Catholic Social Teaching (CST) helps us understand how to live like Jesus. It comes from Scripture, Church leaders, and the actions of people who care for others.  Catholic Social Teaching is like a guide that shows us how to love God and love other people, especially those who are poor or vulnerable.

Jesus showed us how to care for others, and we want to follow His example. He tells us to love God and to love our neighbour, every neighbour.  Even when the world is unfair or broken, we try to bring God’s love, fairness, and peace to everyone.  By living out Catholic Social Teaching we can build a world of justice, love and peace, where everyone has what they need.  

The Catholic Church has seven principles of social teaching that we share with our children through all that we do, through our curriculum, special events and activities, and through our ordinary actions in school. 

The Seven Catholic Social Teaching Principles are: 

1. Human Dignity - As children of God we all have dignity, and every one of us is unique and precious.  We are each made in the image of God.  We should treat everyone the way we would like to be treated.  What makes me special?  What makes people special? How should we treat each other?

2. Common Good / Community and Participation - We are called to work for the good of each and all.  What we do affects everyone in our society and the wider world.  When we make choices, we should think about how it affects others.  What is ‘true community’? 

3. Solidarity - We are one big family with God.  When we are in solidarity with others we act as God’s family.  We show that we care for others - especially those who need extra help. Be better global neighbours, speaking out for Justice and working actively for all of our sisters and brothers.  Who are our leaders?  How do we stand with others? How did Jesus show service and justice?

4. Stewardship - from the beginning, God asked humans to care for one another and for all creation - he entrusted us with his creation.  We are responsible and accountable to God as stewards of the earth.  It is in caring for creation that we show our love and respect for its creator.  How do I show respect for creation?

5. Dignity of Work - Work and earning money to support yourself and your family is an important part of our human dignity.  Work allows us to join with others and use our skills to build, with God, a fair world.  Everybody’s work is valuable for the community.

6. Rights and Responsibilities - All God’s people should have certain Human Rights .  People have a fundamental right to their basic needs: food, health, care, housing, education and employment.  

7. Option for the Poor - we think about the needs of the most vulnerable.  The Church calls us to respond to the cry of the poor and put their needs first.  The preferential treatment for the poor and vulnerable must be seen in action in our daily lives.  Just like Jesus, we need to help people in need - friends, family and those in the community who are struggling.