Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic social teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by grassroots movements. It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.

At St Patrick’s we aim to live out the themes of catholic social teaching in everything we do. In order to develop pupil’s knowledge and understanding of the themes, each half term we focus on a different CST theme. We use the Caritas in action resources alongside Cafod resources, to support pupils to develop progressively. In addition to this to enhance the learning we invite Cafod into school to deliver an assembly and workshops to each class.

Human Dignity

We are beautifully made in the image and likeness of God.

Each of us is made in God’s image. Every person has an innate human dignity no one can take away.

Our common humanity requires that we respect and uphold the dignity of each and every individual. Everything else flows from this dignity.

God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.“ Genesis 1:26

At St Patrick’s we live this out by:

• respecting everyone
• treating everyone equally
• knowing and respecting protected characteristics
• living out our school virtues

The Common Good

We are called to work for the good of each and of all.

Our actions have an impact on everyone. When we make decisions, we should consider the good of all. The common good is about respecting the rights and responsibilities of all people and leaving no one behind.

“The whole is greater than the part, but it is also
  than the sum of its parts.” Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 235.

At St Patrick’s we live this out by:

• all children have a voice to make change for the good of everyone
• developing team work
• everyone having the opportunity to take part in community events

Participation

We all have the right and duty to participate fully in society.

We all have the right and duty to participate
fully in society.
We live in community with others, growing together. We are called to be active participants in all that we do. We have a responsibility to be inclusive so that we allow all people to participate

“When each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love.” Ephesians 4:16

At St Patrick’s we live this out by:

Subsidiarity

We are called to empower communities, to let everyone have a say.

Subsidiarity involves making sure that decisions are made at the most appropriate level, so all those affected can contribute and have a voice.
Everyone has important ideas and knows what is best for their families and communities. They need to have a say and the chance to influence outcomes.

“…together we want to give voice to all those who suffer, to all those who have no voice and are not heard.” Pope Francis, 20 September 2016

At St Patrick’s we live this out by:

Stewardship

We are guardians of God’s creation, living sustainably and enhancing the wellbeing of our planet.

Stewardship is all about caring for the many gifts that God has given to us. These include our environment, our own talents and other resources.
All living things are connected so we must use God’s gifts responsibly to meet the needs of everyone, now and in the future.

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.” Genesis 2:15

At St Patrick’s we live this out by:

Solidarity

God created us as one global family called to support our brothers and sisters.

Being in solidarity is recognising others as our brothers and sisters and actively working for their good.
We are connected to people and places all over the world.

“… all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

At St Patrick’s we live this out by:

Preferential Option for the Poor

The needs of poor and vulnerable people should be put first.

A preferential option for the poor means that we think first about the needs of those who are the most vulnerable.
Jesus taught that when we feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, look after the sick and visit those imprisoned, we are looking after Him.

“Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.” Isaiah 1:17

At St Patrick’s we live this out by:

Distributive Justice

Everyone should have access to their fair share of resources.

God’s plan was for all people to share in the goods of this world. This means that no person should struggle to have the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter and clothing.
Distributive justice is all about fair allocation of resources (including income, goods and services).

“All who believed were together and had all things in common.”
Acts 2:44-45

At St Patrick’s we live this out by:

Promoting peace

We can be God’s instruments of peace through seeking justice.

Peace is not just the absence of war. It is part of God’s nature, and a value we should all seek to live out in our daily lives.
Peace comes from both justice and love and is dependent upon people understanding one another.

“…those who promote peace have joy.” Proverbs 12:20

At St Patrick’s we live this out by: