Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture and the teachings of the Church. It challenges us to live out the Gospel by recognising the dignity of every person, working for justice and peace, and caring for God’s creation. Jesus calls us to love God and to love our neighbour, especially those who are poor, vulnerable or in need.
At St Mary’s, Catholic Social Teaching is woven through every aspect of school life. It provides a lens through which pupils learn to understand the world, reflect on moral issues and put their faith into action. CST is not simply something we learn about; it is something we strive to live each day.
Using CAFOD’s nine principles of Catholic Social Teaching, pupils develop an understanding of their responsibilities towards others and our common home:
- Human Dignity
- The Common Good
- Participation
- Subsidiarity
- Stewardship
- Solidarity
- Preferential Option for the Poor
- Distributive Justice
- Promoting Peace
Catholic Social Teaching is visible throughout our school. Every classroom has a dedicated CST display and pupils regularly explore the principles through Religious Education, Values and Ethics (REVE), prayer and liturgy, Celebration of the Word, assemblies, pupil leadership groups and wider curriculum learning. Teachers make explicit links between Catholic Social Teaching and everyday life, helping pupils to recognise how Gospel values influence their choices, relationships and actions.
Our School Council, Messengers of Christ, Eco Committee and other pupil leadership groups play an active role in promoting Catholic Social Teaching across the school. Through charity work, environmental projects, fundraising, community outreach and acts of service, pupils learn that they can be agents of change and make a positive difference in God’s world.
Through daily conversations, reflection, learning and action, pupils are encouraged to ask:
See – What is happening in our world?
Judge – What does our faith teach us about this?
Act – What can we do to make a difference?
In this way, Catholic Social Teaching helps us to live our mission of:
“Learning and Loving, Caring and Sharing through the Message of Christ.“