Catholic Social Teaching
God has a plan for creation
'Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.'
1 John 3:18
Catholic Social Teaching is based on the belief that God has a plan for creation, a plan to build his kingdom of peace, love and justice.
It holds that God has a special plan for every single one of us, whoever we are. Our part in this plan isn’t just limited to things ‘spiritual’, or times when we do “religious things.” It involves every aspect of our lives, from the things we pray about, to how we live as a responsible global citizen.
Our part in this story is a vocation for the common good, a call to treat everyone as our brothers and sisters.
The Catholic Church has set out the principles of social teaching that we share with our children through all that we do, through the curriculum, special events and activities and through our ordinary actions in school.
The key themes of CST are:
The Dignity of the Human Person
Every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, every person’s life and dignity must be respected and supported from conception until the end of their natural life on earth.
Family and Community Participation
The human person is not only sacred, but social. How society is organised, be it socially, economically, legally or politically has a direct impact on the dignity and growth of every human person and community. Marriage and family should be supported and strengthened. Every person has a right to work to support themselves and their families as well as the building up of the common good for all.
Solidarity and Participation
We are all People of God, one family. Therefore what happens to one has an impact on all, locally, nationally and globally. At the heart of solidarity is the pursuit of peace and justice. Our love for all calls us to work for a peaceful and just society where everyone has a fair share of the goods needed for a sustainable life, and opportunities for growth and development are offered equally. The dignity of every person is respected.
Rights and Responsibilities
Every person has a fundamental right to life. It is this right that makes all other rights possible. Everyone has the right to food, health care, housing, education and employment. We all need to strive to secure and respect these rights for others both locally and globally.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Society is judged on how it cares for the poor and vulnerable – our brothers and sisters. We read in scripture how God has a special concern for the oppressed, poor, vulnerable and those forced to the margins of society. The Church calls us to respond to the cry of the poor and put their needs first. This preferential treatment for the poor and vulnerable must be seen in action in our daily lives.
The Dignity of Work
Work is a way in which we can continue to participate in God’s creation. Work gives dignity to life and must be carried out in such a way that the basic rights of workers are respected. Everyone has the right to productive work, to fair and liveable wages, and to organise and join a union. The economy must be conducted so that it serves the needs of the people.
Stewardship of God’s Creations
The world God has created for us has been entrusted to everyone and we are responsible and accountable to God as stewards of the earth. The world has been given to us as a gift, to enjoy and care for so that future generations can enjoy it too. It is in caring for creation that we show our love and respect for its creator.
How does the St. Patrick's school community live the themes of Catholic Social Teaching?
The Dignity of the Human Person
The children lead an assembly about World Afro Day to learn about discrimination and how we value all of our God given differences.
On St. Patrick's Day, we celebrate the talents of our pupils with an annual talent show. Everyone enjoys taking part and spending time together to remember St. Patrick.
Option for The Poor and Vulnerable
Children dressed up as numbers to raise awareness and money for the NSPCC charity, and raised over £200!
The Dignity of Work
The children learnt about Fair Trade and how we can support others to have dignity in work.
Stewardship of God's Creation
Year 5 were finding out more about the work of Sir David Attenborough in preserving and protecting God's planet’s incredible biodiversity and wildlife. They then designed posters to teach others about how we can show God love and protect the world.
As part of our commitment to the church's teaching on social justice and Catholic Social Teaching, we have enrolled for the Oscar Romero Award. We shall be demonstrating how we life our mission as a Catholic community, promoting social justice and awareness. See the link below for more details.
