Catholic Social Teaching and the and the Franciscan Life

How is Catholic Social Teaching related to our work for justice, peace, and integrity of creation? Catholic Social Teaching: “a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society.” USCCB USCCB

What does it teach? It challenges us to live the Gospel in our relationships with one another in family, community and the world.

Where does it come from? From scripture From the teachings of the popes and bishops From the evolving understanding of how we are called to live in community.

What is it? There is no one list of teachings, like there is for the Ten Commandments. Our U.S. bishops have listed 7 principles.

The life and dignity of the human person We are created in the image of God. All life is sacred and valued. Here’s where it all begins :

When he embraced the leper and kissed him, he found himself clothed in Christ’s love, incarnate in the least of his brothers.

From our Rule, article 13: As the Father sees in every person the features of his Son, the firstborn of many brothers and sisters, so the Secular Franciscans with a gentle and courteous spirit accept all people as a gift of the Lord and an image of Christ.

This first basic principle unites Catholics. Respect for life from conception till natural death Concern for the poor and for workers Religious freedoms Capital punishment Immigration reform Stem cell research Ethics of reproduction, artificial life support Concern for the environment Work for peace

The life and dignity of the human person We are created in the image of God. All life is sacred and valued. …here’s where it all begins : Catholic Social Teaching is a work in progress…

Call to Family, Community and Participation We need each other!

Franciscan Gospel living is not an individual spirituality or value system nor just a personal piety; it is a communal experience – with its support and accountability – to live Jesus in today’s world… Community for a Franciscan is that center of faith and commitment where a person can invest his or her heart in the hearts of others in order to grow and become fully mature with the fullness of Christ. Fully Mature in Christ Formation lesson 1

It starts in the family… Secular Franciscans consider their own family to be the first place in which to live their Christian commitment and Franciscan vocation. (Insert YOUR family)

Franciscans in community Fraternity Region National International

and in the world… You are called to give your own contribution, inspired by the person and message of St. Francis of Assisi, in speeding up the advent of a civilization in which the dignity of the human person, co-responsibility and love will be a living reality….Commit yourselves firmly against all forms of exploitation, discrimination, and marginalization and against all attitudes of indifference towards others. John Paul II – address to the OFS 10 th General Chapter, Nov. 22, 2002

From Gospel to life and life to the Gospel: Gospel → Franciscan values → Family → Fraternity → Parish and community → Church → World → Gospel

Rights and Responsibilities All people have basic rights. All people have the basic responsibility to respect others’ rights and to work actively and live for the common good.

From our rule, articles 14 and 15 Let them exercise their responsibilities completely in the Christian spirit of service. Let them individually and collectively be in the forefront in promoting justice by the testimony of their human lives and their courageous initiatives.

Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Mission Statement Assist the Professed Secular Franciscans as they reflect on their relationship with God as manifested in the fruits of conversion in their lives. This with special regard to the daily choices made in the areas of justice, peace making and respect for all created things and people; as brothers and sisters of penance, bringing life to the Gospel and the Gospel to Life.

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable We need to care for those in need.

Article 13, Secular Franciscan Rule: “A sense of community will make them joyful and ready to place themselves on an equal basis with all people, especially with the lowly for whom they shall strive to create conditions of life worthy of people redeemed by Christ.”

The Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers People have a right to work with dignity.

Let them esteem work both as a gift and as a sharing in the creation, redemption, and service of the human community. Franciscan Rule, Article 16

Solidarity We are one human family. We need to work for peace and justice globally

Francis reached out to the sultan in an effort to make peace with the Muslims and assure access to the Holy Land for Christians.

From the rule, # 14 Secular Franciscans, together with all people of good will, are called to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively. Franciscans International is a non-governmental organization that voices concerns at the United Nations, with and on behalf of the most vulnerable, about justice, poverty and the planet.

Current Issues on their website: Climate justice Consistent ethic of life Human trafficking Immigration Money in politics Peacemaking

Care for Creation We must respect and take care of our Earth, preserving it for future generations.

Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures… St. Francis Canticle of the Creatures

…a way to engage the younger generation. Care for the Earth…

is LIVING Catholic Social Teaching The Franciscan way of life