Interview with Matthew J. Marquardt

What inspired you to join CAPP‑Canada at this early stage of its development?

I was—and remain—deeply excited about any initiative that brings together bright, committed people who want to share the Church’s vision for the human person and for society. CAPP‑Canada offered exactly that: a way to unite thoughtful, active individuals from across the country and to support those who are seeking meaningful ways to promote human dignity and the proper use of the gift of life.

I was also drawn to the idea of journeying with such people.

From a historical, philosophical, and practical perspective, I believe the Catholic Church is Canada’s best hope for genuine unity and well‑being. By helping bring Canada together, the Church can make our country a light for the nations. But this can only happen if we lead by example, as Christ asked—inviting people to Him through our lives, not through pressure or force. For me, that is the mission of CAPP‑Canada.

I say all this with full awareness of how difficult it can be, and how often I fall short myself.He is from Canada and is the Educational Director for CAPP Foundation.

In your professional or community life, how do you apply Catholic Social Teaching (CST) as a leader?

Over time, Catholic Social Teaching has become the centre of my work and vocation. After an adult conversion, the Redemptorists guided me toward CST, and it began shaping every part of my life—how I behaved at the office, how I served on my condominium board, and how I participated in parish life. Eventually, it redirected my entire professional focus toward evangelization through CST.

One of the most gratifying outcomes has been the impact on my condo board. We never speak explicitly about CST, but we apply its principles in how we make decisions and treat one another. The result has been remarkable: we’ve been re‑elected for more than twenty years.

Watching the growth of Catholic Conscience has also been a tremendous joy. And of course, CST plays a central role at home as well.

Is there a teaching, quote, or principle from CST that especially resonates with you right now?

My understanding of Matthew 25—especially the Parable of the Talents, along with the stories of the wise and foolish wedding attendants and the Judgment of the Nations—came to me later in life, but it was a profound epiphany. That insight has shaped many things, including a renewed appreciation for two passages from John 8 that were given to me much earlier.

“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” This was the motto of my university, carved into the stone of the main building I walked past every day. My sense of the connection between God’s Word, truth, and freedom continues to deepen.

“Let whoever is without sin cast the first stone.” This was one of my mother’s favourites, often used to settle disputes among her four sons. Even for a not‑very‑reflective adolescent boy, it planted the seeds of humility.

What kind of community do you hope CAPP‑Canada becomes?

It seems to me that CAPP‑Canada has the potential to unite not only the Canadian Church, but Canada itself, by creating a space where conversations grounded in truth and charity become natural, joyful, and inspiring. Such a space can only lead to good things.

We are already seeing glimpses of this potential in the growth of new initiatives, such as the Lumen Gentium Forum and our series of talks on the profound social changes emerging from artificial intelligence.

To realize this vision, CAPP‑Canada—working through its members and in collaboration with like‑minded individuals and organizations—needs to attract people who are faithful, calm, intelligent, and hardworking, and to engage them in efforts that resonate with their gifts and convictions.

This is the kind of community I hope CAPP‑Canada becomes.