Rights and Responsibilities

“The identification and proclamation of human rights is one of the most significant attempts to respond effectively to the inescapable demands of human dignity.” ﹣Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, #152

rights and responsibilities illustrated by diverse hands coming together Discover a comprehensive collection of resources focused on the Catholic Social Teaching principle of rights and responsibilities. This foundational teaching emphasizes that every individual is endowed with inherent rights—such as the right to life, work, and education—and corresponding responsibilities to protect these rights for others and promote the common good.

On this page, you’ll find:

  • Prayers and Reflections: Spiritual tools that inspire reflection on the balance between individual rights and social responsibilities in building a just society.
  • Lesson Plans and Educational Tools: Engaging resources for teaching the importance of safeguarding human dignity through respect for rights and fulfillment of responsibilities.
  • Multimedia Content: Videos, infographics, and articles that bring Catholic Social Teaching on rights and responsibilities to life for students, parishes, and communities.
  • Advocacy Resources: Practical guides to support actions that promote justice, protect human rights, and uphold responsibilities within society.

These resources empower educators, faith leaders, and advocates to explore the dynamic relationship between personal freedoms and the obligation to serve the common good. Rooted in the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching, they provide actionable insights for fostering solidarity, justice, and respect for human dignity.

Inauguration Prayer Service on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday

Prayer Service
We offer an opportunity for prayer and reflection on the significance of Inauguration Day and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday, highlighting a call for peace, justice, and the...

Video Prayer for the Inauguration

Video
This Prayer for Inauguration calls for unity and a renewed commitment to the common good as a new chapter begins. It asks for blessings on the nation, the global community, and the care of the Earth,...

Examen for Israel-Palestine

Prayer
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...

Navigating Catholic Engagement with US Politics

Book Discussion Guide
This book discussion guide examines 'A Consistent Ethic of Life: Navigating Catholic Engagement with US Politics.' The text is offered as a short resource for parishes and general readers to...

Local Elections and Catholic Social Teaching

Reflection
During election years we recognize that our attention often turns toward candidates on a national level, but local elections like city council and school board races can have a greater...

Catholic Social Teaching and 2024 Elections, Part One

Activity
In November 2024, voters will elect local, state, and national leadership. In addition to electing a new president, U.S. citizens will vote on all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and...

Injustice in the Holy Land

Activity
Examine the history of Israel-Palestine which includes the areas of places like Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem. Learn about what led to the brutal attack on October 7, 2023 by Hamas, and spend...

Peace and Justice Trivia

Activity
This trivia game includes themes, places, and people whose lives and work are rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. The game can be played in pairs or small groups to engage students in our shared...

Celebrating the Joy of the Gospel

Prayer
Reflecting on the "The Joy of the Gospel" (Evangelii Gaudium), we recommit to upholding the dignity of those around us and recognize our agency as an opportunity to...

Catholic Case for Pronouns

Reflection
“A Catholic Case for Choosing Your Own Pronouns” was published by Outreach: A LGBTQ Catholic Resource in April 2023. Jim McDermott, S.J., wrote the original article, and Education for Justice...

CST, Human Trafficking and Asian American Women

Fact Sheet & Handout
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...

Fair Housing and CST

Fact Sheet & Handout
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...