7 Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

Life and dignity of the human person: The moral vision of society is built upon the Catholic Church’s teachings that human life is sacred, and stresses the dignity of the human person. This belief that every person is precious is the foundation for all the other principles. The Church proclaims that we, the people in our community, are called on to protect the right to life as well as fight to avoid wars and attacks. We are called to prevent and resolve conflicts by peaceful means.

Call to family, community, and participation: This teaching proclaims that every person is social and has a right and a duty to participate in society. How our community chooses to organize our society directly affects how we, the people, grow. This theme emphasizes some central social institutions such as marriage and family and it is up to us to support and strengthen those institutions. We must work together for the common good of all people.

Rights and Responsibilities: Individuals have the right to life and to all those things required to obtain human integrity. Human dignity can only be achieved if human rights are protected. It is our right and responsibility as members of the Catholic family to support and fight for each other.



Option for and with the poor and vulnerable: From direct instruction from Scripture, we are encouraged to put the needs of the weak and defenseless first. Helping the poor, however, calls for a different perspective. The Catholic Church teaches us that we must stand along side the poor in order to view the world from their perspective. This will allow better progress for those in need.



The dignity of work and the rights of the workers: It is the country’s job to serve the people. However, by working within that country we are participating and appreciating God’s creation. By protecting the dignity of work, we are protecting the basic rights of the workers. These rights must be respected in order for them to receive the benefits and rights they deserve.



Solidarity: At the core of this value, is the pursuit of justice and peace. This Catholic Social Justice teaching calls us to be peacemakers and work for the better good of the world and our brothers and sisters. We are ALL brothers and sisters and are called to work together, regardless of our differences.There is so much violence and destruction occurring all over the world, and in working together for the peacefulness of the world, we can promote this serenity and general wellness in the world.



Care for God’s Creation: God is the creator of the world and has given everything for us to better our lives. Through this teaching, we are called to care and respect all that is put onto this earth by the Lord.This virtue is a requirement of our faith; we are to protect the people of this planet and all other things living…including plants, animals etc. The world and all of its beauty can never be ignored.


CREATED BY: Alison Figliomeni and Molly McComish