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.

IFTJ Keynote Reflections 2022

Reflection
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...

Catholic Social Teaching: Rooted and Renewing

Reflection
The Catholic Social Teaching: Rooted and Renewing reflection invites us to consider how consciously making daily decisions from the perspective of CST, in solidarity with all those who suffer and all...

Education for Justice 2022 Summer Reading List

Fact Sheet & Handout
These recommendations for summer reading are organized by spiritual reading, non-fiction, and fiction. These works are connected to one or more themes of Catholic Social Teaching and highlight...

Let the Shooting End

Prayer
Let the Shooting End is a prayer for an end to gun violence. This prayer was originally published by the Sisters of Mercy and is reprinted here with permission. Visit sistersofmercy.org/resources/...

Litany: So All May Eat

Litany
Catholic Social Teaching is clear that the right to food is basic for not only the survival but also the flourishing of every one of God’s children in the global human family. In this litany, we...

An Examen for Social Media

Prayer
This reflection and prayer invite us to take "a long, loving look" at the problems with social media and provides questions to prayerfully consider how we encounter beauty and brokenness in its...

Lessons Plans for Fratelli Tutti

Lesson Plan
In an increasingly divided world, Pope Francis calls us to breakdown barriers through reconciliation and encounter in his new encyclical Fratelli Tutti. This guide provides lesson plans, prayer,...

John Lewis: Good Trouble

Film Discussion Guide
This film discussion guide provides questions to go along with the documentary about civil rights leader John Lewis. Topics covered include commitment to Nonviolence, voter rights, and the role of...

Book Review: They Will Inherit the Earth

Book Discussion Guide
In this book review and reflection, learn about  John Dear 's new book in which he explores what it means to "inherit the earth" and to be peaceful in a time characterized by climate change.

Examen on Social Media

Prayer
Social media can be used as a positive tool for justice and social change or can become an addiction or distraction if not used mindfully. This examen on social media provides space to reflect on how...
Georgetown University

Reflection: Catholic Higher Education, Labor Rights, and the Economy of Exclusion

Reflection
Learn about the history of labor rights in the Catholic Church and the Just Employment Policy that Georgetown University recently initiated to uphold the dignity of all workers on campus.