What is Catholic Social Teaching?

Catholic Social Teaching is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by grassroots movement.  It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world. 

Catholic Social Teaching has seven principles;

• Dignity 
• Solidarity 
• The Common Good 
• The Option for the Poor 
• Peace
• Creation and environment 
• The Dignity of Work and Participation 

We follow the nine strands from CAFOD to allow children to understand these principles.

• Human Dignity
• Common Good 
• Participation 
• Subsidiarity 
• Stewardship 
• Option for the Poor 
• Solidarity
• Distributive Justice
• Promoting Peace

We all work together, regardless of gender, disability, age, race, ethnicity, nationality, culture, sexual orientation, political or religious belief. We celebrate diversity, and the strength it gives us, as we come together and seek justice for all. Since we believe each person is made in the image and likeness of God and has inherent dignity, we work with those living in poverty to have access to food, water, housing and other basic amenities which many of us can often take for granted. We have many different charity collections throughout the year, including for CAFOD, BCCS and Young Carers which helps others in need.

God said, ‘Let us make human-kind in our image, according to our likeness.’ Genesis 1:26

We follow Jesus’ example of ensuring that all have a voice and are heard, so that a better world is achieved together. Ultimately, no one can truly flourish if another person is hungry, lost or abandoned, nor can humankind flourish while our common home is degraded and exploited. We have Eco-Champions who lead the way and discuss new ideas so that we can look after our common home.

All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would... distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.’ Acts 2:44-45

We can confront problems that we encounter by standing together to make a change.  We listen to others, we help them to participate and speak-out boldly on their behalf when it is right to do so. Our Race and Social Justice Group helps us to address issues and make change. 

“When each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love” Ephesians 4:16

We believe that individuals can influence changes to our school community’s policies and practices so that they benefit all. We follow Jesus’ example of ensuring that the perspectives of all are heard.  Our School Council allows ideas to be shared with each other and with people who make decisions in school.

“Jethro said to Moses: Let them bring every important case to you, but decide every minor case themselves” Exodus 18:22

Stewardship is all about caring for the gifts God has given to us. All living things are connected so we must use God’s gifts responsibly to meet the needs of everyone, now and in the future.  We aim to live sustainably so we are caring for the earth. Our Eco-Champions work towards promoting reducing, reusing and recycling.

‘The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.’ Genesis 2:15

By coming together as individuals, families and communities, we can achieve change for the common good. When we unite and make a stand for what we believe in, we can achieve remarkable things. At St. Joseph’s we have collected for food banks and now work with Holy Family Church to provide for their food bank.  We are also working with Citizens UK to provide support and drive change for families in our community.

‘... all of you are one in Christ Jesus.’ Galatians 3:28

We work together to address issues that are affecting the people in our community and our global neighbours.  We work with Citizens UK to drive change for our families and support CAFOD to address wherever the need is greatest. We refuse to accept the suffering of our brothers and sisters.

‘Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.’ Isaiah 1:17

We believe that it is our duty to live out God’s plan to share the goods of this world. This means that we do not want anyone to struggle to have the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter or clothing.  We regularly donate to our local food bank, to support others in our community and we collect pre-worn clothes and donate to charity.  We also donate pre-loved uniform so others in our school community can benefit.

“All who believed were together and had all things in common.” Acts 2:44-45

We believe that peace is part of God’s nature and is a value that we all seek to live out in our daily lives.  We obtain peace from justice for others and love of all. Our support of CAFOD helps us to live out this value.  Our Behaviour Policy promotes the need for us to go ‘above and beyond’ to help others in our community.

‘...those who promote peace have joy.’ Proverbs 12:20

Click on the link below to watch a short video about Catholic Social Teaching