‘We Care, We Share, We Value’

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching is based on the belief that God has a plan for creation, a plan to build his kingdom of peace, love and justice.

Writings by Popes and Catholic leaders show how the Catholic faith can guide our response to these issues.

It holds that God has a special place in this story for each of us, whoever we are.

Our part in this plan isn’t just limited to things ‘spiritual’, or things we might do on Sundays, but that it involves every aspect of our lives, from the things we pray about, to how we live as a responsible global citizens.

Our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty. Following in the footsteps of Christ, we hope to make present in our unjust and broken world, the justice, love, and peace of God.

“Catholic social teaching is fundamental to tackling world issues” (Pope Francis)

At Holy Cross we ensure that these teachings are taught and practised throughout all aspects of our school life and beyond. 

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Caritas in Action

The Caritas in Action document has been produced as a response to Catholic Social Teaching, which calls us all as Catholics to work for the common good, help build a just society, uphold the dignity of human life and work for justice and the dignity of all our brothers and sisters, especially those in the greatest need.

Holy Cross children are taught SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education) through their learning and with the support of the Caritas in Action document. It is fundamental that all children are to be spiritually, morally, socially and culturally educated. 

Caritas in Action provides a unique and engaging set of teaching and learning opportunities for seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching. Over a two year cycle, every child in every year group will study each of the seven themes at their own level. During their time at Holy Cross, your child will be enriched in and through this Catholic Social Teaching and their daily lessons.

The 7 Main Principles are:

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Life and Dignity of the Human Person

Every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, every person’s life and dignity must be respected and supported from conception until the end of their natural like on earth. Therefore it is essential that every institution worth is assessed in how it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. All human life is sacred and possesses inherent dignity, from conception to natural death. This principle underlies the Church's stance on issues, and human rights.

What is one thing that is wonderful about you? Can you think of ways we can respect the dignity of others?

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Family, Community and Participation

The human person is not only sacred, but social. How society is organised to be it socially, economically, legally or politically has a direct impact on the dignity and growth of every human person community. Marriage and family should be supported and strengthened. Every person has a right to work to support themselves and their families as well as the building up of the common good of all. The family is the basic unit of society, and individuals have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking the well-being of all, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable.

Why is your family and other communities important to you?

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Solidarity

We are the people of God, one family. Therefore, what happens to one has an impact on all, locally, nationally and globally. At the heart of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Our love for all calls us to work for a peaceful and just society where everyone has a fair share of the goods needed for a sustainable life and opportunities for growth and development are offered equally. The dignity of all is respected. We are all part of one human family, and we have a moral obligation to work for the common good and to promote justice and peace, both locally and globally

When have you depended on someone else? When has someone depended on you?

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Rights and Responsibilities

Every person has a fundamental right to life. It is this right that makes all other rights possible. Everyone has the right to food, health care, housing/shelter, education and employment. We all need to strive to secure and respect these rights for others both locally and globally. However, these rights are balanced with responsibilities to others and to the common good.

What responsibilities do we have for the larger society?

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Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

Society is judged on how it cares for and stands with the poor and vulnerable- our brothers and sisters. We read in scripture how God has a special concern for the oppressed, poor, vulnerable and those forced to the margins of society. The Church calls us to respond to the cry of the poor and put their needs first. The preferential option for the poor and vulnerable must be seen in action in our daily lives and government policies. The needs of the poor and vulnerable must be given special consideration in social and economic policies. This principle highlights the importance of addressing poverty, inequality, and social exclusion

Who are the most vulnerable in our society? How can we help them?

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The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

Work is a way in which we can continue to participate in God’s creation. Work gives dignity to life and must be carried out in such a way that the basic rights of workers are respected. 

Everyone has the right to productive work, to fair and loveable wages, and to organise and join a union. The economy must be conducted so that it serves the needs of the people- it is a means to an end, not the end goal. Work is not just a means of earning a living but is also a form of participation in God's creation. Workers have rights to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organise and join unions

How can we protect the rights of workers?

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Stewardship: Care for God’s Creation

The world that God created has been entrusted to everyone and we are responsible and accountable to God as stewards of the earth. The world has been given to us as a gift, to enjoy and care for so that future generations can enjoy it too. It is in caring for creation that we show our love and respect for its

Creator. Stewardship of the Earth and its resources is a responsibility entrusted to humanity by God. This principle emphasises the importance of environmental sustainability and the protection of the environment for future generation.

What can we do to protect earth and people in it?

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Catholic Social Teaching in 3 Minutes by CAFOD

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