Catholic social teaching is a central and essential element of our faith

catholic social teachings

The work of Caritas is motivated, oriented and defined by Holy Scripture. The Church’s deepest nature is expressed in her three-fold responsibility: of proclaiming the word of God, celebrating the sacraments, and exercising the ministry of charity. These duties presuppose each other and are inseparable.

1st Principle

The foundational principle is the common good based on the understanding in Catholic social thought that persons are created as social beings, always in interrelationship and interdependence with others

2nd Principle

Catholic social thought also promotes the dignity of every human being, as each is made in the image and likeness of God, but this dignity always needs to be seen in relationship to the promotion of the common good.

3rd Principle

This principle of the correlation of rights and duties promotes just living conditions for all as well as the dignity of work and the rights of workers

4th Principle

Many persons, though, are marginalized in our society and all are called to make an option for the poor keeping those who are economically poor in the forefront of our minds in all decision-making.

5th Principle

As stewards of God’s creation, both in terms of people and the earth, we need to face the environmental concerns of our day, which disproportionately affect the economically poor.

6th Principle

In response to how decisions are made to address the challenges in each of the spheres of society, the principle of subsidiarity calls for action at the lowest level possible.