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.

Bulletin Insert

Faces of DACA

This bulletin insert shares the stories of five young people currently living with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status. As the country awaits the Supreme Court's ruling on the...
Reflection

Love Requires Justice: Art as a Medium to Address Systemic Racism

High school senior Chloe Becker reflects on the mural she painted of important African and African American saints as a medium to start a conversation in her community about systemic racism and white...
Fact Sheet & Handout

Civil Rights Heroes Prayer Cards

Learn about heroes and activists from the Civil Rights Movement and pray for equity and reconciliation in our world today. These brief biographies are starting points to learn more about the lives of...
Prayer

Catholic Social Teaching and Human Rights Today: A Prayer

This prayer reminds us of the interconnection between social and economic human rights and asks that every person, created in the image of God, may live fully, develop, and flourish.
Prayer

Ashes and Smoke: "Set the World on Fire" Without Burning Out

We are called to work for justice, but sometimes as ministers we are in danger of becoming burned out. This prayer experience provides a written reflection, song, and guided questions to help you...
Fact Sheet & Handout

Migrant and Refugee Fact Sheet

Terminology around migration is often confusing. This fact sheet explains the important nuances between terms such as migrants, forcibly displaced people, refugees, internally displaced persons, and...
Fact Sheet & Handout

Fair Trade and Sustainable Halloween Treat Guide

This bulletin insert explains the connections between CST, fair trade, and sustainability and provides suggestions for places to source Halloween candy that support workers' rights and care for the...
Reflection

Indigenous Peoples' Day and Catholic Social Teaching

Some states and cities in the United States are celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day in place of Columbus Day. Learn about why communities are making this switch and how Catholic Social Teaching...
Bulletin Insert

Catholic Social Teaching and the Death Penalty

Use this bulletin insert for education on how Catholic Social Teaching promotes an end to the death penalty and to learn how to advocate against this injustice.
Prayer

Christ's Seamless Garment

This prayer remembers the seamless garment that Christ wore and calls us as the Body of Christ to take on all people's concerns for justice as the seamless garment we wear.
Reflection

Film Discussion Guide: El Deportado

“El Deportado” is a short documentary that was created as a collaboration between faculty and students at Creighton University in Omaha, NE.  The documentary provides personal testimonies of...
Film Discussion Guide

The Prodigal Son, the Death Penalty, and Reconciliation

In her Catholic Women Preach reflection, Krisanne Vailliancourt Murphy, Executive Director of Catholic Mobilizing Network, preaches on the Return of the Prodigal Son. Use this discussion guide and...