Welcome to Christ the Redeemer
Sharing Catholic Social Teaching The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated within many formal documents. These teachings are highlighted below in short reflections so as to share the key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition. LIFE AND DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON Each person is sacred. The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. Our belief is the sanctity of human life and the inherent dignity of the human person is the foundation of all the principals of our social teaching. CALL TO FAMILY, COMMUNITY, AND PARTICIPATION Each person is social. The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society – in economics and politics, in law and policy – directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. The family is the central social institution that must be supported and strengthened. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES All people have rights and responsibilities The Catholic tradition reaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities met – to one another, to our families and to the larger society. OPTION FOR THE POOR AND VULNERABLE We take care of the poor and vulnerable. A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. We are called to put the needs of these individuals first. THE DIGNITY OF WORK AND THE RIGHTS OF WORKERS The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights or workers must be protected – the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages. SOLIDARITY This is our call; we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. We are one human family – whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences. Learning to practice the virtue of solidarity means learning that ‘loving our neighbor’ has global dimensions. CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is a requirement of our faith. Christ The Redeemer Social Justice Links:
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