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.

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Catholic Social Thought and the Common Good

Reflection
In this brief overview of the concept of the Common Good, Fr. Fred Kammer reminds us that we can only find our own fulfillment as humans when we are in communities that promote the flourishing of...

Prayer Service: In A Time of Community Distress

Prayer Service
In a time of misunderstanding, racism, and violence, we turn to a psalm of lament to help us call for God’s mercy on all of us, just as he rained down manna in the wilderness.  Our vocation as...

United States Presidential Inauguration: A Commitment to the Common Good

Prayer Service
The inauguration provides an opportunity to pray for our new president and the needs of the country. This resource provides an explanation of the prayerful occasion which inaugurations provide, an...

Themes of CST: The Common Good

A new backgrounder on the principle of the Common Good provides a thorough overview for anyone interested in a greater understanding of the foundations of Catholic social teaching. This eight-page...

A Lenten Examination of Conscience

[Mar. 2006, Vol. 3, No. 7]

Called to Restore the Fabric of Human Community

This prayer service reminds us that we are called to restore the human community.