Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) shows us how our Catholic faith guides our actions. It acts as our moral compass, helping us understand how to live out the teachings of Jesus in our everyday lives and how we should treat others and the world around us. Catholic Social Teaching encourages us to build a world based on justice, love, compassion and responsibility, ensuring that every person is treated with dignity and respect.

At St Joseph’s, these principles are not simply ideas we talk about; they are values we aim to live out every day through our actions, relationships and learning. There are nine core principles that underpin Catholic Social Teaching. In our Key Stage 1 classes, these principles are represented by characters to make them more engaging and relatable for younger children. As pupils move into Key Stage 2, they begin to learn the formal names and deeper meaning of each principle, such as subsidiarity and human dignity.

Throughout the year, our pupils live out these principles through a wide range of activities including:

  • fundraising for charitable causes

  • supporting members of our local community

  • caring for our environment through activities such as litter picking and tree planting

  • praying for others across the world

  • building strong relationships within our school and parish community

These actions help our children understand that their choices can make a positive difference to others locally and globally.

Below are the nine principles of Catholic Social Teaching that guide our school community.

 

Human Dignity

Luc the Deer presents Human Dignity.

Every person is created in the image and likeness of God. This means that every human life has value and dignity that cannot be taken away. Our shared humanity calls us to respect, protect and care for every person. All other principles of Catholic Social Teaching flow from this belief in the dignity of every individual.

The Common Good

Chikondi the Giraffe represents the Common Good.

Our actions affect other people. When we make decisions, we should think about what is best not just for ourselves, but for everyone. Working for the common good means ensuring that the rights and needs of all people are respected and that no one is left behind.

Participation

Patariki the Penguin represents Participation.

Every person has the right and responsibility to take part in society and contribute to their community. We are called to be active members of our communities, listening to one another and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be included and heard.

Solidarity

Shristi the Sun Bear represents Solidarity.

Solidarity reminds us that we are all part of one human family. We are connected to people across the world, and we are called to stand together, support one another and work for the good of everyone.

Stewardship

Sophia the Sloth represents Stewardship.

 

God has entrusted us with many gifts, including the Earth, our talents and the resources we share. Stewardship reminds us that we have a responsibility to care for these gifts wisely so that they can be enjoyed by both people today and future generations.

 

Subsidiarity

Sid the Sheep represents Subsidiarity.

Subsidiarity means that decisions should be made at the most appropriate level, giving people the opportunity to share their ideas and have their voices heard. Everyone has valuable knowledge about their own lives, families and communities, and they should have the opportunity to influence decisions that affect them.

Preferential Option for the Poor

Poppy the Popokotea represents the Preferential Option for the Poor.

 

This principle reminds us that we should give special attention to those who are most vulnerable. Jesus teaches us that when we care for those who are hungry, poor, sick or lonely, we are caring for Him.

Distributive Justice

DJ the Dolphin represents Distributive Justice.

God intended the resources of the Earth to be shared fairly among all people. Distributive justice reminds us that everyone should have access to the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter and clothing.

Promoting Peace

Daisy the Dove represents Promoting Peace.

Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It comes from justice, love and understanding. We are called to promote peace through our words and actions, building relationships based on kindness, respect and compassion.