Catholic Social Teaching

What is Catholic Social Teaching?

Catholic social teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by the Catholic faith. It is the moral compass, guiding Catholics on how to live out their faith in the world. Jesus showed us how to be human and we look to His example of leadership as we strive to create His Kingdom on Earth.

You can click on the image below to see a short video explaining more about Catholic social teaching.

Catholic Social Teaching at St. John's 

As well as ongoing charity work throughout the year, see our charity page for more information, we encounter social teaching across the curriculum. We are also working towards gaining the Live Simply Award. Taking part in school, local and global initiatives that teach us how to live simply, live in solidarity and sustainably.  Click here to see the welcome letter from Rt Rev Stephen Wright Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle and Chair of CAFOD’s Board of Trustees confirming that we are responding to Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ and have committed to the LiveSimply journey, and are reaching out as stewards of creation to protect God’s beautiful planet, and our most vulnerable sisters and brothers.

Option for the poor – Some People need Extra Help
‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:35-40
At St John’s we show a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable by:
fundraising for charitable causes
giving to the Foodbank
remembering people who are poor in spirit or health
thinking of the needs of others

The Common Good– Taking Part in our Communities
You are not making a gift of your possessions to the poor person. You are handing over to them what is theirs." St Ambrose (340-397 AD)
At St John’s we show we are part of a community by:
working together as a family
working for the common good
participating and engaging in our community

Solidarity – We are One Big Family
Blessed Pope Paul VI taught that "If you want peace, work for justice". The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers.
At St John’s we show solidarity by:
learning about our global family
making connections and creating bonds between people
praying for others

Stewardship – Caring for God’s Creation and Gifts
The ecological crisis is also a summons to profound interior conversion…Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience. Pope Francis - Laudato Si
At St John’s we show we care for creation by:
taking responsibility for our environment
making environmentally responsible choices
learning about the world
working for the Live Simply Award

Human Dignity – Everyone is Special
St Paul tells us that each person is a work of art, created by God and chosen for a unique purpose. Ephesians 2:10
At St John’s we recognise the human dignity of others by:
` being respectful
treating people equally
celebrating our unique gifts and talents
valuing everyone in and outside of our school community

The dignity of Work – Everyone’s work has value
Do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honour. (James 3:17)
At St John’s we recognise the dignity of work by:
respecting all people who work in our school
learning about the importance of everyone being paid fairly
learning about fair trade and responsible choices in what we buy
supporting wellbeing and workers' rights

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