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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Reflection

Monthly Calendar: January 2017: Creating Peace Anew

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

Creating the Common Good

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

Zootopia

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

Third Sunday of Lent [c] February 28, 2016

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

Second Sunday of Lent [c] February 21, 2016

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

Lenten Reflections 2016: Following Jesus on the Path of Nonviolence

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...
Creative Voice

Christmas Reflections 2015

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...
Prayer Service

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

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...
Film Discussion Guide

The Power of Forgiveness

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...
Lectionary Reflection

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

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

Catholic Social Thought and the Common Good

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

Prayer Service: In A Time of Community Distress

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...