Our Catholic Social Teaching: Simply Stated

Submitted by Barb Messerknecht

  1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person – All people are holy, made in the image of God.
  2. Call to Family, Community and Participation – People are both holy and social; when one suffers, we all suffer.
  3. Rights and Responsibilities – People have a basic right to life, food, shelter, healthcare, education and work.
  4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable – The “Jesus” test of a community (of society) is how it treats its neediest members.
  5. Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers – Money, work and business exist to serve people, not the other way around.
  6. Solidarity – We are called to work for justice for all people.
  7. Care for God’s Creation – We care for God’s creation.