With human dignity at its centre, Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is the foundation for what Pope Francis called “integral human development,” which recognizes that everything is connected. In a message to popular movements, he explains that the “social teaching of the Church does not have all the answers, but it does have some principles that along this journey can help to concretize the answers, principles useful to Christians and non-Christians alike.”
While there are many organizations contributing to development around the world, what sets Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada apart is that it is rooted in CST. You can learn more about CST here: https://devp.org/en/catholic-social-teaching/
With this in mind St. Albert the Great Parish aims to support the global initiatives that Development and Peace Canada champion. Fundraising happens throughout the year and updates are often provided in our Parish Bulletin. If you would like to provide support directly please visit: Give Now
Who Development and Peace are at a glance
Development and Peace — Caritas Canada, the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada, is a democratic movement for global solidarity rooted in Catholic Social Teaching.
We are the Canadian member of Caritas Internationalis, a global confederation of over 160 Catholic organizations around the world.
We have over 12,800 members across Canada who are at the heart of our democratic movement.
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada: more than 55 year of solidarity
Mission
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada addresses the root causes of poverty, oppression, and inequality by working with partners in the Global South and by mobilizing Canadians in the common struggle for justice and dignity.
Vision
We champion women and social movements as key agents of lasting change.
Values
These five values are at the heart of who we are and what we do. We will courageously live and promote these values in all aspects of our work:
1) Dignity: We believe in the inherent dignity of the human person, as created in the image and likeness of God. We work for Integral Human Development, which is concerned with the social, economic, political, and ecological well being of each person.
2) Participation: We believe all persons are entitled to participate in community and in decisions that affect their lives. We encourage and enable people to be protagonists – active players in creating a world where all can thrive.
3) Solidarity: We believe in the interconnection and interdependence of the whole human family. We walk side-by-side with all who struggle for justice, taking up our cause together. We share the joys and hopes, griefs and anxieties of the women and men of our time, and in particular those who are impoverished and marginalized by unjust systems, as we think and act in the spirit of community.
4) The Preferential Option for the Poor: We believe those who have been impoverished by unjust systems are powerful actors for social change. We listen to, amplify, and join their voices. We prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized as we pursue the common good so that no one is left out.
5) Integrity: We believe we are accountable to those who place their confidence in us to accomplish our mission: our members, local communities, partners, donors, and institutional funders. We manage the resources entrusted to us with transparency, sharing our learning’s and our successes.
For more information, contact the Parish office at 403 257 6054 .