Catholic Social Teaching
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Our department serves as the minister to the ministers, helping parishes and schools promote and understand Catholic Social Teaching.
These applied teachings of the Church are rooted in scripture and the rich wisdom of the Popes and Bishops, and they are formed by the social issues of the time.
The brief explanations below highlight the key themes at the heart of the Catholic social tradition.
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The Seven Themes of
Catholic Social Teaching
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Our belief in the sanctity of human life and the inherent dignity of the human person is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching.
Call to Family, Community, and Participation
How we organize our society—in economics, politics, law, and policy- directly affects human dignity and an individual's capacity to grow in a community.
Rights and Responsibilities
Human dignity and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Every human right is directly connected to personal and social responsibility. Everyone has a right to food, shelter, clothing, a family wage, healthcare, life, and others. But, each person also has a responsibility to promote and support the rights of others.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Catholic teaching proclaims that a basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. When addressing the issues of the world around us, we must prioritize caring for society's most vulnerable first.
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. All work is dignified by its nature of being done by humans, created in the Image of God. The church teaches that work, regardless of the specific task, should pay a wage that allows a person to provide for a family. Workers must also be assured of safe and dignified working conditions that do not unnecessarily threaten life and health.
Solidarity
We are one human family. Whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences, we are all interconnected and related. We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers wherever they may be next door or somewhere around the world.
Care for God’s Creation
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. All that we have is a gift for us to protect and nurture. As a gift, it is not for us to do with as we please but as God desires of us. -
Our department offers outreach and support in various ministry areas, aligning with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
- Respect Life- Our department is committed to defending the primacy of life from "womb to tomb" while providing support and resources to those at the parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions.
- Care for Creation - Our department encourages a ministry to raise awareness and take action toward caring for our common home, as outlined by Pope Francis in "Laudato Si" and reinforced in "Laudate Deum."
- Social Justice - This department accompanies the "ministers in the field" serving those on the margins in our parishes and communities. We also work with public and civil leaders advocating for the preferential option for the poor.
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Fall 2023 Pastoral Leadership Study Day Materials and Videos
Thank you to all who participated in our Oct. 10th event. Many survey respondents requested further access to the materials shared at the event regarding care for our common home.
Even if you did not attend, please access the study materials from that day, including Dr. Dan DiLeo of Creighton University's presentation, by clicking the links below.
Fall PLSD Study Materials
Video- Dr. Dileo Presentation #1 "Catholic Social Teaching"
Video- Dr. Dileo Presentation #2 "Creation Care & Climate Change"
Video- Panel Discussion w/Ames Creation Care & Jared McGovern
Video- Panel Discussion Q&A
Should you wish to learn more about integrating Care for Creation into your parish community, don't hesitate to get in touch with our department. -
Contact Us
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Deacon Brian Zemanb.zemandbqarch.orgDirector of Catholic Social Teaching
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