Skip to content ↓

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 the 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.

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 individual owners. We are co-owners.

SOLIDARITY

Individually, we can do much. Collectively we can highlight injustice, focus on issues that threaten our world and our peace. Together we can bring about change for the greater good. Individually, we are one drop. Together we are an ocean.

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, non-exploitative 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.

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 a responsibility for protecting and sharing it; sustaining its powerful influence on our lives for the good.

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.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Catholic traditions teach 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 right to life and a right to those things required for human dignity.