Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching is rooted in scripture and is our moral compass in living out our faith in the world. We are called to walk in the footsteps of Christ and bring his love and Gospel to our world. At the core of Catholic Social Teaching are a number of key concepts and principles. Over the year, every child in every year group will study each of the seven themes at their own level. During their time at Guardian Angels, your child will progress through this programme and will be enriched in and through Catholic Social Teaching.
The 7 themes are:
HUMAN DIGNITY
We recognise and believe that all individual human people are unique and made in the image and likeness of God gifting each one us an inherent worth and distinction. God is present in all people regardless of circumstances or position and we are called by our faith to love each one we meet just as God’s love for us is infinite..
What makes each of us special?
How should we treat each other?
COMMUNITY AND PARTICIPATION
We were not created to live alone and in living on earth together, we seek the common good of our societies. Individually, we have a responsibility to support, develop and safeguard our communities and people. The fruits of the earth belong to each one of us – we are not the individual owners. We are co-owners.
What is ‘true community’?
SOLIDARITY
Individually we can do much. Collectively we can highlight injustice, focus on issues that threatened our world, our peace, our Together we can bring about change for the greater good. Individually we are one drop. Together we are an ocean.
Who are our leaders?
How do we stand with others?
How did Jesus show service and justice?
DIGNITY AND RIGHTS OF WORKERS
Work is a valued medium for improving our own and the lives of others. For employers this means providing acceptable places of work, safe working conditions, work-home balance, fair salaries, nonexploitive practices, a positive and valued ethos. For employees this means respecting the work and fairly earning a day’s pay. Every person – employer and employee is called to be treated with due regard and respect. The human person is above profit and gain.
What are our gifts and how can we share these?
How does work build us up?
STEWARDSHIP
Each one of us has been created by God. Our world has been created by God. We have been entrusted to care and safeguard it for future generations of God’s people. Our environment can shape our lives - we have responsibility for protecting and sharing it; sustaining it’s powerful influence in our lives for the good.
How do we show respect for Creation?
OPTION FOR THE POOR AND VULNERABLE
The option for the poor reminds us of God’s preferential love for the poorest and most vulnerable people. God’s love is universal; he does not side with oppressors but loves the humble.
Who needs our help and how can we help them?
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Catholic traditions teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fright to life and a right to those things required for human dignity.
What is happiness and what are the barriers to happiness?