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

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.
Prayer

Prayer As We Begin Again

A prayer marking this season of transition and an opportunity to be invited onto sacred ground, into healing, and into seeking justice.
Activity

Call to Community Activity

Learn more about yourself and your community through this journaling activity to begin the school year. Take time to answer questions and reflect with your class or at home with your family.
Reflection

Catholic Case for Pronouns

“A Catholic Case for Choosing Your Own Pronouns” was published by Outreach: A LGBTQ Catholic Resource in April 2023. Jim McDermott, S.J., wrote the original article, and Education for Justice...
Prayer

End of the Year Blessing

Take a moment to share this blessing with those around you who have finished the academic year. Acknowledge those who strive for peace, those who are weary in the year’s completion, and those whose...
Reflection

Ukraine Peace

Learn more about a Just Peace Framework to help share a broader vision of human dignity and working for the common good. Examine this framework through the lens of the war in Ukraine to reflect on...
Activity

Laudato Si' Spiral

This reflection utilizes the pastoral spiral to deepen individual and communal reflection around a few themes of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato si'. Participants discern specific commitments and...
Reflection

Catholic Nonviolence Initiative Lecture Series

This resource is shared from the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative Lecture Series. The series and more information can also be found here - https://cniseries.info The video edits and summaries are...
Prayer

In Memory of Japanese Internment Camps

On February 19, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt issued an executive order that authorized the evacuation of all persons who were deemed a threat to national security along the West Coast to be...