Catholic Social Teaching, Active Service and Charitable Outreach
A number of key concepts and principles are at the core of Catholic social teaching. Chief among these is justice, human dignity, the common good, the principles of participation, solidarity, subsidiarity, the universal destination of the world’s goods, and the option for the poor.
HUMAN DIGNITY
‘Catholic social teaching believes that human beings, created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27), have an inherent value, worth, and distinction by their very existence.’ This means God is present in everyone, regardless of race, origin, sex, orientation, culture, or economic standing. Catholic Social Teaching emphasises that we must see within each other a reflection of God and honour and respect this dignity as a divine gift.
St. Paul tells us that each person is a work of art created by God and chosen for a unique purpose. Ephesians 2:10
At SS John and Monica’s, we recognise the human dignity of others by:
• being respectful
• treating people equally
• raising awareness of civil rights
• preferential option for the vulnerable
COMMUNITY AND PARTICIPATION
God does not create us to live alone. Living in a community is an essential expression of who we are. But Community does not just happen – it is something that all of us must work together to develop.… A community needs a soul to become a true home for human beings. You, the people, must give it this soul.’ John Paul II. ‘Participation is a duty to be fulfilled consciously by all, with responsibility and a view to the common good.’
At SS John and Monica's, we show that we are part of the community by:
• participating and engaging
• being active members of our community
THE COMMON GOOD
In the UK, this is perhaps one of the best-known principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Pursuing the common good is one way Catholics practice solidarity: the common good is not just shared with those nearest to us or even with all those in our society; it is a universal principle that fosters the unity of the whole human family. In practising it, Catholics are called to have particular care for the weak and vulnerable because they are our neighbours in a pre-eminent way.
"You are not making a gift of your possessions to the poor person. You are handing over to them what is theirs." St Ambrose (340-397 AD)
At SS John and Monica’s, we show we are part of a community by:
• working together
• working for the common good
• participating and engaging
• being active members of our community
SOLIDARITY
Solidarity is about valuing our fellow human beings and respecting who they are as individuals.
‘The many situations of inequality, poverty and injustice are signs not only of a profound lack of fraternity but also of the absence of a culture of solidarity. New ideologies, characterised by rampant individualism, egocentrism and materialistic consumerism, weaken social bonds, fuelling that “throw-away” mentality which leads to contempt for, and the abandonment of, the weakest and those considered “useless.”
‘We are all one family in the world. Building a community that empowers everyone to attain their full potential through each of us respecting each other’s dignity, rights, and responsibilities makes the world a better place to live.
Pope Paul VI taught, "If you want peace, work for justice". The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers.
At SS John and Monica’s, we show solidarity by:
• raising awareness of social justice
• writing to our local leaders
• praying for others
• making connections
• making socially responsible choices
DIGNITY AND RIGHTS FOR WORKERS
Catholic Social Teaching holds that work is dignified and an intrinsic good, and workers must always be respected and valued.
The state also has the duty to protect the rights of all its people, particularly of its weaker members, the workers, women, and children.
Work must be undertaken responsibly and labour treated well; this includes how we approach the work we do, what we do with our work, and how employers treat their employees. Jesus speaks a lot about work, and while much of this is in parables, we shouldn’t restrict interpretations of these parables to only spiritual ones.
Do the hard work of getting along and treating each other with dignity and honour. (James 3:17)
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the great first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. These two commandments depend on all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
At SS John and Monica’s, we recognise the dignity of work by:
• respecting all workers
• contributing to society
• making responsible economic choices
• supporting wellbeing and workers' rights
• sharing our talents with others
STEWARDSHIP
Respect for human life means respecting all of God’s creation. We must re-engage with our environment and take responsibility for it; we must live sustainably so there are enough resources for everyone.
The relationship between human activity and global warming must be constantly monitored for ‘the climate is a good that must be protected.
‘Creation is not a property, which we can rule over at will; or, even less is the property of only a few: Creation is a gift, it is a wonderful gift that God has given us so that we care for it and we use it for the benefit of all, always with great respect and gratitude.’ Pope Francis
The ecological crisis is also a summons to profound interior conversion…Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience. Pope Francis - Laudato Si
At SS John and Monica’s, we show we care for creation by:
• taking responsibility for our environment
• making environmentally responsible choices
• having awe and wonder for the natural world
HELP THE POOR AND VULNERABLE
‘The spirit of the Lord is on me, for he has anointed me to bring the good news to the afflicted. He has sent me… to let the oppressed go free.’ Luke 4:18
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.
‘For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; I needed clothes, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you looked after me; I was in prison, and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:35-40
At SS John and Monica’s, we show a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable by:
• fundraising for charitable causes
• raising awareness
• treating others with dignity and respect
• thinking of the needs of others
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES - PROMOTING PEACE
Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human dignity. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities to one another, our families, and the wider society.
“Our common bonds of humanity demand that we live in harmony and promote what is good for one another. These ethical implications are why solidarity is a basic key to peace.” St John Paul II
At SS John and Monica’s, we show we are people of peace by:
• treating each other kindly
• turning away from conflict
• creating bonds between people
Catholic Social Teaching
Charitable Outreach
- SS John and Monica fully embrace the Church's teachings on social justice and do everything we can to raise funds for the needy locally, nationally and globally. We raise money during the important liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent by the children, staff, and school community, who come together for various events. The school has a long-standing history of raising money for CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development), Father Hudson's Care, and St Mary's Trust. Each class often chooses local and national charities for specific fundraising. Local charities include Anawim and Birmingham Centre for Women.