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.

Natural Disasters and Haiti: A Tragic History

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. In 2008 alone, three hurricanes have hit Haiti and the toll has been devastating. This two-page resource highlights how poverty in...

Caritas in Veritate, Charity in Truth

Caritas in Veritate addresses the social themes vital to the well-being of humanity and reminds us that authentic renewal of both individuals and society requires living by Christ’s truth in love. ...

A Place at the Table: Justice for All in a Land of Plenty

Justice for the Poor in a Land of Plenty Domestic poverty is an obstacle to social justice and human flourishing. A new book on the subject explores why concern for the poor is an issue of social...

Mother Frances Cabrini- Patron Saint of Immigrants

November 13- Patron Saint of Immigrants Mother Cabrini was a remarkable woman whose missionary heart and compassionate zeal changed countless lives. She was canonized in 1946. This patron saint of...
Quiz

Poverty Quiz

This poverty quiz tests the participant's knowledge about poverty in the U.S. This print-ready quiz includes an answer key and explanations of current poverty facts and figures. Charts showing the...

Crisis in Darfur Intensifies

A Background Resource, Prayer and Action Guide. The conflict in Darfur continues to spiral out of control.  Since 2003 when conflict broke out in the Darfur region of Sudan, the Church has been...

The Invisible Chapel

This film guide provides an excellent forum to explore immigration in a recent documentary. For over twenty years a migrant chapel remained invisible to the wealthy residents of a San Diego, CA...

Prayer for Refugees

June 20 marks World Refugee Day. We pray for all those who are forced to flee from their homes due to war, violence, hunger or economic desperation.  

St. Paul of the Cross

St. Paul of the Cross is a saint who shows us what it means to make a preferential option for the poor in the world today.  He lived in a turbulent time where people struggled for a meaningful...

Ending Poverty

We each have a role to play in becoming aware of the global reality of poverty as well as focusing our attention on the local manifestations of poverty in our communities and neighborhoods here. ...

Backgrounder w/ Activities: Biblical Foundations of Justice

The call to be people of justice is part of God's ongoing revelation in scripture. This background resource with activities is designed to lay the groundwork for understanding the biblical...

Fact Sheet: Poverty in the U.S. (2007)

37 million, or 12.6 percent of people in the U.S.. live below the poverty line. This resource includes updated facts about poverty in America, and is perfect for a bulletin insert on the issue.