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.

June 2017 Calendar.jpg

Monthly Calendar: June 2017: Creating Tolerance

Calendar
This month’s calendar offers daily reflections and actions to celebrate EFJ’s theme for the month of June 2017: Creating Tolerance.
This town filled with tents and people rejoicing through God's love. Rejoice as your reflect on the feast of epiphany.

Feast of the Epiphany [a] January 8, 2017

Lectionary Reflection
Feast of the Epiphany [a] January 8, 2017 ADD DISCRIPTION

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time [c] January 31, 2016

Lectionary Reflection
Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time [c] January 31, 2016

Lenten Reflections 2016: Following Jesus on the Path of Nonviolence

Reflection
These 11 reflections are written by John Dear, a Catholic priest and world-renowned peacemaker and nonviolent activist for social justice. Father John invites all of us "to reflect on the nonviolence...

Themes of CST: Rights and Responsibilities

Reflection
This backgrounder on the principle of Rights and Responsibilities provides a thorough overview for anyone interested in a greater understanding of the foundations of Catholic social teaching....

Dignity of the Worker

Fact Sheet & Handout
This unit on the dignity of the worker features the following materials: fact sheets, scripture passages related to human dignity and questions for reflection and discussion.

An Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching and Corporate Accountability

Fact Sheet & Handout
Catholic Social Teaching has consistently affirmed the need for mechanisms to challenge the pursuit of profit when it compromises the welfare of workers, communities and consumers. This background...