1

The principles of Catholic social teaching

We are all created in the image of God and so every person demands respect.

We should look to put the poorest and most vulnera-ble people first.

Everyone is included and has a responsibility to promote good for the com-munity and also a right to benefit from that good.

We are called as Catholics to stand in solidarity with those who are suffering as part of Christ’s teaching to ‘love our neighbour.'

Human dignity and a healthy society can only be achieved if everyone’s hu-man rights are protected.

We are called to be stew-ards to our planet and pro-tect its people. We live our faith in a relationship with all of God’s creation.

Where possible, govern-ing decisions and actions should be taken at the low-est level possible. When the lower levels are incapa-ble of performing actions adequately, then higher lev-els of governments should intervene.

Everyone has the right to participate in the econom-ic, political and cultural life of society. It is a funda-mental demand of justice for everyone to be guaran-teed at least a minimum level of participation in their community.

Cut out the cards and have students fill in the table template with them.

2

DIGNITY OPTION FOR THE POOR COMMON GOOD SOLIDARITY

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILI-TIES STEWARDSHIP SUBSIDIARITY PARTICIPATION