Catholic Social Teaching The Common Good

The common good One foundational principle of Catholic social teaching is the inherent value, dignity and sacredness of the human person. Starting with the inherent sacredness of each person, the principle of the common good recognises we are social beings and, as such, a part of a larger community. The human person is social by nature and needs others in order to thrive. Life is not lived in isolation but for the formation of social unity. The common good recognises that all persons must contribute to life in society, and all persons must share in the mutual benefits of life in society1

The common good and the school For schools to flourish, we need to maintain the community for the good of all, ensuring special concern for our most vulnerable members. The common good does not just happen. Establishing and maintaining the common good requires the co-operative efforts of many people and must be enshrined in school policies and procedures. The common good should be reflected in all we do. The best way to fulfill one's obligations of justice and love is to contribute to the common good according to one's means and the needs of others… 2 The principle of the common good is at the core of Catholic Education in South Australia and the challenge to work consensually to bring to fruition preferential options for the poor and marginalised within our community.3

Scripture reflection A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 4:32-35)4 Life in the christian community The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power, the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favour was accorded them all.  There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.

Points for reflection This scriptural passage comes from the Acts of the Apostles and describes the the foundational characteristics of the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Whilst it describes the early community in rather idyllic terms what might we discern from this message? Perhaps the following may help in your reflection. We need to build and maintain structures, policies and processes that work for the good of all and that contribute to the building of a community Clearly the poor and marginalised are of particular concern Charitable acts are crucial but this passage challenges prevailing values and structures of the time Collaboration rather than individualism ensures engagement of the whole community Central to our Catholic community is the call to witness the resurrection of Jesus.

Doing theology See Where might the gaps be in our structures, processes and polices that might hinder the common good and the development of a Christian community? In order to determine any potential gaps in our work perhaps the board could commission an analysis of it polices and procedures? Judge Reflecting on Acts 4:32-35 what are the challenges this presents to us as a school board as we endeavour to read the “signs of the times” in building a community based on the common good? Act What do we need to do as individuals and as a board to ensure that the common good is central in our work? The Manual for School Board members challenges us to “work consensually”5 for the common good. How might we do this better?

References The Center of Concern (USA) Matthew 22:36-40 (The New American Bible Revised Edition) CESA manual for School Board Members (Preamble)