Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
HUMAN DIGNITY
Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.
Jeremiah 1:5
Understanding that every person’s life, including ourselves, should be respected and supported to ensure that we can flourish in all aspects of life, as children of God.
We recognise the human dignity of others by:
being respectful
treating people equally
raising awareness of civil rights
preferential option for the vulnerable
PEACE
Peace… is an order that is founded in truth, nurtured and animated by charity, and brought into effect under the auspices of freedom.
Pacem in Terris, 1963, #167
We show we are people of peace by:
treating each other kindly
turning away from conflict
creating bonds between people
RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship.
1 Samuel 10:25
Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs
We need to understand what our responsibilities and rights are, and knowing how we can promote and live these out as ambassadors of Christ.
We acknowledge our rights and responsibilities by:
recognising our duties as members of a community
standing up for what is right
following our school rules
SOLIDARITY & THE COMMON GOOD
In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers [or sisters] of mine, you did it to me.
Matthew 25:40
We will show respect to our neighbours in the community and our global family who are in need. Christ is like a single body, which has many parts; it is still one body, even though it is made up of different parts. There is no division in the body, if one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 (abridged) God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another.
We show solidarity by:
raising awareness of social justice
writing to our local leaders
praying for others
making connections
making socially responsible choices
I will do good, that is why I have been put on this earth
knowing we need each other – we are one global family
STEWARDSHIP - CARE FOR CREATION
Who turned the wonderworld of the seas into underwater cemeteries bereft of colour and life?
Catholic Bishops of the Philippines, 1988
We need to be wise in how we share the world and work together to promote using resources wisely and we need to learn in what our role is to help our common home.
We show we care for creation by:
taking responsibility for our environment
make a serious commitment to combat the culture of waste.
making environmentally responsible choices
having awe and wonder for the natural world
THE DIGNITY OF WORK & PARTICIPATION
A small number of very rich men have been able to lay upon the teeming masses of the labouring poor a yoke little better than that of slavery itself.
Rerum Novarum, 1891
Through our work, we help others to learn and grow closer to God. We know that we are all ‘Co-Workers’ and we work to contribute. We will try and work hard at school to become productive adults in the future.
We show we care for The Dignity of Work and Participation by:
working hard at school to become productive adults in the future
respecting all workers
contributing to society
making responsible economic choices
supporting wellbeing and workers' rights
sharing our talents with others
THE OPTION FOR THE POOR & VULNERABLE
The spirit of the Lord is on me, for he has anointed me to bring the good news to the afflicted. He has sent me… to let the oppressed go free.
Luke 4:18
We believe that all resources on earth should be shared with all. We find ways to work together to support the poor and vulnerable.
We show a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable by:
fundraising for charitable causes
raising awareness
treating others with dignity and respect
thinking of the needs of others