Catholic Social Teachings

• Sanctity


  The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or morally pure
• Flourish


  To grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a favorable environment
• Disparities


  Inequalities or differences, especially in terms of social, economic, or health outcomes
• Compassionate


  Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others, especially those who are suffering
• Stewards


  People who are responsible for taking care of something or managing its resources
• The Catholic Church has a long history of social teaching that dates back many centuries
• This teaching provides a compelling challenge for individuals to live responsibly and work towards building a just society
• Modern Catholic Social Teaching, which is rooted in Scripture and expressed through a tradition of written documents, has evolved over time in response to the challenges of the present day
• It serves as the foundation for the mission and values of Catholic Community Services and the Catholic Housing Services
• Key themes that lie at the core of the Catholic social tradition

  • The belief in the sanctity of human life and the recognition that the dignity of every human person forms the basis of a moral vision for society
  • The call to foster family, community, and participation
  • The importance of recognizing and upholding human rights and responsibilities
  • The preferential option for the poor
  • The affirmation of the dignity of work and the rights of workers
• Sanctity of human life and the dignity of every human person

  Underlies all the principles of the Catholic social teaching, emphasizing that people should be prioritized over material possessions, and that the worth of any institution should be determined by whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person
• Foster family, community, and participation

  The way we structure our society, including its economic and political systems, as well as its laws and policies, directly impacts human dignity and the ability of individuals to flourish within a community
• Recognizing and upholding human rights and responsibilities

  Human dignity can only be safeguarded and a healthy community can only be achieved if human rights are protected and responsibilities are fulfilled
• Preferential option for the poor

  A crucial moral test lies in how we care for and uplift our most vulnerable members
• Dignity of work and the rights of workers

  Work is not just a means of making a living; it is a way for individuals to actively participate in the ongoing process of God's creation. It is crucial to respect the fundamental rights of workers
• The economy should prioritize serving people rather than the other way around
• Work is not just a means of making a living; it is a way for individuals to actively participate in the ongoing process of God's creation
• In order to uphold the dignity of work, it is crucial to respect the fundamental rights of workers
• Solidarity


  Regardless of our national, racial, ethnic, economic, or ideological differences, we are all part of the same human family. It is our responsibility to look after one another, no matter where we may be in the world
• Pursuit of justice and peace


  At the heart of solidarity lies the pursuit of justice and peace
• The Gospel urges us to become peacemakers
• Care for God's creation


  Demonstrating respect for the Creator involves taking care of the environment as stewards of creation
• Within the Catholic faith, it is imperative to prioritize the preservation of the earth
• We are called upon to safeguard both people and the planet, living out our faith in harmony with all aspects of God's creation
• This environmental challenge carries profound moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be disregarded
• The Catholic Church has a long history of social teaching that emphasises the sanctity of human life and the dignity of every person
• Catholic social teaching calls for fostering family, community, and participation, and prioritising the needs of the poor and vulnerable
• The Catholic tradition also highlights the importance of upholding human rights and responsibilities, as well as the dignity of work and the rights of workers