At St Joseph’s, Catholic Social Teaching (CST) forms a vital part of our educational ethos and mission. Rooted in our Mission Statement, “Through love and service, with Jesus in our hearts and our heads, we can achieve anything” CST guides our commitment to fostering a just, compassionate, and caring community. We try to integrate these teachings into every aspect of school life, encouraging our children to live out their faith through action and service. 

Catholic Social Teaching emphasises the dignity of every human person, the importance of community and participation, and the responsibility to care for God’s creation. These principles are woven into our curriculum and school activities, helping our children to develop a strong sense of social responsibility and a deep understanding of their role in the world. Through lessons, projects, and school-wide initiatives, we encourage our students to engage with issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental stewardship. 

At St Joseph’s, we actively promote the principles of CST through various activities. Our children participate in projects to serve that support local and global communities, such as food bank collections, environmental clean-ups, and fundraising for charitable causes. These experiences not only teach our children about the needs of others but also inspire them to become proactive, empathetic citizens who make a positive difference in the world. 

In our classrooms, discussions and reflections on CST help pupils to connect their faith with real-world issues. By exploring topics such as human rights, economic justice, and environmental responsibility, our children gain a deeper understanding of how they can contribute to building a more just and compassionate society. Identified CST links are built in to our planning across the curriculum so that children are able to make links right across their learning.  

Through our dedication to Catholic Social Teaching, St Joseph’s nurtures hearts, minds, and spirits, preparing our pupils to live out their faith in meaningful ways. We strive to create a community where every person is valued, every voice is heard, and every action reflects the love and teachings of Christ. 

Our staff use Caritas in Action produced by Salford Diocese to provide ideas for learning across the curriculum and they engage regularly in training regarding this aspect of Catholic life. Our Gift Team have also attended Caritas Ambassador training to further support their important work across our school. 

What Are the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

  1. Dignity of the Human Person
    • Every human being is created in the image of God and deserves respect and protection. Human life is sacred, and the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.
  2. Common Good and Community
    • The common good refers to the social conditions that allow people to reach their full human potential and realize their dignity. This principle emphasizes the importance of community and the need to work for the well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
  3. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
    • Society is judged by how well it treats its most vulnerable members. This principle calls for a preferential option for the poor, ensuring that their needs are prioritized and their voices are heard.
  4. Rights and Responsibilities
    • Human dignity can be protected, and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected, and responsibilities are met. Every person has a fundamental right to life and those things required for human decency.
  5. Role of Government and Subsidiarity
    • The state has a positive moral function; it is an instrument to promote human dignity, protect human rights, and build the common good. The principle of subsidiarity emphasizes that decisions should be made at the most local level possible, as long as they can be effectively addressed.
  6. Economic Justice
    • The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Workers have the right to productive work, fair wages, and safe working conditions. The right to organize and join unions is respected, and private property is understood within the context of the universal destination of goods.
  7. Stewardship of Creation
    • We are called to protect the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. Environmental stewardship is a fundamental moral and ethical issue.
  8. Promotion of Peace and Disarmament
    • Catholic teaching promotes peace as a positive, action-oriented concept. Peace is the fruit of justice and is dependent upon right order among human beings.
  9. Participation
    • All people have a right and duty to participate in the economic, political, and cultural life of society. It is essential for human dignity and the development of the human community.