Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

Demonstrators holding signs demanding the right to vote and equal civil rights at the March on Washington

“The rights of workers, like all other rights, are based on the nature of the human person and on their transcendent dignity.” Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, #301

All workers have inalienable rights, as the economy should serve the person; the person does not exist to serve the economy.

Discover a rich collection of resources rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, designed to illuminate the dignity of work and the rights of workers. This curated content equips educators, faith leaders, and advocates with tools to inspire action and reflection on justice in the workplace and economic systems.

Catholic Social Teaching Resources on the Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

  • Prayers and Reflections: Ground your understanding of work and human dignity in spiritual practices and Gospel values.
  • Lesson Plans and Activities: Engaging, ready-to-use materials for teaching about labor rights and the moral implications of economic justice.
  • Multimedia Resources: Videos, articles, and visuals that bring the principles of Catholic Social Teaching to life for diverse audiences.
  • Advocacy Tools: Practical guides for promoting fair wages, safe conditions, and policies that prioritize workers’ rights.

Each resource is crafted to deepen your understanding of the Church’s commitment to justice, solidarity, and the common good. Whether you’re preparing for a classroom discussion, parish presentation, or personal study, these materials offer valuable insights into how the dignity of work is a cornerstone of human flourishing.

Fact Sheet & Handout

Asian American Women and Women’s History

Learn about the history of Asian American women in the United States and put this into the context of the anniversary of the spa shooting in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2021 that killed six Asian American...
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

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...
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...
Fact Sheet & Handout

Alternative Giving for Christmas 2020

This Christmas, foster a culture of peace by supporting the mission of these social justice organizations and fair trade shops.
Reflection

Migrant Workers' Rights and COVID-19

During COVID19, there has been a great deal of talk regarding essential workers. In many ways, the virus has reminded us of those workers we frequently forget or outright ignore. Learn how COVID-19...
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

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...
Students sitting in circle studying
Prayer

Prayer of Thanksgiving for Teachers

A prayer of thanksgiving for all of the teachers who have influenced our lives.
Hotel workers protesting with signs
Reflection

Catholic Social Teaching and Unions: More Than Just Wages

This reflection uplifts the voice of one union worker and ties her story into the web of Catholic social tradition. We are called and challenged to listen to the voices of workers in our world and...
Hands and chalks.jpg
Litany

For Artists of Our Times

With this litany, we remember artists of our times who use their art to promote the dignity of the human person, to advocate for systemic change, and to reflect the beauty and the need of protecting...