CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE TEACHING The following contains the Catechism's teaching regarding the social doctrine of the Church. This selection is from Part 3, Section Two: The Ten Commandments, Chapter Two, Article 7: The Seventh Commandment

WHAT DOES THE CHURCH TEACH? 1943 Society ensures social justice by providing the conditions that allow associations and individuals to obtain their due. 1944 Respect for the human person considers the other "another self." It presupposes respect for the fundamental rights that flow from the dignity intrinsic of the person. 1945 The equality of men concerns their dignity as persons and the rights that flow from it. 1946 The differences among persons belong to God's plan, who wills that we should need one another. These differences should encourage charity. 1947 The equal dignity of human persons requires the effort to reduce excessive social and economic inequalities. It gives urgency to the elimination of sinful inequalities. 1948 Solidarity is an eminently Christian virtue. It practices the sharing of spiritual goods even more than material ones.

Year of Mercy. Pope Francis has declared 2016 the Year of Mercy Year of Mercy!!! Pope Francis has declared 2016 the Year of Mercy. What’s that, you say?

The Principle of Human Dignity. Every person, whatever age, gender, nationality, race, economic status or religion, deserves respect. Our dignity comes from being God’s special creation, formed in the image of God and redeemed by Christ. We are worthy of respect as members of the human family. 

The Principle of Respect for Human Life All stages of human life are sacred and worthy of respect and protection. Human life from “womb to tomb” has dignity.

The Principle of the Call to Family, Community and Participation Each person is sacred and social. The family is the central social institution that must always be supported in society. All people have a right and duty to participate in society, seeking the common good and well-being of all.  

The Principle of Rights and Responsibilities The most basic right for humans is the right to life and decent treatment. Human rights are the responsibility of everyone. I am responsible for you.

The Principle of the Common Good The common good includes all social conditions that help people reach their full human potential. The common good is determined by respect for the person, social well-being and peace. The universal common good, focuses on our world as a global village that makes us see beyond our immediate environment.

The Principle of the Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable The poor and the vulnerable (liable to injury or criticism) deserve a unique respect. They are our brothers and sisters and deserve the same opportunities to participate equally in God’s creation and  justice.

The Principles of the Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers Every person has the right to work in a productive fair environment. Decent wages, union participation, private property and economic initiatives are everyone's rights. We need these to promote an economy that protects human life, defends human rights and advances the well being of all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsWt0K9k0Z4

The Principle of Solidarity As humans, we are responsible for each other. No matter where our neighbors live, loving our neighbors has global importance in an interdependent world.

The Principle of Stewardship We are called as human beings to protect people and the planet. The environment and its inhabitants are our responsibility. People must have a loving relationship with all of God’s creation.

Include the following: WHERE/WHEN: WHAT IS HAPPENING: Now that you are aware of the nine principles of Catholic social justice, you have a starting point for research on Assignment One: Select a newspaper article for each social justice. Provide a summary and reflection. 5-7 sentences each. Include the following: WHERE/WHEN: WHAT IS HAPPENING: SOCIAL JUSTICE REPRESENTED: YOUR OPINION/QUESTION:

Assignment Two: Choose a hero for two (2) social justices. Alias: Real name: Date and Place of Birth: Super power: Must have at least two (2) virtues (theological or cardinal) and two (2) gifts of the Holy Spirit. How did they get these powers? Must be semi-biographical in nature. At least eight to ten (8-10) sentence description. Weaknesses: Principle (s) they represent: Logo: Costume: Who would their sidekick be? Why? Describe what he/she does. Arch-enemy:  

JP2: The POLISH PONTIFF! Alias: JP2, John Paul the 2nd Real name: Karol Wojtyla Date and Place of Birth: 1920, Wadowice, Poland Super power: Knowledge, understanding How did they get these powers? While a young seminarian in Nazi-occupied Poland, he studied in secrecy, carefully dodging the SS who condemned such activity. Eventually he became bishop, cardinal and then pope. He understood the needs, not only of the Polish people but of the entire world! Weapons: knowledge (He wrote 14 encyclicals in his papacy!), faith (He started World Youth Day which still inspired young people to be apostles for Christ.), hope (The people behind the oppressive communist regime had hope thanks to his intercession.), piety (He prayed and fasted for several hours each day!). Weaknesses: Though the world thought he was weak when he suffered and eventually died from Parkinson’s disease, it was in this most vulnerable state that more people were drawn to him. He was not afraid to show that he was still God’s instrument, especially in his sickness. Way to go JP2!  

Principle(s) they represent: The Principle for Respect for Human Life (He condemned abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research, calling them contributors to a “Culture of Death.” ) The Principle of Solidarity (As a proud Polish citizen, he fought for solidarity under the Iron Curtain until it eventually collapsed in 1989 – and he used no violence to do so! Later in his papacy, he visited communist Cuba and urged it’s citizens to continue to fight for freedom. Take that Fidel! Costume: White clerical garb, halo, red shoes, crozier. Sidekick: Pope Benedict XVI, AKA “The German Shepherd.” Formerly JP2’s right hand man, this pontiff is armed with strong philosophical and theological knowledge. He has written several books and five encyclicals. Don’t let his tough veneer fool you though, he has a soft spots for cats (he used to feed strays in Rome!). Arch-enemy: Proponents of the “Culture of Death” such as those who promote abortion, euthanasia, promiscuity and extreme capitalism.