Principles of Catholic Social Teaching Learn them, sdrawkcab and forwards!

CST Principles #1 Life and Dignity of the Human Person Food for thought: What are some examples of people whose life and dignity are being disrespected and/or abused? Life is sacred and the dignity of the human person is to be respected. Christians are called to be for human life and to help others live to the fullest.

CST Principle #2 Call to Family, Community and Participation All people are equal and have the right and duty to participate fully in all aspects of human society. Those who are not able to fully participate are said to be: MARGINALIZED, or outside the main group. Examples: education politics culture religion economy

Food for thought: Who might we consider to be marginalized (not able to fully participate) in our society today?

CST Principles #3 Rights and Responsibilities All people have human rights. Rights are conditions or things that any person needs to be fully human. All people must be challenged to live up to human responsibilities. Examples: basic right to life survival rights thrival rights

Survival Rights Rights that are necessary for people to be able to live. food and water shelter basic health care

Thrival Rights Rights to those things necessary to become everything God intended us to be. Also, the right to: live by one’s conscience live by one’s religion live without discrimination education employment safe environment certain material goods

With rights come responsibilities. Rights are not unlimited. We have the responsibility for: the good of others the good of the whole society We are responsible for the well-being of our neighbor.

Subsidiarity Decisions affecting the community should be made at the lowest level possible. Governments and large organizations exist only to serve the good of: human beings families communities Example: 1. city 2. county 3. state 4. federal

Food for thought: What rights do we have as members of a community? What responsibilities do we have to the community?

CST Principles #4 Option for the Poor and Vulnerable We are called to emulate God by showing a special preference for those who are poor and weak. We put the needs of society’s most poor and vulnerable members first among social concerns. Reminder: The poor & vulnerable are not only without money, but are also deprived of their basic rights or of equal participation in society.

Why this concern for the poor and vulnerable? Not because they are more valuable But because their need is greater. Food for thought: Who are the poor and vulnerable in the U.S. today? Whose need is great?

CST Principles #5 Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers Work exists for people, not people for work. The value of work is measured by whether it promotes the human dignity of the worker. Work well done contributes to the common good. Work provides families with the things they need to live and flourish.

Food for thought: What is it about work that helps us to feel our human dignity? What does work contribute to your sense of well-being and worth?

Workers’ Rights Those things that contribute to the dignity of work: Food for thought: What recent news stories disclose situations where these rights may have been violated? Right to: employment decent and fair pay a safe workplace honest employers organize and join unions

CST Principles #6 Solidarity We are all responsible to: Stand by the poor and vulnerable Take action to support the violation of rights. Learn more about the situations of those whose rights have been violated. Put ourselves in their position (metaphorically or literally).

Food for thought: Think of examples of people you know who practice the principle of solidarity.

CST Principles #7 Care for God’s Creation We are called to live our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation and to be stewards of that creation. Protect the health of people Protect the health of the planet

Food for thought: Make a list of examples where our society has misused its stewardship -- destroying the balance between human need and protection of creation.

Recap of Principles (remember, sdrawkcab and forwards!) Life and respect for human dignity Call to family, community, and participation Rights and responsibilities Option for the poor and vulnerable The dignity of work and rights of workers Solidarity Care for God’s creation

World Realities that challenge these principles: Racism Drug trafficking & abuse Denial of basic rights Materialism Apathy Poverty wages Religious discrimination Class & economic divisions Physical abuse: children, prisoners, etc. Corruption