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.

End of the Year Blessing

Prayer
Take a moment to share this blessing with those around you who have finished the academic year. Acknowledge those who strive for peace, those who are weary in the year’s completion, and those whose...

Kino Community Conversation

Reflection
Reflect on the opportunity of radical welcome through the lens of individuals engaged in work through Kino Border Initiative located in Nogales, Sonora, México.  This resource is centered around...

In Memory of Japanese Internment Camps

Prayer
On February 19, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt issued an executive order that authorized the evacuation of all persons who were deemed a threat to national security along the West Coast to be...

Discussion on Ending the Death Penalty with Sr. Helen Prejean

Activity
This guide is for use after viewing a recorded conversation around the death penalty, hosted by Catholic Mobilizing Network. The webinar featured Sr. Helen Prejean, Ohio death row exoneree Kwame...

Ethical Purchasing and Catholic Social Teaching

Reflection
Read through this Ethical Holiday Purchasing guide to better understand the decisions you make around buying—especially during the holiday season. Begin to consider workers engaged in all phases of...

Film Discussion Guide: Flee

Film Discussion Guide
This film discussion guide provides questions to go along with the animated documentary, Flee.

When Every Night is Winter

Prayer
A prayer for wintertime and Christmas from CRS.

Film Discussion - Going Home Like a Shooting Star

Film Discussion Guide
This discussion guide is based on the film, Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman's Journey to Sainthood. The documentary focuses on the life of Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman, an African...

We Give Thanks

Prayer
We Give Thanks is a prayer that can be used for personal prayer or in your community. 

Atoning for the Sins Against Indigenous People

Activity
A discussion guide based on the article, "Atoning for sins against Indigenous people begins with confronting the past. Red Cloud Indian School is showing the way." The article appeared in America...

Birth of a Movement: Black Lives Matter and the Catholic Church

Book Discussion Guide
This discussion guide is based on the book, Birth of Movement: Black Lives Matter and the Catholic Church written by Olga M. Segura. This guide focuses primarily on the chapter titled, "The March for...

Engaging the Filipino American Labor Movement through CST

Reflection
Learn more about the Filipino American labor movement and the work of farm workers in California's Central Valley. Use the lens of Catholic Social Teaching and the understanding the rights of workers...