The CCG Foundation

Constitution

The Catholics for the Common Good Movement
Amended 8/31/2006

Article I     Scope

This document is the constitution for the Catholics for the Common Good Movement (CCGM).  All entities organized under or in relationship to this movement and their bylaws shall conform to the provisions of this constitution in accordance with their individual and distinct missions.

Article II     Dedication

This movement is inspired by and dedicated to His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

Article III     Vision
We seek a society where:

A.        Catholic citizenship carries forth the Gospel of Jesus Christ – the source of hope for humanity and the renewal of society

B .        Catholics and other Christians live their faith in the public square in ways that affect a conversion of culture

C.         A Civilization of Love and a Culture of Life are fully embraced

D.        Justice means respecting the dignity of every human person at every stage and condition of life

Article IV     Mission Statement

The mission of the Catholics for the Common Good Movement is to

A.        Support and encourage Catholics, through spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church, to social and civic participation that transforms our culture.

B.         Develop exemplary Catholic citizens who form their conscience and base their actions on the principles of Catholic teachings, rising above loyalty to a political party or ideology.

C.        Mobilize citizens to influence public policy on concerns for life, family, freedom, and the poor and vulnerable where the Church’s teachings are so clear that informed Catholics are unlikely to disagree.

Article V     Exemplary Catholic Citizen

The Catholics for the Common Good Movement shall encourage members to strive for exemplary Catholic citizenship defined as a person who

  1. Understands the value and dignity of the Human Person, clearly and completely
  2. Takes action in the Public Square for the Common Good based on faith and charity
  3. Places the principles of Catholic social teaching above loyalty to a political party or ideology (“Catholic First”)
  4. Explains key principles of the social teachings to family and friends

Article VI     Intercessory Prayer 

Since the mission of the Catholics for the Common Good Movement can only be faithfully achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit, the sacred liturgy — the source and summit of our faith, intercessory prayer, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament shall be fundamental to the movement 

Article VII     Lay-Led, Independent and Non-Partisan

Since the Catholic Church cannot be engaged in public advocacy and political activity, Catholics for the Common Good must always maintain independence and autonomy from the Church and must avoid situations or appearances that can expose the Church to political attack.

A.        CCGM shall be organized and led by lay Catholics.

B.         In the United States, CCGM, its members and affiliates shall always adhere to USCCB Political Activity Guidelines for Catholic Organizations for activities on Church property

C.         CCGM shall be non-partisan in all of its positions and activities.  The teachings of the Catholic Church are neither liberal nor conservative, Democrat or Republican but true.

Article VIII   Pledge of Loyalty to the Catholic Church

The Catholics for the Common Good Movement must always be tied to the vine that is Christ and His Church – always loyal to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church

Article IX     Implementation

The Catholics for the Common Good Movement and all affiliated organizations shall assure that the provisions of this Constitution are implemented and enforced at all times.

Article X     Amendments

A.      The Constitution for Catholics for the Common Good Movement may be amended by agreement of three-fourth of the Board of Directors of Catholics for the Common Good and three-fourths of the Board of Directors of Catholic Foundation for the Common Good.

B.       Any member of the Board of Directors of Catholics for the Common Good or the Catholic Foundation for the Common Good may propose an amendment to this constitution.

C.   It is provided that no amendment shall be made to Article VIII, Loyalty Pledge.