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

We Give Thanks

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

Atoning for the Sins Against Indigenous People

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...
Book Discussion Guide

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

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...
Reflection

Engaging the Filipino American Labor Movement through CST

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...
Activity

World Food Day Quiz

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

World Hunger Crisis

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

Prayer for Midterm Elections

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

Working to Overcome Food Insecurity

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

Prayerfully Reading the News

Prayerfully Reading the News  shares an opportunity that can help the reader consume media and news in thoughtful ways.
Fact Sheet & Handout

An Antidote to Despair Discussion Guide

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.
Reflection

Catholic Social Teaching: Rooted and Renewing

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...
Fact Sheet & Handout

Education for Justice 2022 Summer Reading List

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...