Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is the Church’s way of helping people understand how faith should shape daily life. For families at St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Primary, CST encourages us to care for others, respect human dignity, and build communities where everyone can flourish.
At the heart of CST is the belief that every person is made in the image of God. This means we should treat children, adults, and visitors with kindness and fairness, and we should notice when someone is left out or treated unjustly. In school and at home, we can practise this by listening well, speaking respectfully, and including others in games, conversations, and activities.
CST also teaches that we have a responsibility to look after the common good, which is everything that helps people live well together. This includes sharing resources, taking care of our school environment, and doing small acts of service that make a difference. Parents can support this by encouraging children to help at home, care for belongings, and think about how their choices affect others.
Another key idea is solidarity, meaning we stand with people who are struggling and work for a more just world. Through prayer, conversations, and age-appropriate actions, children can learn that their efforts matter. Many families also choose to support charities such as Cafod, helping communities overseas and strengthening the message that compassion reaches beyond our own neighbourhood.
Finally, CST highlights the importance of peace and the dignity of work. We can promote peace by resolving disagreements calmly, forgiving when appropriate, and seeking solutions that respect everyone. We can also honour work by valuing effort, encouraging good habits, and recognising the contributions of parents, carers, teachers, and workers in our community.
Catholic Social teaching Principles
Human Dignity – Everyone is Special
God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.” Genesis 1:26
At SMSS we recognise the human dignity of others by:
- being respectful
- treating people equally
- raising awareness of civil rights
- preferential option for the vulnerable
The Common Good – Taking Part in our Communities
All who were together and had all things in common; they would distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Acts 2:44–45
At SMSS 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
Participation – The Dignity of Work
When each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love. Ephesians 4:16
At SMSS 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
Subsidiarity – All People Should Have a Say
Jethro said to Moses, "Let them bring every important case to you but decide every minor case themselves." Exodus 18:22
At SMSS we acknowledge our rights and responsibilities by:
- recognising our duties as members of a community
- standing up for what is right
- following our school rules
Stewardship – Caring for God’s Creation and Gifts
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it. Genesis 2:15
At SMSS we show we care for creation by:
- taking responsibility for our environment
- making environmentally responsible choices
- having awe and wonder for the natural world
Solidarity – We are One Big Family
All of you are one in Christ. Galatians 3:28
At SMSS we show solidarity by:
- raising awareness of social justice
- writing to our local leaders
- praying for others
- making connections
- making socially responsible choices
Option for the Poor – Some People Need Extra Help
Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Isaiah 1:17
At SMSS 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
Distributive Justice – Being Fair
A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. Proverbs 29:7
At SMSS we recognise the need to share the world's resources fairly by:
- providing for others who are less fortunate
- by sharing our resources and belongs
Promoting Peace – We Can Be God’s Instruments of Peace
Those who promote peace will have joy. Proverbs 12:20
At SMSS we show we are people of peace by:
- treating each other kindly
- turning away from conflict
- creating bonds between people
Resource for Children
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