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.

World Food Day Quiz

Activity
World Food Day is October 16. Use this Hunger/Food Quiz to reflect with your class or group.

World Hunger Crisis

Activity
Communities around the world are facing extreme hunger alongside issues of conflict, climate change, COVID-19, and the cost of rising food. Catholic Relief Services assembled a resource alongside...

Prayer for Midterm Elections

Prayer
This is a prayer you can use to help you and your community prepare for Midterm Elections.

Working to Overcome Food Insecurity

Reflection
This resource shares insights into working at a local food bank and things to consider about one's community and where help is needed.

Prayerfully Reading the News

Prayer
Prayerfully Reading the News  shares an opportunity that can help the reader consume media and news in thoughtful ways.

An Antidote to Despair Discussion Guide

Fact Sheet & Handout
A discussion guide that walks through an article from Commonweal Magazine highlighting Paul Farmer and his theology of accompaniment. The article, "An Antidote to Despair" ran in February 2022.

Catholic Social Teaching: Rooted and Renewing

Reflection
The Catholic Social Teaching: Rooted and Renewing reflection invites us to consider how consciously making daily decisions from the perspective of CST, in solidarity with all those who suffer and all...

Education for Justice 2022 Summer Reading List

Fact Sheet & Handout
These recommendations for summer reading are organized by spiritual reading, non-fiction, and fiction. These works are connected to one or more themes of Catholic Social Teaching and highlight...

Reflection: From Service to Kinship

Reflection
Fr. Gregory Boyle has worked with young adults in the barrio of Los Angeles for over three decades. He founded Homeboy Industries, and he discusses the concept of kinship in much of his speaking and...

Video Prayer: Prayer for Holy Thursday

Video
On Holy Thursday, we are called to see the face of Christ in all people and to bend in respect before the dignity of the other, as Jesus bent to wash the feet of his Apostles. Access a handout with...

Prayer for Struggling Families

Prayer
This prayer uplifts families around the world that are struggling in the face of uncertainty, racism, poverty, and violence. We pray to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the Holy Family, that our prayers...

Pope Francis' 2022 World Day of Peace Message

Reflection
Pope Francis' 2022 World Day of Peace Message discusses themes of intergenerational encounter, education, and work as integral components to build paths to peace. The reflection summarize's Pope...