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

Catholic Social Teaching: Rooted and Renewing

The Catholic Social Teaching: Rooted and Renewing reflection invites us to consider how consciously making daily decisions from the perspective of CST, in solidarity with all those who suffer and all...
Film Discussion Guide

After Buffalo, After Uvalde, After Tulsa

"After Buffalo, After Uvalde, After Tulsa" is the name of a dialogue hosted by the Georgetown Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life on gun violence in the United States. Use these...
Fact Sheet & Handout

Education for Justice 2022 Summer Reading List

These recommendations for summer reading are organized by spiritual reading, non-fiction, and fiction. These works are connected to one or more themes of Catholic Social Teaching and highlight...
Prayer

Let the Shooting End

Let the Shooting End is a prayer for an end to gun violence. This prayer was originally published by the Sisters of Mercy and is reprinted here with permission. Visit sistersofmercy.org/resources/...
Fact Sheet & Handout

Earth Day 2022: Invest in Our Planet

The theme for Earth Day 2022 is Invest in Our Planet. This handout provides an overview of the theme, a prayer, and suggested resources that provide action steps you can take to care for our common...
Activity

CST Valentines

These printable valentine cards are rooted in principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). Share messages of love for justice and all of creation this Valentine's Day!
Prayer

Prayer for the End of This School Year

As we come to the end of the academic calendar, we reflect on the past year and look to the future as a new journey begins. We pray in gratitude for our school community and the blessings of the...
Prayer

Prayer for Easter

This Easter prayer reminds us of our call to recognize both suffering and Easter hope as a part of our journey to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Prayer

Prayer for Rooted Resolution

Based on Ephesians 3:17-18, we pray to be rooted and established in love to create the Beloved Community on earth.
Reflection

It's Time to Break Something: Ash Wednesday Reflection with Questions

This short Ash Wednesday reflection written by Sr. Norma Pimentel, M.J. invites us to consider what habits need to be broken during this Lenten season in order to create a more just world. Related...
Lesson Plan

Lessons Plans for Fratelli Tutti

In an increasingly divided world, Pope Francis calls us to breakdown barriers through reconciliation and encounter in his new encyclical Fratelli Tutti. This guide provides lesson plans, prayer,...
Fact Sheet & Handout

Fratelli Tutti Infographics

The Vatican prepared these infographics to accompany the release of Pope Francis' third encyclical, Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship. They visually summarize key themes and points...