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.

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.  
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Litany

For Artists of Our Times

With this litany, we remember artists of our times who use their art to promote the dignity of the human person, to advocate for systemic change, and to reflect the beauty and the need of protecting...
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Prayer

Living Holiness Today

Pray to find holiness in daily life, encounter, and community in the spirit of Pope Francis’s latest apostolic exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad).  
Toolbox

Arts

This collection of new and revised resources celebrates all forms of art and the importance of artists in the work for global social justice.  
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Film Discussion Guide

Black Panther

The Black Panther film discussion guide explores how the film represents human dignity, solidarity, the common good, and other values. It also asks the viewer to consider the role of violence in the...
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Creative Voice

Advertising Through a Social Justice Lens

Creative Voice Orlando Burgos Pimentel discusses effective advertising campaigns, from environmentalism to social justice, and the relationship between advertisements and Catholic social tradition....
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Prayer

Prayer in Honor of Fr. Bill Ryan, S.J.

Father Bill Ryan, S.J., the first director of the Center of Concern, is celebrated in this prayer recalling his faith, wisdom, and the many contributions he made to solidarity, the common good and...

Fostering a Culture of Peace Through Dialogue

Teaching is a journey, like the journey toward Emmaus, and the spirituality of this vocation requires sensitivity and attention as teachers accompany their students toward knowledge and...
Prayer

Moving Through God’s World

As people of faith, we are called to reflect on why and how we travel. This prayer is meant to help us to do so as World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27.