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.

Activity

World Water Day

This simple board game celebrates World Water Day (March 22). The game's objectives are to help players learn more about local and global water issues, water rights alongside Catholic Social...
Lesson Plan

Christian Peacemaking

Christian Peacemaking weaves together conflict analysis and conflict transformation skills with Gospel values to empower students to stand up for themselves and to love their enemy neighbor in...
Video

Lenten Journey Video Prayer

A Lenten Journey Toward Easter [mepr-show if="loggedin"] Lenten Journey Toward Easter: [/mepr-show]
Film Discussion Guide

Webinar: Slavery, the Catholic Church, and Lessons for Today

In this presentation, Fr. Chris Kellerman, S.J., will explain the basics of the Catholic Church’s historical involvement with slaveholding and the Atlantic slave trade, drawing lessons from this...
Activity

Discussion on Ending the Death Penalty with Sr. Helen Prejean

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...
Reflection

Quality of Life: A Consistent Ethic of Life

This is a reflection on understanding the consistent ethic of life and how we are called to see the dignity of life in everyone we encounter.
Reflection

Ethical Purchasing and Catholic Social Teaching

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...
Reflection

IFTJ Keynote Reflections 2022

This discussion guide can be used to help break open the keynote discussions during the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice held from October 22-23 in Washington D.C. Use this document to reflect on...
Film Discussion Guide

Film Discussion - Going Home Like a Shooting Star

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...
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...