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.

Reflection

All Are Welcome Reflection

A reflection written around National Coming Out Day that centers inclusion. National Coming Out Day is observed on October 11.
Prayer

All Are Welcome Prayer

A prayer written around National Coming Out Day that centers inclusion. National Coming Out Day is observed on October 11.
Fact Sheet & Handout

CST, Human Trafficking and Asian American Women

Catholic Social Teaching offers insights as to how we can advocate for an end to human trafficking and guidance as to why we need to bring an end to it. Knowing the types and examples of trafficking...
Reflection

Sustainability: Connecting People

This reflection offers an opportunity to see how interconnected the earth is with how we live our daily lives. Consider the impact of your actions in relation to all that is around you.
Fact Sheet & Handout

Fair Housing and CST

Learn how advocacy for fair housing is part of how we engage with Catholic Social Teaching. Examine church documents and declarations from the U.S. Bishops Conference to see how we can become better...
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...
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...
Prayer

In Memory of Japanese Internment Camps

On February 19, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt issued an executive order that authorized the evacuation of all persons who were deemed a threat to national security along the West Coast to be...
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...
Film Discussion Guide

Film Discussion Guide: Flee

This film discussion guide provides questions to go along with the animated documentary, Flee.
Prayer

When Every Night is Winter

A prayer for wintertime and Christmas from CRS.
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...