it means to be made in the image of God — how are we made, what are we made for, and what is necessary for human flourishing.

The work of evangelization of culture is neither liberal or conservative, but focuses on reality — the reality of God’s creation that, when properly understood, points to Christ and eternal happiness with him. Doing this work is no less than direct participation in the mission of the Church — service to Christ himself.

What follows are guiding principles for the journey — principles that we refer to as the “Catholics for the Common Good Way” or the “CCG Way.”

Catholics for the Common Good Way

1.     Recognize, and have faith and confidence that evangelization of culture must be a work of the Holy Spirit.

Evangelization of culture and social change begins with our own conversion.  Prayer and communion with Christ in the Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life, are essential. Rely on our intercessors and patrons, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Blessed John Paul the Great.

2.     Always be faithful to the Magisterium, loyal to bishops, and respectful of priests

Through training, formation, and communion with local churches and the Chair of Peter, CCG strives to faithfully follow principles of social teaching and promote the understanding of the dignity of the human person made in the image of God.

3.     Always be known by what we are for, rather than what we are against.

Our way is guided by the words of Blessed John Paul the Great to the Polish Solidarity movement in 1981:

“Solidarity was not against something or somebody, but for something.”

“Let your work serve human dignity, let it elevate man, let it elevate families, let it elevate the whole people.” 

4.     Always be in solidarity with victims (never in opposition to perceived opponents or victimizers).

For example, in the work of evangelization of culture for marriage and family, who are the victims of the breakdown of marriage or the distorted view of love, marriage, and human sexuality?

• Children who are deprived of the right to be born into a family with a married mother and father,
• Children and young adults taught falsely about love, marriage, and human sexuality that negatively influence the choices they make in life.

5.     Become love, even to our detractors

Focusing on shortcomings and actions of “opponents” serves to:

• Drain grace
• Obstruct the ability to love
• Encumber the awareness of our own sins (creating a false sense of righteousness)

Our vision is guided by the paraphrased advice of St. Francis de Sales: following Christ’s example on the Cross, do not judge. Find ways to excuse the sin by attributing it to ignorance — “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34)