The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Credit: Sean Sprague Human life is sacred and all people are made in the image and likeness of God Dignity of the human person

We have a responsibility to contribute to the good of the whole of society, to the common good Common good / Rights and Responsibilities

Decision making should be performed at the level closest to those affected Subsidiarity

We have a duty to care for the earths resources responsibly, as stewards rather than consumers Stewardship of Gods creation

Society is judged on how it treats its most vulnerable. We are called to remove injustices that keep people poor Preferential Option for the Poor

The goods of the world are meant for all Universal Purpose of Goods

Human beings are called to be active shapers of history not mere recipients of other peoples decisions Participation

We are one human family regardless of ethnic, cultural, religious or political difference Solidarity

(Catholic Social Teaching) expresses for our times the reflection of the Church on social realities, assessing them in the light of the Gospel and offering guidelines for practical behavior in society. It is an application of theology, and especially moral theology, to the ethical questions raised by human societies. Sollicitudo Rei Socialis,41

Dignity of the Human Person Option for the Poor Awareness of the Structures of Injustice Solidarity – Work Together for Good of All Care of the Earth Caritas Internationalis Mandate

Our vision

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor…

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives…

…recovery of sight to the blind…

…to let the oppressed go free…

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour

Responding to Disaster Caritas works through local partners to provide emergency food supplies, clothing, housing and medical attention. SUDAN ACEH, INDONESIA Credit: ACT/Caritas Credit : REUTERS/ Yuriko Nakao Courtesy of AlertNet.org How Caritas Helps to Alleviate Poverty

Helping People to Help Themselves Caritas supports communities through development programs focusing on: health and hygiene income generation environmental awareness improving agricultural practices How Caritas Helps to Alleviate Poverty

Encouraging Social Change Caritas supports people to challenge the structures that keep them poor. How Caritas Helps to Alleviate Poverty

Changing Attitudes in Australia Caritas Australia educates Australians by promoting a just and compassionate society at home and abroad. How Caritas Helps to Alleviate Poverty Credit: Mark Flanagan