Catholic Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching is based around the Church's belief that we can all make a difference in making our world a better place for all. These teachings are rooting in Scripture and especially in the teachings of Jesus found in the Gospels. Christ shows us how to walk in his footsteps, bringing love and care to those both near and far. It is our vocation to live as Jesus and the saints throughout the ages, bettering our world for everyone.

The Catholic Church has seven principles of social teaching that we will explore in school, just like our virtues. Throughout your child's spiritual journey at St. Joseph's, we explore these principles through our curriculum, activities and everyday actions.

Seven Principles of Social Teaching:

• Dignity of the human person
• Family and Community
• Solidarity and The Common Good
• Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
• Rights and Responsibilities
• Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
• Stewardship of God's Creation 

Dignity of Work

Work not only enables a person to support themselves and others, it also provides a sense of purpose and dignity. This Catholic social teaching reminds us that through work a person is able to develop their talents and cooperate with God in building a better world for all.

Options for the Poor and Vulnerable

Giving preferential option for the poor means we should feel the need to think first of the needs of those who are most vulnerable. The poor and vulnerable have a special place in the kingdom of God. Putting into practice the preferential option for the poor means considering the impact of our own decision and of public policy on the most vulnerable members of society. Christ taught that when we feed the hungry, offer hospitality to the stranger, clothe the naked, look after the sick and visit those imprisoned, we are looking after Him.

Family and Community

Emphasising that humans are inherently social beings, made for communion and sharing in families and communities to support each other and the common good. This principle calls for the family unit to be supported and strengthened, recognising it as the foundation of society and the place where human dignity is fostered through love, shared life, and mutual responsibility.

Solidarity and the Common Good

We are connected to people and places all over the world. God made everyone, so we are all brothers and sisters in God’s family wherever we live. God created us as one global family and called to support our brothers and sisters. Being in solidarity is recognising others as our brothers and sisters and actively working for their good.

Rights and Responsibilities

All God’s people have the right to food, work, clothes, a home, school and medical care. These ‘rights’ are things that every person on earth needs in order to live a full life. But many people do not have them. Jesus wants people who enjoy these rights to help their sisters and brothers obtain their rights. It is not enough to feel badly for others. Jesus says it is our responsibility to see that everyone receives his or her rights.

Dignity of the Human Person

Human dignity involves reverence, respect and protection towards each person, as a free being with a unique history. Human dignity is therefore not relative to social status, nor to physical or intellectual performance.

Stewardship of God's Creation

Stewardship is the principle that God's creation, including the environment, natural resources, and even our own talents and time, are gifts entrusted to us to manage responsibly for the common good and in alignment with God's will. It calls on individuals and communities to be guardians of these resources, to care for them with gratitude, and to use them in a way that promotes justice and human dignity.

Our Long Term Plan for Catholic Social Teaching