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.

Activity

Conversations in Conflict - Post Election material

One-on-one conversations, even amid disagreement, offer opportunities to build empathy and understanding, with Catholic Social Teaching emphasizing reverence for human dignity as a guide for handling...
Reflection

God Walks With His People - A Resource for World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Reflect on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees with this series of audio reflections, grounded in solidarity and prayer with our migrant brothers and sisters. Created by the Jesuit Migration...
Prayer

Prayer for Hispanic Heritage Month

Praying for Hispanic Heritage Month, we reflect and give thanks for the rich heritage of those whose roots trace back to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.  
Bulletin Insert

Bulletin Insert: Inequality and United States Elections (Revised)

This bulletin insert offers insights from Catholic Social Teaching on inequality and the elections. It includes recent statistics and reflections from Catholic Social Teaching. Additionally, we...
Reflection

Local Elections and Catholic Social Teaching

During election years we recognize that our attention often turns toward candidates on a national level, but local elections like city council and school board races can have a greater...
Film Discussion Guide

Human Dignity and the Migration Crisis

Reflect on the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border alongside the obstacles and opportunities that can be utilized to create a new approach that will uphold human dignity and advance the...

Bulletin Insert: Migrants and Refugees and the United States Elections (Revised)

This bulletin insert offers insights from Catholic Social Teaching on migrants, refugees, and the elections. It includes recent statistics and reflections from Catholic Social Teaching. Additionally,...

LGBTQIA Social Media Pack

Download these EFJ social media images—designed in 1080x1080 for Instagram and Facebook—to share on your social media feeds/bulletin during Pride month in June.

Eucharistic Congress Social Media Pack

Download these EFJ social media images—designed in 1080x1080 for Instagram and Facebook—to share on your social media feeds/bulletin leading up to the Eucharistic Congress happening in July 2024.
Video

Grant us the Courage Video Prayer

Embrace a prayer that stems from summoning the courage to safeguard all living beings and creatures. This prayer won the Education for Justice Earth Day contest in Spring 2024. It is written by...
Film Discussion Guide

Origin Film Discussion

Origin is a unique adaptation of the themes of writer Isabelle Wilkerson’s best-selling book Caste: The Origin of our Discontents, as a film. Director Ava DuVernay intertwines stories from...
Video

Faith and the Faithful in the 2024 Election

Reflect on faith and the 2024 U.S. presidential election using our discussion guide and snippets from the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University's recent...