OUR MISSION
As lay people, we “seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and by ordering them according to the plan of God… [working] for the sanctification of the world from within as a leaven… [making] Christ known to others, especially by the testimony of a life resplendent in faith, hope and charity” (Lumen gentium 31). The Lumen Gentium Forum exists to empower Catholic lay professionals living this calling in their careers. We do this by offering them intensive education in Catholic social teaching and its practical application for their professional vocations, as well as the telos (ultimate aim) of their institutions: the common good and the human dignity of all. Through this method, we are working towards a vision of “enriching and permeating society itself with the Gospel”—evangelization through civic leadership (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church).
“There can be no genuine solution of the social question apart from the Gospel.” —Pope Saint John Paul II
OUR VALUES
fidelity to christ in his church and catholic teaching.
In all things, we strive to be fully faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church in their entirety, and obedient to Christ and His bishops—in particular, to our Holy Father, the Pope, recognizing the central role papal teaching has played in the Catholic social teaching tradition.
missionary dynamism.
We strive to live “missionary dynamism which will bring salt and light to the world” (Evangelii gaudium 81) through an active and intentional apostolate—seeking to bring others to Christ and His Church through the truth and goodness of Catholic social teaching. We aim to empower and form Catholic professionals who seek also to live as missionary disciples in their career.
service to the common good.
Knowing that the Lord has called us to “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you” (Jeremiah 29:7), we strive to form Catholics and people of goodwill in the vision of Catholic social teaching, knowing this vision is the surest blueprint for realizing the common good. By forming Catholics, we help build the Kingdom of God here in Canada.
affirming the christian value of work.
Recognizing that “work is a fundamental dimension of man's existence on earth”, we affirm both the objective and subjective dimensions of work; that work is good, aiding the sanctification of the worker and the furthering of the common good; and that “the proper subject of work continues to be man.” (Laborem exercens)
Consecrated to Saint Joseph
Guardian of the Redeemer, Guardian of the Church, Patron of Workers, Patron of Canada, Patron of the Poor