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.

Fourth Sunday of Advent [a] December 18, 2016

Lectionary Reflection
Fourth Sunday of Advent [a] December 18, 2016 ADD DISCRIPTION

Prayer for the Inauguration (2017)

Prayer
This prayer refers to our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution as we mark the transition of power in our country.
January 2017 Calendar.jpg

Monthly Calendar: January 2017: Creating Peace Anew

Reflection
This month’s calendar offers daily reflections and actions to celebrate EFJ’s theme for the month of January 2017: Creating Peace Anew.
Creating the Common Good.jpg

Creating the Common Good

Reflection
Education for Justice’s theme for the coming months is introduced in this short reflection and prayer on creating the Common Good.

Zootopia

Film Discussion Guide
This film discussion guide offers a unique look at this popular animated film by connecting its themes to Catholic social tradition.  

Third Sunday of Lent [c] February 28, 2016

Lectionary Reflection
Third Sunday of Lent [c] February 28, 2016

Second Sunday of Lent [c] February 21, 2016

Lectionary Reflection
Second Sunday of Lent [c] February 21, 2016

Lenten Reflections 2016: Following Jesus on the Path of Nonviolence

Reflection
These 11 reflections are written by John Dear, a Catholic priest and world-renowned peacemaker and nonviolent activist for social justice. Father John invites all of us "to reflect on the nonviolence...

Christmas Reflections 2015

Creative Voice
Creative Voice Paul Magno reminds us that, like Mary and Joseph, we are the keepers of the story of Redemption in today's broken world. Copyright © 2015, Education for Justice, a project of...

Building a Global Community: Promoting and Protecting the Human Dignity of the World's Citizens

Prayer Service
This prayer service commemorates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) put forth by the United Nations on December 10, 1948. Copyright © 2015, Education for Justice, a project of...

The Power of Forgiveness

Film Discussion Guide
This guide offers discussion and reflection questions for the documentary The Power of Forgiveness, which features several moving real-life stories of forgiveness as well as comments on the topic...

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time [b] October 18, 2015

Lectionary Reflection
Twenty-ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time [b] October 18, 2015