We speak a common language with the modern world, when it comes to helping a neighbor in need. As Christians we can meet the secular world where they are at and work towards honoring the dignity of others through our rich and often overlooked Social Doctrines. Today is a time to engage, build bridges, and relationships of trust. These relationships with people of good will may help us in the broader objective, of building up the dignity of all people.

In the early church, hospitality was a way one’s spiritual life was evaluated. In 2015 Pope Francis asked every parish and monastery to sponsor one refugee family. In my parish I called a meeting to respond to the Pope’s invitation. Through education, fear was replaced with passion and fundraising to help people in need. In the end, I gave up my own priestly residence (rectory) for this family of six. Our Refugee Committee consists of Buddhists, atheists, community leaders, and parishioners who assist our Syrian refugee family integrate. The experience has helped the local church be more relevant, thus I submit that implementing our social teachings can be the bridge to dialogue with the modern world.