Empowering Action Through Catholic Social Teaching: A Transformative Two-Day Training

At Common Good Missoula, we’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact that faith-inspired action can have on our communities. The first weekend of March, we hosted a deeply inspiring and thought-provoking Catholic Social Teaching in Action two-day training that left participants energized, motivated, and ready to live out their faith in service to the common good. Catholic leaders from across the region came together for an experience that was not only educational but transformative, as they explored how Catholic Social Teaching can guide their work for justice, equity, and compassion.

Under the expert guidance of Dr. Alan Noonan, who led the creation and design of the training, attendees dove into the heart of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), exploring its principles and discovering how they can apply them in their own advocacy, service, and community organizing efforts. By grounding their work in the rich tradition of CST, participants walked away with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of how they can live their faith in action, particularly in the pursuit of the common good.

Dr. Alan Noonan

The Power of Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching is built on a strong foundation of justice, dignity, and solidarity. The principles of CST challenge us to put the needs of the most vulnerable at the center of our work, to advocate for economic systems that prioritize people over profit, and to build communities where everyone can thrive. It’s a call to action that goes beyond words—to take concrete steps toward creating a world where the values of love, dignity, and justice are not just ideals but lived realities.

Throughout the two days, participants engaged with the core principles of CST, such as the dignity of the human person, the call to family and community, the preferential option for the poor, and the importance of care for creation. These teachings are a powerful motivator for Catholics who are committed to working for the common good—because they provide a moral and spiritual framework for addressing the pressing issues of our time, from poverty and inequality to environmental degradation and social injustice.

Living Faith in Action

What made this training truly special was the way it encouraged participants to move from understanding to action. It wasn’t just about intellectual knowledge—it was about inspiring Catholic leaders to act on their faith and make a tangible difference in the world around them. Dr. Alan Noonan led participants through interactive discussions and practical exercises that focused on how Catholic Social Teaching can shape local organizing efforts, social justice campaigns, and community-building projects.

Whether it was through exploring ways to advocate for affordable housing, work for economic justice, or promote environmental stewardship, the training created a space where Catholic leaders could see how their values align with the urgent needs of the world today. Attendees left with concrete tools and strategies for integrating Catholic Social Teaching into their work, and most importantly, they left with a renewed sense of hope and determination.

A Growing Movement

The success of this training is just the beginning. The passion and energy in the room were contagious, and participants are already planning ways to bring Catholic Social Teaching into their communities in new and exciting ways. The enthusiasm was so strong that we’re already looking ahead to another Catholic Social Teaching in Action training this September, where we will build on the momentum and welcome even more participants eager to learn how to put their faith into action for the common good.

It’s clear that Catholic Social Teaching has the power to ignite action and inspire change. By grounding our work in these deeply rooted values, we are not only living out our faith but also building a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world.

What’s Next: Continuing the Work of Justice

As we look forward to the next training, we are excited to continue growing a network of Catholic leaders committed to organizing for the common good. The work is far from over, but with the energy, knowledge, and passion of this amazing group of participants, we are confident that we can create lasting change. Together, we will take the lessons of Catholic Social Teaching and turn them into tangible action that uplifts our communities and ensures justice for all.

Thank you to Dr. Alan Noonan for his leadership in creating and designing this powerful training, and to all the participants who took part in this transformational experience. Your commitment to living out Catholic Social Teaching is an inspiration to us all. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for September’s training—because the work for the common good has only just begun!