Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

“The Church’s love for the poor is inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes, by the poverty of Jesus and his love for the poor.” Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, #184

Migrant receives assistance emphasizing importance of assisting poor and vulnerableDiscover a powerful collection of resources focused on the Catholic Social Teaching principle of the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable. This principle calls individuals and communities to prioritize the needs of society’s most marginalized members, recognizing their dignity and working toward justice and equity.

On this page, you’ll find:

  • Prayers and Reflections: Spiritual resources to inspire compassion and solidarity with the poor and vulnerable in light of Gospel values.
  • Lesson Plans and Educational Materials: Engaging tools for teaching about economic justice, human dignity, and the Church’s call to uplift those in poverty.
  • Multimedia Content: Videos, articles, and infographics that highlight the lived realities of marginalized communities and the Church’s response to their struggles.
  • Advocacy Guides: Practical resources for promoting policies, actions, and systems that prioritize the well-being of the poor and address systemic injustices.

These resources provide educators, faith leaders, and advocates with the tools to reflect on their role in creating a just society where the needs of the poor are met with compassion and action. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, they inspire a deeper commitment to walking with the vulnerable and advocating for systemic change.

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...
Prayer

May We Be Moved to Urgency Prayer

May we be Moved to Urgency Prayer calls for urgent action to address plastic pollution, climate change, and environmental racism. It asks for strength, wisdom, and courage to protect the Earth,...
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...
Film Discussion Guide

Upgrade Your Concept of God

This guide to the 2024 Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ) allows one to explore Sr. Peggy O’Neill’s keynote address, where she shares inspiring stories and offers encouragement to become...
Film Discussion Guide

Movie Review: Elemental

Elemental tells the story of a Pixar animated film set in a vibrant city where residents live together in fire, water, land, and air. The story follows Ember, a tough and fiery young woman, and...
Book Discussion Guide

Cathonomics Book Review

Cathonomics by Anthony Annett explores how Catholic Social Teaching (CST) can inform the creation of a more just and inclusive economy. It critiques modern economics, particularly its focus on...
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...
Activity

Hunger and Conflict Resource

Since the 1960s, the Catholic Church has shifted from just war theory to strongly condemning war due to its destructive impact, especially on human rights and hunger. Popes from John XXIII to Francis...
Activity

Student Guide on Poverty and U.S. Elections

Those in poverty face not only a lack of basic necessities but also social exclusion, limited access to education, and vulnerability to climate change. Explore the intersection of economic justice,...
Bulletin Insert

Bulletin Insert: Poverty and U.S. Elections (revised)

Explore how those in poverty face not only a lack of basic necessities but also social exclusion, limited access to education, and vulnerability to climate change. This bulletin insert examines...
Film Discussion Guide

Human Dignity and the Migration Crisis

Reflect on the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border alongside the obstacles and opportunities that can be utilized to create a new approach that will uphold human dignity and advance the...
Activity

Student Guide on Migrants and Refugees

The United States is a nation of immigrants—people from around the world and diverse cultural traditions have made significant contributions to our history and have helped shape our communities and...