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.

Bulletin Insert

Bulletin Insert: Inequality and United States Elections (Revised)

This bulletin insert offers insights from Catholic Social Teaching on inequality and the elections. It includes recent statistics and reflections from Catholic Social Teaching. Additionally, we...
Reflection

Local Elections and Catholic Social Teaching

During election years we recognize that our attention often turns toward candidates on a national level, but local elections like city council and school board races can have a greater...
Video

Grant us the Courage Video Prayer

Embrace a prayer that stems from summoning the courage to safeguard all living beings and creatures. This prayer won the Education for Justice Earth Day contest in Spring 2024. It is written by...
Film Discussion Guide

Origin Film Discussion

Origin is a unique adaptation of the themes of writer Isabelle Wilkerson’s best-selling book Caste: The Origin of our Discontents, as a film. Director Ava DuVernay intertwines stories from...
Video

Faith and the Faithful in the 2024 Election

Reflect on faith and the 2024 U.S. presidential election using our discussion guide and snippets from the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University's recent...
Activity

Catholic Social Teaching and the 2024 Elections, Part Three

In November 2024, Americans will elect new leaders, including the president and members of Congress. As people of faith, it's important to consider Catholic Social Teaching principles when voting....
Prayer

Prayer for Black History Month

Praying for Black History Month as a way to reflect on Black History alongside its stories and impact for today's world. Commemorate Black History Month in your classroom, parish, or community...
Prayer

Everyday People

Everyday People Prayer centers on the goodness and mercy people can access and practice daily. This prayer won the Catholic Social Teaching Month prayer and poem competition in the Diocese of...
Reflection

Miguel Pro

Fr. Miguel Agustín Pro, S.J., celebrates his feast day on November 23. Pro centered his life around supporting those who were poor and vulnerable. He supported them through the sacraments and with...
Reflection

Synod Reflection Guide

Catholic Mobilizing Network assembled a handful of presenters in winter 2022 to discuss what restorative justice practices can inform the Synod on Synodality. The conversation offered a view of the...
Reflection

All Are Welcome Reflection

A reflection written around National Coming Out Day that centers inclusion. National Coming Out Day is observed on October 11.
Prayer

All Are Welcome Prayer

A prayer written around National Coming Out Day that centers inclusion. National Coming Out Day is observed on October 11.