In this episode, we speak with Dr. Agnes Thomas, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto (CCAT). Dr. Thomas delves into her values-driven leadership, the historic roots of Catholic social teaching, and how these principles guide the work of CCAT and its member agencies today.  

Key Takeaways:

1) Values-Driven Leadership: Dr. Thomas shares how her alignment with the core values of human dignity and social justice led her to CCAT, emphasizing service to marginalized communities.-

2) Role of Catholic Social Teaching: Catholic social teaching, with its principles like human dignity, solidarity, and the common good, remains a cornerstone of CCAT’s approach to fostering a just society.-

3) Historical Context and Modern Relevance: The CST movement began with figures like Father Ketteler and Pope Leo XIII in response to prevalent social issues, illustrating the timelessness of its principles in modern-day social justice work.

4 Vision for Leadership and Community Impact: Agnes discusses the importance of developing strong leaders who embody the values of solidarity and social justice, reflecting Jesus’ model of radical hospitality and communal responsibility.