Centre for Christian Engagement


More than fifty years after the close of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Francis is leading a renewal of the Church that is deeply embedded within the Catholic Intellectual tradition, which emphasizes that learning means discovering and growing in the truth. It builds on his formation in the Argentinian “Theology of the People”, which understands “the honest and sincere love of God practiced by people at the local level might inform the theological understanding and religious behavior of the global church.” Released shortly after his election, Francis’ first Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (2013) represents his blueprint for this renewal. It calls for the creation of a “culture of encounter”, and for the Church to become “a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcome, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel.”

Our Vision

Emphasizing the importance of listening, reflecting, learning, discussing and praying, St. Mark’s Centre for Christian Engagement seeks to enable the creation of a culture of encounter and dialogue by creating opportunities to address the challenges associated with the disengagement of Christians from the Church and the life of faith, including:
  •  Nurturing the dialogue between Christians in the life of the Spirit and the Academy with that of wider society
  •  Meeting individuals in their concrete life situations and accompanying them on their respective faith journeys
  •  Providing forums (public lectures, retreats, panel discussions, debates, summit meetings, etc.) to address the issues and challenges associated with Christian disengagement
  •  Highlighting and encouraging the prophetic voices of the age as they proclaim the Gospel as the ultimate message of Christian engagement
  •  Highlighting the unique and important experiences of those who have been on the margins of both the Church and the world, including: the disabled, women, First Nations, the indigent, migrants and refugees


keyboard_arrow_up