Dignity of the Human Person

“A just society can become a reality only when it is based on the respect of the transcendent dignity of the human person.” –Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, #132

person holding baby's index finger illustrating the dignity of the human person

Photo by Aditya Romansa

Explore a wealth of resources that illuminate the cornerstone of Catholic Social Teaching: the dignity of the human person. Rooted in the belief that every individual is created in the image of God, this teaching emphasizes the inherent worth of every human being and calls for the promotion of justice, peace, and the defense of human rights.

On this page, you’ll find:

Prayers and Reflections: Spiritual resources that deepen understanding of human dignity and its connection to peace, nonviolence, and disarmament.
Educational Materials: Lesson plans, classroom activities, and discussion guides that explore the moral imperative to respect life and promote justice.
Multimedia Content: Videos, infographics, and articles that bring Catholic Social Teaching on human dignity to life, highlighting its relevance in today’s world.
Advocacy Tools: Practical guides for advancing nonviolence, supporting disarmament, and fostering peace through the lens of human dignity.

These resources empower educators, faith leaders, and advocates to connect the principle of human dignity with actionable steps toward a more peaceful and just society. By integrating Catholic Social Teaching into learning and advocacy, these materials inspire solidarity and compassion in the face of injustice.

Labor Acknowledgment Juneteenth

On Juneteenth, we recognize the painful legacy of slavery and honor the resilience of Black Americans whose forced labor helped build the United States. In our labor acknowledgment, we reflect on the...

Reflection

Solidarity as a Gift and Manifestation of the Spirit

Pentecost celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, uniting people of all nations through the gift of tongues. This moment shared in our reflection reveals the Spirit’s power to break down...

Prayer

Symbols of Your Creation Video Prayer

Symbols of Your Creation expresses gratitude to God for creating the Earth and all living things. It asks for guidance to protect the environment, show kindness to all creatures, and care for the...

Prayer

No Hands But Yours

This prayer expresses the deep human yearning for healing, love, justice, truth, and peace in a troubled world filled with deception and uncertainty. It calls for personal responsibility and...

Prayer

Examen for Israel-Palestine

An Examen rooted in Israel-Palestine, which walks through suffering, the impact of the conflict, and images you may have viewed to help you understand and walk in solidarity with those who have been...

Prayer

Christmas Prayer: Help Us See You

"Christmas Prayer: Help Us See You" offers a prayer focused on recognizing Christ in the world, especially in those who are marginalized or suffering. The prayer encourages reflection on how we can...

Reflection

Advent: Re-examining Gift-Giving Practices and Catholic Social Teaching

During Advent, we are called to reflect on Christ’s message of love and justice, challenging consumerism and focusing on ethical and meaningful giving. Catholic Social Teaching encourages...

Activity

Classroom Listening Circle Post Elections

Facilitate a co-created post-election Listening Circle to provide a respectful space for students to share feelings and perspectives. Through guided prompts, prayer, and consensus-building, students...

Prayer

Keeping Christ’s Promise Prayer

Praying for Native American Heritage Month, we reflect on the Native American and Indigenous Peoples who have come before us and on whose land many of us live. We pause to recognize the harm forced...

Bulletin Insert

Bulletin Insert - Racial Justice and U.S. Elections (revised)

The crisis of inequality creates deep divisions between people and communities, despite progress in reducing extreme poverty. Rising wealth inequality, especially impacting women, Indigenous peoples,...

Activity

Student Guide on Racial Justice and the U.S. Elections

The crisis of inequality creates deep divisions between people and communities, despite progress in reducing extreme poverty. Rising wealth inequality, especially impacting women, Indigenous peoples,...

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...