1. Principles of Catholic Social Teaching
“Our faith is profoundly social. We cannot be called truly “catholic” unless we hear and heed the Church’s call to serve those in need and work for justice and peace”
Communities of Salt and Light, US Bishops 1993

2. Overview What is Catholic Social Teaching?
Living faith, loving action,, promotes human flourishing, makes visible God’s kingdom, transformative
Where doe Catholic Social Teaching come from?
Bible, Tradition, Moral resources, Church documents
What is the method of Catholic Social Teaching?
REFLECT- PRAY-on social nature and need for justice and charity
THINK-JUDGE- look at world- is their justice and charity? Why or why not- what should we do to help build Kingdom of God on earth?
ACT!!!!! Go and make a difference- Find your “Calcutta”

3. Wheel of Justice
7 major principles to reflect on and implement CST

4. Notes:
1998 US Bishops write CST document : Sharing CST: Challenges and directions
(The Principles on the wheel are derived from that document)

5. Notes
Purpose: Alert Catholics regarding their moral responsibility to spread the good news of the Gospel
“Far too many Catholics are not familiar with the basic content of Catholic social teaching. More fundamentally, many Catholics do not adequately understand that the social teaching of the Church is an essential part of Catholic faith. This poses a serious challenge for all Catholics, since it weakens our capacity to be a Church that is true to the demands of the Gospel.”(USCCB)

6. Notes
Ultimate Goal- Build God’s kingdom here and now (on earth) as commanded by Jesus
WWJD regarding social issues such as child labor, abortion, genocide, unfair wages, starvation, homelessness, sex trafficking, unjust wars, excess greed and wealth, mistreatment of sick and disabled

7. 1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Starting point/foundational/essential
Inherent worth of all (Made in God’s image)
Life is sacred (sanctity)
All laws must protect life (conception till natural death)
Respect all- oppose all forms of prejudice and discrimination
Be consistent
Example- defend life against abortion

8. 2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Family critical/base of society
Laws should support and promote marriage and family
You have a right and duty to participate in society (Local)
Promote common good -Individual important (not individualism)
Example: promote and support Café college

9. 3. Rights and Responsibilities
Rights- fundamental to human decency (access to food, shelter, basic health care, education)
Duties- take care of yourself, use skills and talents to contribute to the good of society, fulfill your obligations

10. 4. Option for the poor and vulnerable
Be educated on root causes of poverty
Advocate for policies/laws that empower and protect children, elderly, homeless, unemployed, sick, those with disabilities……
Implement charity and justice
Jesus taught to put the needs of “the least” first – especially the powerless

11. 5. The Dignity of Work/Rights of Workers
God created us to work and work should have dignity (We spend most of our lives working)
Economy serve the people (not the other way around)
Rights include fair wages, decent working conditions, right to unions

12. 6. Global Solidarity One human family/common bond
Interdependent- connected – ALL
Promote peace and mutual respect with all cultures and people
Commit to the common God of humanity
We are sister’s and brothers- (we should strive to find those connections and bonds that unite us)

13. 7.Care for creation
Showing respect for God includes respect for his creation
Dominion requires cultivation and care (not senseless disregard for the earth and nature)
We discover God’s presence in the world/universe
Respect and preserve God’s creation which sustains life

14. Ticket Out
Island Ticket Out Write #1 -#7 then for each CST Principle write 2 specific examples of how to activate the principle You can’t use the examples already given