Catholic Social Teaching "Far too many Catholics are not familiar with the basic

content of Catholic social teaching. More fundamentally, many Catholics do not adequately

understand that the social teaching of the Church is an essential part of Catholic faith. This poses a serious

challenge for all Catholics, since it weakens our capacity to be a Church that is true to the demands of

the Gospel. We need to do more to share the social mission and message of our Church." Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions                  

U.S. Catholic Bishops                 

the right to life, liberty and security of the person; the right to food, clothing, housing, sufficient health care, rest, and leisure; the right to freedom of expression, education and culture; the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; the right to manifest one’s religion either individually or in community, in public or in private; the right to choose a state of life, to found a family and to enjoy all conditions necessary for family life; the right to property and work, to adequate working conditions and a just wage; the right of assembly and association; the right to freedom of movement, to internal and external migration; the right to nationality and residence; the right to political participation and the right to participate in the free choice of the political system of the people to which one belongs (#13).

Common Good…

the sum total of conditions of social living, whereby persons are enabled more fully and readily to achieve their own perfection”

Example: War

7 Themes of Catholic Social Teaching…

Life and Dignity of Human Person Call to Family, Community &

Participation Rights and Responsibilities of Human

Person Option for the Poor and Vulnerable Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers Solidarity of Human Family Care for God’s Creation

Spiritual Works of Mercy

Acts of love that help us care for the needs of people’s, hearts, minds, and souls.

Corporal Works of Mercy

Acts of love that help us care for the physical and material needs of others.