At the Intersection of Faith, Community Work, and Enterprise

Christians are under two general commands: to love God, and to love their fellow man. St. Thomas Aquinas said loving others means “willing the good of others” or, in simpler terms, desiring and working for the good of others.

How do we seek the good of others? The Catholic Church’s guidance, through the Pope’s letters to all Catholics and to “people of good will”, as well as the teachings of the Magisterium, reflect the Church’s seven traditions of social justice. These are:

1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person.

2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation.

3. Rights and Responsibilities.

4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable.

5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers.

6. Solidarity.

7. Care for God's Creation.

Faith-based organizations usually work along one or several of these traditions explicitly. Many civil society organizations, though not deliberately proceeding out of Catholic beliefs, are pursuing objectives that are consistent with the values behind these seven traditions. Intentionally or not, both kinds of organizations are working where aspirations for human and social development intersect with faith. Many entrepreneurs and professionals are operating businesses to address the needs of specific market segments, making products and services more affordable and accessible - and a growing number are discovering the faith aspect of their work.

This blog seeks to explore how individuals and groups, working through communities, faith-based groups, and enterprises are seeking the good of others. What are they doing? What are their aspirations and victories? What are the challenges that they face? How does their faith relate to their work?  Through interviews, we will explore these things with the people who are taking action to make this world a better place.