Call to Community, Family, and Participation

“The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society—in economics and politics, in law and policy—directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.”

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Call To Family, Community, And Participation

Family gathered around a beautifully set table for a festive Christmas dinner celebration.

How are we called to Family, community, and Participation?

Relationships call us to solidarity with our families and the people in our local, state, national, and global communities.

Delve into a comprehensive collection of resources dedicated to the Catholic Social Teaching themes of community, family, and participation. These materials highlight the essential role of families and communities in fostering human dignity and promoting the common good. They also emphasize the importance of active engagement in shaping a just and equitable society.

Resources for the Call To Family, Community, And Participation

  • Spiritual Reflections and Prayers: Insights grounded in Scripture and Church teaching to inspire reflection on the value of community and family.
  • Educational Tools: Lesson plans and activities designed to explore the significance of family, civic participation, and communal solidarity.
  • Multimedia Resources: Videos, articles, and infographics that illustrate how Catholic Social Teaching calls us to strengthen families and build inclusive communities.
  • Advocacy Guides: Practical steps to encourage participation in civic life and support policies prioritizing families’ and communities’ well-being.

These resources empower educators, faith leaders, and advocates to deepen their understanding of community and family as the foundation of society. By integrating these principles into daily life, individuals and communities can actively contribute to a more just, compassionate, and participatory world.

Prayer

Dreams for the 251st Year: A Pentecost Examen

Inspired by Acts 2:17 and written for America's 250th anniversary, this Pentecost examen invites Catholics to reflect on the nation's history through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Exploring...
Activity

America's 250th Birthday Social Pack

The 250th anniversary of the United States offers an opportunity not only to look back on our nation's history, but also to consider our responsibility to one another today. Drawing on voices that...
Prayer

Witnessing for Good: A Prayer for America at 250

This Catholic social justice prayer for America at 250 invites reflection on human dignity, the common good, and our responsibility to confront injustice. Written by Nia Alvarez-Mapp, the prayer...
Activity

The Parable of the Cafeteria Line: From Service to Solidarity

The Parable of the Cafeteria Line invites participants to reflect on the difference between charity and solidarity. Through a hopeful story and guided discussion questions, this resource explores the...
Prayer

An Examen for Young People on the Mission

Preparing to leave for a service experience can stir a mix of excitement, gratitude, anxiety, and hope for young people and their families. This guided prayer adapts the...

#BlackCatholicsSyllabus Webinar

Explore how the BlackCatholicsSyllabus can be used as a resource and guide for classroom settings to learn more about Black Catholics and the Black Catholic experience. Tia Noelle Pratt, Ph.D,...
Film Discussion Guide

Pressing on Toward Kinship Discussion Guide

Pressing On is a reflection guide rooted in Fr. Greg Boyle’s keynote address at the 2025 Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice. Centered on the theme of kinship, the guide invites participants to...
Book Discussion Guide

Praying with Our Feet Discussion Guide

Praying with Our Feet: Encountering God in the Margins is a discussion guide based on the book by Ansel Augustine, D.Min., inviting learners to explore Catholic Social Teaching through lived...
Prayer

Examen for Student Leaders Engaged in Social Justice

The Examen for Student Leaders Engaged in Social Justice is a guided prayer rooted in the Ignatian Examen, inviting students to reflect on leadership, conscience, and their call to speak out against...
Activity

Pressing On: Reflections for IFTJ 2025

This resource invites students and educators to prepare for the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice through prayer, Gospel reflection, and personal discernment. Centered on Luke 21:5-19 and the...
Activity

Discernment and Purchasing Guide

Reflect on how faith and justice intersect with everyday purchasing decisions. Through an Ignatian lens, explore ethical consumption, fast fashion, and the spirituality of discernment. Featuring a...
Sign saying 'school is the most dangerous place I go' for EFJ blog