Community and the Common Good

“The common good involves all members of society; no one is exempt from cooperating, according to each one’s possibilities, in attaining it and developing it.” ﹣Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, #167

Discover insightful Catholic Social Teaching (CST) resources on the common good at Education for Justice (EFJ). These resources are designed to help individuals, educators, and faith communities explore and apply this foundational principle of CST, which emphasizes the dignity of every person and the interconnectedness of humanity in building a just and compassionate society.

Hands forming a heart illustrate concept of the common good rooted in God's loveEFJ’s materials on the common good offer comprehensive educational tools and reflections that examine how justice, solidarity, and collective well-being are essential to human flourishing. From backgrounders explaining the theological and scriptural basis of the common good to practical resources that connect this principle to current social issues, EFJ provides a robust collection tailored to deepen understanding and inspire action.

Highlights include a thematic exploration of the common good, featuring key teachings from papal encyclicals and the Catechism, alongside discussion guides and scripture-based reflections. Additional resources, such as Fr. Fred Kammer’s insights on the role of community in achieving justice, and reflections on how women’s solidarity embodies CST values, further enrich the collection.

Whether you’re looking to integrate Catholic Social Teaching into your curriculum, facilitate parish discussions, or deepen your personal commitment to justice, EFJ’s resources on the common good provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Explore how you can promote human dignity and the well-being of all through a Catholic lens rooted in faith and action.

Reflection

Why Midterm Elections Matter (Part I)

How can Catholic educators help students think about midterm elections through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching? This resource invites students to explore faithful citizenship, conscience...
Prayer

Prayer for Digital Discernment

A reflection on how we use technology in a world that constantly demands speed and efficiency. Rooted in human dignity, the common good, and the call to love and serve others, the prayer invites us...
Prayer

Prayer for Nonviolence

International Day of Peace (September 21): A prayer for peace and an end to violence from the Clinton Franciscans, calling us to reject violence, recognize God in one another, and become instruments...
Prayer

World Teacher Day Video Prayer

A prayer for Catholic educators inspired by the legacy of Archbishop Oscar Romero, this reflection reminds teachers, campus ministers, and faith formation leaders that the work of justice and Gospel...
Prayer

Dreams for the 251st Year: A Pentecost Examen

Inspired by Acts 2:17 and written for America's 250th anniversary, this Pentecost examen invites Catholics to reflect on the nation's history through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Exploring...
Activity

America's 250th Birthday Social Pack

The 250th anniversary of the United States offers an opportunity not only to look back on our nation's history, but also to consider our responsibility to one another today. Drawing on voices that...
Prayer

Witnessing for Good: A Prayer for America at 250

This Catholic social justice prayer for America at 250 invites reflection on human dignity, the common good, and our responsibility to confront injustice. Written by Nia Alvarez-Mapp, the prayer...
Activity

The Parable of the Cafeteria Line: From Service to Solidarity

The Parable of the Cafeteria Line invites participants to reflect on the difference between charity and solidarity. Through a hopeful story and guided discussion questions, this resource explores the...
Video

Video Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit and Show Us What Is True" is a Pentecost prayer inviting reflection on truth, justice, discernment, and faithful living in a world shaped by wealth, information, and division....

Common Good Webinar

This webinar explores the Catholic understanding of the common good and what it asks of us in a world shaped by inequality, polarization, and environmental crisis. Dr. Allison Covey guides...
Activity

The Common Good

Explore the Catholic understanding of the common good and what it asks of us in a world marked by inequality, polarization, and environmental crisis. In this discussion guide, Dr. Allison Covey...
Film Discussion Guide

Pressing on Toward Kinship Discussion Guide

Pressing On is a reflection guide rooted in Fr. Greg Boyle’s keynote address at the 2025 Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice. Centered on the theme of kinship, the guide invites participants to...