Justice – It's Our Job!
Catholic social teaching is an essential part of our faith. The Church is a community that exists for mission. As God reaches out to humanity in goodness, so the People of God are called through Baptism to embrace and share God’s goodness with others. God sends us just as Jesus was sent on a mission to continue God’s work on earth.
The US Bishops in 1998 outlined major components of the Church’s social teaching tradition. These social teachings are organized around seven major themes:
The call to
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foster the dignity and right to life of every human person
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foster healthy families and to participate in the life of the community
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foster both the moral rights and the responsibilities of every human person
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respond in a special way to the needs of the poor and vulnerable
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uphold the dignity of work and to defend the rights of workers
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strive to live in solidarity with all people on earth regardless of race, gender or creed
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be good stewards of God’s Creation
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The Bishops’ primary purpose in reviewing the Church’s social teaching and individuals’ duties as good stewards is to encourage and assist those in Catholic education at all levels to more effectively integrate these teachings into their overall message.
Experience reveals that in order for people to show love and concern for others, they first need to discover that they are lovable and learn to love and care for themselves. This sense of self-worth becomes the foundation for an ability to respond in kind to one’s immediate family and close circle of friends. Awareness of this responsibility to love and care for others expands to include members of parish, school, and neighborhood communities. The Gospel and the Church teach that such consideration must not stop there. Ultimately it is to include all people throughout the world with whom to enjoy solidarity as God’s children and members of God’s family.
It is in this light that the seven social teaching themes are presented in the BLEST ARE WE: Faith & Word Edition program at the end of each chapter in "Faith in Action." The child's book describes a particular ministry and the Catechist Guide connects it to a specific theme of Catholic social teaching.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Links
Catholic Social Teaching Themes
Guide to serving those in need through acts of justice
Catholic Relief Services, "CRS Kids"
Interactive site for children on issues of social justice
Caring for God's Creation
Environmental Justice Program of USCCB
Books
To Act Justly...Introducing Catholic Social teaching to Children - With Stories and Activities
by Anne Neuberger
Available through Twenty-Third Publications
Leader's Guide to Sharing Catholic Social Teaching
Available from US Catholic Conference Publishing Services, 3211 Fourth St. NE, Washington, DC 20017-1194 at 1-800-235-7722 or www.usccb.org.
ORDER NUMBER: #5-366
Poverty and Faith
An Adult Education Program on Christian Discipleship in the United States.
ORDER NUMBER: #5-240
A Catholic Call to Justice
An Activity Book for Raising Awareness of Social Justice Issues (ages 14-22)
ORDER NUMBER: #5-239
Audio/Video
What Makes Us Catholic: What Are Our Politics? Working for Justice for All (28 min.)
Tom Groome discuses what is involved when we acknowledge a commitment to our faith that does justice with love.
Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).
ORDER NUMBER: 1-4182-5340-5 CD
ORDER NUMBER: 1-4182-5331-6 DVD
For Justice
A Video Magazine with Study Guide, which documents community groups experiencing economic justice.
Available from US Catholic Conference Publishing Services, 3211 Fourth St. NE, Washington, DC 20017-1194 at 1-800-235-7722 or www.usccb.org.
ORDER NUMBER: #5-196
Music
"We Are One"
BLEST ARE WE Music CD 3
Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).
ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36654-9
BLEST ARE WE Song Book
Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-8
ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4
BLEST ARE WE Accompaniment Book
Contains accompaniment music for levels 1-8
ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2
"Muchos miembros hay"
BENDECIDOS Music 3
ORDER NUMBER: 1-57999-670-1
BENDECIDOS Song Book
Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-4
ORDER NUMBER: 1-57999-665-5
BENDECIDOS Accompaniment Book
Contains accompaniment music for levels 1-4
ORDER NUMBER: 1-57999-666-3
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