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.

Catholic-Social-Thought-Humanitarian-Respite-Center

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.

CST and Disarmament

This two page backgrounder provides the context for development of Church teaching on disarmament, deterrence, and preserving peace.

Teaching Aid: Busy Christian’s Guide to Catholic Social Teaching

This twenty-four page resource offers not only a brief summary of all major documents relating to Catholic Social Teaching, but it also includes fun trivia, each document’s significant or key...

CST in the News

In anticipation of Speaker of the House John Boehner's commencement address to the Catholic University of America's graduates in the spring of 2011, Catholic leaders wrote an open letter to the...

A Theology of Power: Part Three

Starting with A New Worldview.Part Three explores the world view of the Israelites and the contextual use of power in scripture, drawing out a deeper understanding of the nature of power and God's...

A Theology of Power: Part Two

Power Part Two: Biblical Stories: God Present with PowerPart Two: looks at the biblical definitions of power and traces the Greek and Hebrew words associated with power.  This section explores...

A Theology of Power: Part One

This series offers a theology that moves beyond a dualism of good versus evil.  In a broken world, it is the Incarnation of God in the person of Jesus that is "a rescue and redemption operation,...

The Pastoral Circle - Explained

This resource is an interactive presentation explaining how to use this tool in daily life.  It's a tool that directs faith to relevant political, social, and economic events.  The pastoral...

Summer Reading List & CST

You don’t need to leave home to travel to some remarkable places and encounter remarkable lives.  Reading is one of the best pastimes summer has to offer.  These recent works are worthy of note...

Populorum Progressio and Caritas in Veritate: Authentic, Integral, Human Development

Pope Benedict’s encyclical, Caritas in Veritate (Love in Truth) is an anniversary document marking the 40th anniversary of Populorum Progressio issued by Pope Paul VI in 1967. Benedict notes,...

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. ...

Tips for Reading Catholic Social Teaching Documents

These twelve simple tips will help you to read and reflect on the newest encyclical and contribute to your understanding of the social issues and vision articulated by Pope Benedict. This one-page...

Back to School Resource: The ABCs of Catholic Social Teaching

  As students return to school in the Fall, these reflections from Justice in the World and Sharing Catholic Social Teaching call for education that seeks "a renewal of the heart" and a...