The Principles of Catholic
Social Teaching
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Human life is sacred and all people aremade in the image and likeness of God
Dignity of thehuman person
We have a responsibility to contribute to the good of the whole of society,
to the common good
Common good / Rights and Responsibilities
Decision making should be performed at the level closest to those affected
Subsidiarity
We have a duty to care for the earth’s resources responsibly,
as stewards rather than consumers
Stewardship of God’s creation
Society is judged on how it treats its most vulnerable. We are called to remove injustices that keep people poor
Preferential Option for the Poor
The goods of the world are meant for all
Universal Purpose of Goods
Human beings are called to be active shapers of history not mere recipients of
other people’s decisions
Participation
We are one human family regardless of ethnic, cultural, religious or political difference
Solidarity
“(Catholic Social Teaching) expresses for our times the reflection of the
Church on social realities, assessing them in the light of the Gospel and
offering guidelines for practical behavior in society.
It is an application of theology, and especially moral theology, to the
ethical questions raised by human societies.”
Sollicitudo Rei Socialis,41
• Dignity of the Human Person
• Option for the Poor
• Awareness of the Structures of Injustice
• Solidarity – Work Together for Good of All
• Care of the Earth
Caritas Internationalis Mandate
Our vision
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to
the poor…
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives…
…recovery of sight to the blind…
…to let the oppressed go free…
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour
Responding to Disaster
Caritas works through local partners to provide emergency food supplies, clothing, housing and medical attention.
SUDAN ACEH, INDONESIA
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How Caritas Helps to Alleviate Poverty
Helping People to Help Themselves
Caritas supports communities through development programs focusing on:• health and hygiene• income generation • environmental
awareness• improving agricultural
practices
How Caritas Helps to Alleviate Poverty
Encouraging Social Change
Caritas supports people to challenge the structures that keep them poor.
How Caritas Helps to Alleviate Poverty
Changing Attitudes in Australia
Caritas Australia educates Australians by promoting a just and compassionate society at home and abroad.
How Caritas Helps to Alleviate Poverty
Credit: Mark Flanagan
www.caritas.org.au