This morning, Year 3 and 4 held a restaurant lunch. They created their own menus and made their own vegetable bolognese for the families of Holy Cross. Thanks to everyone for coming and for your really kind donations. 

What is Catholic Social Teaching?

Our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty. Following in the footsteps of Christ, we hope to make present in our unjust and broken world, the justice, love, and peace of God.

What are the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching?

Dignity of the Human Person:

We believe every human person is made in the image and likeness of God. This is a gift that we all share as fellow human beings; we are all infinitely loved by our Creator.

God is present in every human person, regardless of religion, culture, nationality, orientation, or economic standing. Each one of us is unique and beautiful. We are called to treat every person and every creature with loving respect. 

Family and Community:

The human person is not only sacred, but social. How society is organised be it socially, economically, legally, or politically has a direct impact on the dignity and growth of every human person and community. Marriage and family should be supported and strengthened. Every person has the right to work to support themselves and their families as well as the building up of the common good of all.

Solidarity and the Common Good:

Solidarity arises when we remember that we belong to each other. 

The common good means that the fruits of the earth belong to everyone. No one should be excluded from the gifts of creation. At the heart of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Our love for all calls us to work for a peaceful and just society where everyone has a fair share of the goods needed for a sustainable life, and opportunities for growth and development are offered equally. The dignity of every person is respected.

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable:

The option for the poor reminds us of God’s preferential love for the poorest and most vulnerable people. God’s love is universal; he does not side with oppressors but loves the humble. This preferential option for the poor and vulnerable must be seen in action in our daily lives and government policies.

Stewardship of God's Creation:

In the first pages of the Bible, we read how God created the sun and the stars, the water and earth, and every creature. We believe Christ is the redeemer of all creation.

In 2015, Pope Francis brought together decades of Church teaching in the encyclical, Laudato Si’. In this deeply influential letter, Pope Francis invites everyone on the planet to consider how our actions are affecting the earth and the poorest people. Everything is interconnected, and all of creation praises God. It is our Christian vocation to care for creation.

The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers:

Church teaching has upheld the dignity of work and participation. The human person should always come before the pursuit of profit. Workers have the right to join trade unions, to a just wage, to spend time with their families, and to rest. Work is an essential part of our human dignity and everyone has the right to participate.

Rights and Responsibilities:

Every person has the 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.