Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life

As the U.S. election season heats up, hostility and division are everywhere, paralyzing political life and too often preventing real movement addressing serious challenges such as poverty, protection of the most vulnerable, and climate change. Yet Pope Francis has called for “a better kind of politics,” reminding us that “our differences should not…pit us against each other: the heart of those who truly believe urges that we open up ways of communion, always and everywhere.” The Catholic Church is deeply challenged as well, with its own divisions, failures, and questions.

How can Catholics under 40 live with faith, hope, purpose, and meaning? How can we live faithfully and follow the Gospel call to serve those most in need through engagement in public life? How can we build community and apply principles of human dignity, solidarity, concern for the poor and vulnerable, and care for creation in our personal, professional, and political lives?

This Salt and Light Gathering asked four remarkable young leaders—a young author exploring family, faith, ambition, and purpose; a reporter at Politico; a Hill staffer leading faith outreach; and an active duty U.S. Army major—how they are trying to live faithfully, act on their values, find community, and participate in the public square.

This gathering had three parts:
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Welcoming Happy Hour
Meet and network with other young leaders over food and drink
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Salt and Light Gathering
A dialogue and conversation on “How Can We Live Faithfully in Our Personal, Professional, and Political Lives?” with four leaders
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Reception
Continue the conversation with other young leaders over food and drink