Catholic Social Teaching
“I will be your God and you will be my people”
The Old Testament Prophets taught the Hebrews about remaining faithful to the
Covenant Yahweh made with Israel. This sacred promise teaches us that no matter
what, God will never abandon us.
This covenant requires us to be as faithful to one another as God is to each of us.
The prophet Zechariah teaches us to: “judge with true honesty, and show kindness and
care for each other; never oppressing another person.”
The Church calls this: Catholic Social Teaching:
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The church teaching that guides us toward protecting human life and dignity as
we live out the Gospel message of Jesus.
The Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
1. Promoting the life and dignity of the human person: God loves all people and we
are called to live out that love for everyone.
2. Participation: As a part of society, everyone has the right and responsibility to
contribute their gifts.
3. Rights and Responsibilities: All have the right to live and succeed. All have a
responsibility to care for others.
4. The option for the poor and vulnerable: The needs of society’s most poor and
defenseless must be met.
5. The dignity of work: Support the value of work.
6. Solidarity: To be united in the commitment to the common good of all living
things.
7. Care for God’s creation: To live our faith in relationship with all God’s creation by
protecting the health and well being of humanity and the planet.