Overview Materials

Catholic social tradition (CST) strives to foster a living faith that leads to loving action in the world today by raising up a social vision that is transformative, thereby making visible the reign of God.

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A Catholic Charities humanitarian respite center in McAllen, Texas (2017)

Catholic social tradition is the church’s presentation and articulation of its reflection upon human beings in society. It sets about naming the realities (at a given point in time), highlighting the dangers to full human flourishing and critiquing them from the point of view of the Catholic faith. It embodies core themes and responses to challenges facing human beings in a complex and changing world.

This body of teaching is not a fixed group of writings or doctrine but grows, develops, and changes over time in order to respond to the complexities of any given age and in order to speak with relevance to the world as it exists.

Explore Catholic Social Tradition Resources

Explore a comprehensive collection of resources that provide an in-depth understanding of Catholic Social tradition. These foundational principles guide individuals and communities in promoting human dignity, justice, and the common good while addressing pressing social issues in light of the Gospel.

On this page, you’ll find:

  • Foundational Overviews: Clear and accessible materials explaining key principles of Catholic Social Teaching, such as solidarity, the dignity of work, and care for creation.
  • Prayers and Reflections: Spiritual tools that connect CST principles to daily life and inspire action for justice and peace.
  • Educational Resources: Lesson plans, discussion guides, and activities tailored for educators, faith leaders, and advocates seeking to deepen their understanding of Catholic Social tradition.
  • Multimedia Content: Videos, infographics, and articles that bring Catholic Social Teaching to life, illustrating its relevance in addressing contemporary global challenges.
  • Advocacy Tools: Practical guides for applying CST principles to promote justice, uphold human rights, and support marginalized communities.

These resources offer a profound exploration of the Church’s teachings on social justice, equipping individuals and communities to connect faith with action. Whether you are new to Catholic Social tradition or looking to deepen your understanding, this hub provides essential insights for reflection, education, and advocacy.

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Reflection

Catholic Social Thought and Prophetic Witness

We are called by the Church’s social teachings to become prophetic witnesses; this resource offers reflections on what this call means and how it is embodied today.  

Catholic Social Thought and Advocacy

In this reflection, Fr. Fred Kammer offers some focused advice on discerning the best strategies for advocacy work.

Catholic Social Thought and Taxes

Fr. Kammer provides perspective on the role of taxes in light of Catholic social thought. Discussion questions, faith in action, and a prayer are included.

CST and SDGs: Affordable and Clean Energy

As Pope Francis has declared, we must move from fossil fuels to clean energy, ensuring that those in poverty have access to clean and sustainable energy for authentic human development.
Activity

Introduction to the Pastoral Circle

This video introduces the four moments of the Pastoral Circle: experience, analysis, reflection, and action. The Pastoral Circle is an invaluable tool to respond to the challenges in our community,...
Activity

The Pastoral Circle

The four moments of the Pastoral Circle form the bedrock for Christian and other faith traditions around the world in responding to the challenges of communities, nations, and the world. This...
Toolbox

Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

These seven reflections on the themes of Catholic social teaching have been revised, updated, and reformatted. Themes of CST: Care for God’s Creation Themes of CST: The Common Good Themes of...
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Reflection

From Rerum Novarum to the Modern World: On the Conditions of Labor Today

This reflection gives a history of Catholic social teaching on worker justice, identifies current issues pertaining to labor and workers’ rights, and provides reflection questions and other...
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Reflection

An Overview of Church Teaching on Healthcare

This resource provides a synthesis of Catholic social teaching on healthcare and includes a timeline, links for other resources, and a prayer for healthcare reform.  
Prayer

Prayer for the Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Populorum Progressio

This prayer commemorates the 50th Anniversary of Populorum Progressio in 2017, and uses words and phrases from Pope Paul VI’s seminal encyclical originally published on March 26, 1967.
Reflection

Reflection: Catholic Social Thought and Human Dignity

In this reflection, Fr. Kammer discusses the foundational principle in Catholic social thought on the dignity of the human person. Reflection questions and a prayer are included.
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Calendar

Education for Justice 2016-2017 Justice and Peace Calendar

Filled with additional dates, anniversaries, and global celebrations, EFJ's annual Justice and Peace Calendar will help with preparations for the upcoming 2016-2017 year. Links to the latest EFJ...