Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is the foundation of the Catholic Church’s commitment to social justice and the common good.
Rooted in Scripture and the teachings of Christ, CST is a framework that guides individuals and communities working in a Catholic community in addressing societal issues and promote human dignity. Theologically, this can be summed up in the phrase “Imago Dei”. Over the centuries many Popes have spoken out about the social issues of their day. They did this through the writing of various encyclicals which have now become known as Catholic Social Teaching. The accepted first instance can be traced to 1891 when Pope Leo X111 spoke out about the plight of oppressed workers who were demanding justice from their employers. Since then, various Popes have written on the subject. Here are some examples of CST document written by Pope Francis.
Pope Francis has written the encyclical Fratelli Tutti which is a challenge to all to see everyone as our brothers and sisters, a fundamental aspect of Catholic Social Teaching.
This short video explains the teaching of Pope Francis:
Click here for further school resources (cafod.org.uk)
“‘Social charity makes us love the common good’, it makes us effectively seek the good of all people, considered not only as individuals or private persons, but also in the social dimension that unites them.”
(FT, 182)
The video below shows Laudato Si’ explained:
Click here for further details and resources (cafod.org.uk)
CST encourages students with a faith to integrate that faith into action, fostering a deep understanding of their role as agents for meaningful change in the world. It also provides a framework for students of all faiths and none to work for social justice in our world. Through the philosophy of CST, our students are challenged to recognise and respond to injustices, and to aim for a more just and compassionate world.
Catholic Social Teaching in 3 minutes:
Staff and governors have regular inset on Catholic Social Teaching and in the Senior School each department has a CST champion who finds opportunities to promote Catholic Social Teaching in their subject areas so that is becoming a truly cross curricular endeavour. There are two CST lessons that make up part of the Pastoral Programme.
The seven principles of CST: Human Dignity, the common good, the fundamental option for the poor, peace, dignity of workers, solidarity and participation and care for our common home (environment) encourages our students to be agents of justice and integrity in the modern world.
Here are examples of CST in action
Sixth Form students refurbishing our sister BOSH school, St Francis, in Zambia showing Solidarity with young people across the world and reflecting CST.
Our Young CAFOD Leaders with fellow Sixth Formers on a training day
The Sixth Form Foodbank team who lead the annual campaign in 2024 showing Solidarity and Preferential Option for the Poor.
Mission Trip to Thibodaux, Louisiana.
The Homeless Sleepout – workshops, reflection and fundraising.
CAFOD Simple Meal.
Amazon Defender, Claudelice dos Santos who inspired Sixth Form to Care for our Common Home.
RE mentors presenting to the Philosophy Club on Laudato Si and care for our Common Home.
Head girl, Georgie, with headteacher Karl Guest. Columban Fayre made donations to 4 charities – CAFOD, Youth At the Margins and Iconhope, The British Heart Foundation, Rays of Sunshine.
