Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching is based around the Church’s belief that we can all make a difference in making our world a better place for all. These teachings are rooted in Scripture and especially in the teachings of Jesus found in the Gospels. Christ shows us how to walk in his footsteps, bringing love and care to those both near and far. It is our vocation to live as Jesus and saints throughout the ages, bettering our world for everyone.
The Catholic Church has seven principles of social teaching that we will explore in school, just like our virtues. Throughout your child’s spiritual journey at St. John the Baptist, we explore these principles through our curriculum, Mission Weeks, activities and through our everyday actions.
- Dignity of the human person
- Family and Community
- Solidarity and The Common Good
- Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
- Stewardship of God’s Creation
Throughout your child’s spiritual journey at St. John the Baptist, we explore these principles through our curriculum, Mission Weeks, activities and through our everyday actions.
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Half Term |
CST Principle and Definition |
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Autumn 1 |
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable (linking to Harvest) Option for the poor and vulnerable reminds us of God’s preferential love for the poorest and most vulnerable people and the love we must show too. It is our duty as followers of Christ to help those who are less fortunate in any way we can. This can be through monetary contributions but also through time and acts of service. The Big Question: Who needs our help and how can we help them? Focus Hymns – ‘Lord of the Harvest’ and ‘Take Our Bread’ |
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Autumn 2 |
Rights and Responsibilities (linking to Mary and Joseph having to travel to Bethlehem and being displaced and International Migrants day 18.12) All God’s people have the right to food, work, clothes, a home, school and medical care. These ‘rights’ are things that every person on earth needs in order to live a full life. But many people do not have them. Jesus wants people who enjoy these rights to help their sisters and brothers obtain their rights. It is not enough to feel badly for others. Jesus says it is our responsibility to see that everyone receives his or her rights. The Big Question: What is happiness, and what are the barriers to happiness? Focus Hymns – ‘Were you there?’ and ‘When I Needed a Neighbour’ |
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Spring 1 |
The Dignity of Work (linking with Fairtrade Fortnight 21.02-06.03) Everyone’s work is of value. There are many kinds of work. In each job, workers deserve to be treated with respect; work safely; work reasonable hours, and earn fair wages. They deserve this because they are made by God. Our work gives us the means to live, but it is also a chance to use the talents God gives us. Our work is our way of cooperating with God to help create a better world. The Big Questions: What are our gifts and, how can we share these? How does work build us up? Focus Hymns – ‘Lord of the Dance’ and ‘You are my Brother’ |
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Spring 2 |
Stewardship of God’s Creation (links to World Wildlife Day 03.03) The earth and all life on it is God’s creation. We are called to take care of it because it is a holy gift from God and the only place we can live. When we make bad or thoughtless use of the world’s resources, many people suffer. When we make good choices about how we treat other living things (people, animals, plants) we help all living things to live as God intends. Making wise choices about the care of God’s creation is called good stewardship. The Big Question: How do we show respect for Creation? Focus Hymns – ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ and ‘From the Highest of Heights’ |
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Summer 1 |
Family and Community (linking to World Environment Day 05.06) Jesus understood that people need each other. We all need our families, friends and neighbours. He tells us that these important people can help us. Jesus says that we must help them too. Doing this, we create a loving community where everyone can live life to the full. The Big Questions: Who are our leaders? How do we stand with others? How did Jesus show service and justice? Focus Hymns – ‘’All Things Bright and Beautiful’ and ‘If I Were a Butterfly’ |
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Summer 2 |
Dignity of the Human Person (Linking to World Loneliness Week 13.06 and Volunteers Week 01.06) God made each one of us. This makes us incredibly special. It doesn’t matter who we are, who our friends are, what we own, what we look like. What matters is that we are special because we are God’s children. This means that we must treat others with respect and fairness because God made us all. The Big Questions: What makes each of us special? How should we treat each other? Focus Hymns – ‘Peace Like a River’ and ‘Make Me a Channel |