Pre-finals & Parables

• Magisterium


  The teaching office of the church, with the task of explaining the sources of our faith: Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition
• Social Encyclicals


  • Large-scale, detailed letters sent out by the pope to everyone in the world, treating social issues
• Papal Encyclical


  Social Encyclicals written by the Pope
• Rerum Novarum


  The first of the great Encyclicals written to address different social issues in the world, published in 1891 when Europe experienced drastic social changes brought about by the industrial revolution, the rise of capitalism, and clamor of socialism
• Quadragesimo Anno


  Encyclical issued in commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of Rerum Novarum, written when the world was experiencing major economic depression
• Gaudium et Spes


  Encyclical that emphasizes the role of the church in a fast-developing world, published in 1965
• Populorum Progessio


  Encyclical that explained that development does not exclusively pertain to economic aspects but the moral and social aspect as well, published in 1967
• Octogesima Adveniens


  Apostolic letter calling for all people to get involved in building a just community by participating in addressing different issues on injustices, published in 1971
• Justitia In Mundo


  Bishops from all over the world gathered in a meeting known as a Synod in 1971 to address issues of justice in the world
• Laborem Exercens


  Encyclical issued on the 90th anniversary of Rerum Novarum, addressing societal issues related to work and labor, published in 1981
• Sollicitudo Rei Socialis


  Encyclical that condemned the gap between the rich and the poor, published in 1987
• Evangelium Vitae


  Encyclical that strongly upheld the sanctity of life and the dignity of human life, lamented the legalization of abortion and euthanasia, published in 1995
• Caritas Veritate


  Encyclical published in 2009 when the church was facing problems like poverty, injustice, destruction of the environment, and the arms race, stating that "Truth opens and unites our minds in the logos of love; this is Christian proclamation and testimony of charity"
• Key Themes of Catholic Social Teaching


  • Life and Dignity of the Human Person
  • Call to Family, Community, and Participation
  • Rights and Responsibilities
  • Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
  • Dignity and Rights of Workers
  • Solidarity
  • Subsidiarity
  • Care for God's Creation
• Jesus: 'The parable of the net: "This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."'
• Jesus: 'The parable of the good Samaritan: "Go and do likewise."'
• The parable of the sower


  1. Seed fell along the path and was devoured

  2. Seed fell on the rock and withered away

  3. Seed fell among thorns and was choked

  4. Seed fell into good soil and yielded a hundredfold
• Parable of the sower


  The seed is the word of God
• The parable of the sower explains that some people receive the word of God but it is taken away, some receive it with joy but fall away in temptation, and some are choked by the cares and riches of life