Catholic Social Teaching Catholic social teaching (CST) is deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition. Pope John Paul II wrote, “The Church’s social teaching finds its source in Sacred Scripture, beginning with the Book of Genesis and especially in the Gospel and the writings of the Apostles. From the beginning, it was part of the Church’s teaching.

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic social teaching is social. Pope Benedict XVI wrote, “No man is an island, entire of itself. Our lives are involved with one another, through innumerable interactions they are linked together. No one lives alone. No one sins alone. No one is saved alone. The lives of others continually spill over into mine: in what I think, say, do and achieve. And conversely, my life spills over into that of others: for better and for worse.

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic social teaching is an expression of the Church’s ministry of teaching. The Bishops call Catholic social teaching a “constitutive” part of the Church’s mission to the world. It is not only the prerogative of the institutional church, but of the entire community. “It is the expression of the way that the Church understands society and of her position regarding social structures and changes. The whole of the Church community—priests, religious, and laity—participates in the formulation of this social doctrine.”

The Catholic Church has seven principles of social teaching that we share with our children through all that we do, through the curriculum, special events and through our ordinary actions in school. 

Dignity of the human person-Everyone is special- We are beautifully made in the image and likeness of God

Human dignity: All human life is sacred- Everyone is special and should be treated equally.

We value and care for each other as unique persons, made in the image and likeness of God

We treat all children with respect and teach them about relationships.

We encourage all to respect each other and understand that others may have different views.

We will encourage to respect others’ achievements and be proud of their own.

We live our School’s Mission Statement

We celebrate different nationalities

We learn about other faiths

We celebrate diversity

We hold regular CAFOD assemblies

 We take part in Anti-Bullying week and take part in Anti-Bulling workshops 

Family and Community-it is out of the community that we are sent to love and serve the world.

We have excellent relationships with our parents and families and support our families 

We have close links with our parish

We involve the community in services and assemblies.

We celebrate as a whole community, involving families and governors in events.

We hold regular school family events

We have a year R and year 6 buddy system

We support local charities

We work closely with the parish on the Sacramental programme

We build relationship by singing at our local care home

We donate and support our local Food Bank

Solidarity and the Common Good-Thinking of Everyone-We are called to work for the good of each and of all.

Common good: What is best for everyone?

We  pray for others

We fundraise and campaign for those in need

We support and campaign for Fairtrade

We actively engage in whole school projects to make a difference to others

We undertake whole school projects supporting us to live out the CST principles

We take part in fundraising events at different points of the year, like the ‘world Gifts’ for CAFOD

We work with CAFOD volunteers

We fundraise for the victims of war and disaster

 Dignity of Work & Participation-We all have the right and duty to participate fully in society.

Be polite and attentive to guests and visitors

Support staff through training

Encourage past pupils to return for work experience

Support staff members going through challenging times by our prayers and actions

Treat everyone in our school as family

Subsidiarity: All people should participate and have a say

We give pupils the opportunity to be heard and have their say through our school council 

We vote for team members democratically

We support the Stewardship and School Council teams to take an actively lead for change and be the voice of change

We speak-up, by campaigning for things we believe in.

Pupil Leadership: Participation 

‘Each of us has a part to play, a gift to share, a service to offer, for building up the Body of Christ in love.’ Pope Francis, June 19, 2013

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, education and employment. We all need to strive to secure and respect these rights for others both locally and globally. Corresponding to these rights are responsibilities. Because we are created in the image of God, we must respect the rights of others and care for others according to God’s commandments and example.

We teach our children through our PHSE curriculum about human rights

We work with Kidsafe to ensure children know how to keep safe

We have clear rules and expectations in school.

 Options for the poor and Vulnerable-Putting people in most need first-The needs of the poor and vulnerable should be put first.

We support charities and those in need

We pray for those in need

We take part in theme days to raise awareness and money

We do not judge others

We support vulnerable children, parents and families 

Stewardship: We are part of and need to care for creation-We are guardians of God’s creation, living sustainably and enhancing the wellbeing of our planet.

We understand we each have a personal responsibility for our Common Home

We put rubbish in the bin

We have Forest school sessions

We conserve energy and look at energy use across the school 

We recycle and reuse at school and home

We are working hard to develop our school grounds

We litter pick on the school grounds

We reuse things wherever possible- DT, Art, projects