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.

Prayer

Catholic Social Teaching and Human Rights Today: A Prayer

This prayer reminds us of the interconnection between social and economic human rights and asks that every person, created in the image of God, may live fully, develop, and flourish.
Reflection

Just Music Playlist: Peace

The Just Music Playlist provides a list of songs with discussion questions about a particular theme. The theme for this month’s playlist is peace.
Bulletin Insert

Catholic Social Teaching and the Death Penalty

Use this bulletin insert for education on how Catholic Social Teaching promotes an end to the death penalty and to learn how to advocate against this injustice.
Activity

Just Music Playlist: Liberation

The Just Music Playlist provides a list of songs with discussion questions about a particular theme. The theme for this month's playlist is liberation.
Prayer

Psalm of Liberation

This prayer by Jane Deren asks for the freedom needed to work for justice in the world by liberating ourselves and calling upon God.
Reflection

The Social Nature of the Human Person

The relational nature of God in the Trinity provides a model for humanity. In a time when social isolation is rampant, this resource analyzes the importance of kinship and community in work for...
Prayer

Video: Examen on Migration

This guided examen prayer on migration expresses gratitude for the beauty of diverse people and cultures in our world. As we reflect on the migration stories of our neighbors, we pray to move beyond...
Diverse group of faces in a circle
Prayer

Prayer for Kinship and Community

During a time in which division and separation seem unavoidable, we pray that we can expand our circles of caring until no one is left in the margins.
Activity

Food, Family, and Tradition: Thanksgiving with Lidia Bastianich

For Creative Voice and renowned chef Lidia Bastianich, food has always been about family and traditions: “Food is an identity, a footprint of who you are.” She shares recipes for Turkey Breast...
Prayer

Prayer on the Feast of St. Cecilia

On November 22, the feast of St. Cecilia, let us celebrate the great gift of music and the community that it can create.  
Prayer

To Be Worthy to Live in These Times

This prayer calls each of us to reject indifference and work towards reconciliation and communion to all those who experience discrimination and injustice.  
Reflection

Catholic Social Thought and Voting

Father Fred Kammer lays out key teachings on voting and political engagement. Reflection questions, faith in action, and a prayer are also included.