We are called to serve and follow in Jesus’ footsteps…

The curriculum at St. Joseph’s provides many opportunities for both our children and staff to develop knowledge and understanding of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, and to action that commitment through good works and words that show we live our faith in our community as a force for good.

“The principle of Catholic Social Teaching is that from a ‘living faith’ comes loving action ‘which brings about a transformation into a ‘civilisation of love’”

(‘Our best kept secret – the rich heritage of Catholic social teaching’ – M. Schultheis 1988)

You must be the change you want to see in the world. 

The task of all teachers in our school is to encourage those we teach to work for positive change in our world – and Catholic schools are very actively involved in social justice issues, which appeal so much to young people’s idealism, enthusiasm and innate sense of justice.

As a Catholic School we believe that God has a plan for creation, a plan that still exists in our modern world.  Our belief in God must not be limited merely to the ‘spiritual’ world or what we do at Mass on a Sunday, but must permeate all aspects of our lives as responsible global citizens. We teach the children about the dignity of the human person, how we are called to live as family and community, about rights and responsibilities, that we are called to stewardship, our responsibility for the poor and vulnerable, about the dignity and rights of workers and about solidarity and the promotion of peace. We do this through RE lessons, assemblies, outside visitors (for example Cafod, SVP,), through drama, debate and first-hand experience. As a result, our children feel that they are making a difference to the world by having an impact on Social Justice.

The 8 Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

  • Dignity of the human person-Every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, every person’s life and dignity must be respected and supported from conception until the end of their natural life on earth.
  • We are called to live as Family and Community-The human person is not only sacred, but social.  How society is organized, be it socially, economically, legally or politically has a direct impact on the dignity and growth of every human person and community.  Marriage and family should be supported and strengthened.  Every person has a right to work to support themselves and their families as well as the building up of the common good for all.
  • Rights and Responsibilities-Every person has a fundamental right to life.  It is this right that makes all other rights possible.  Everyone has the right to food, health care, housing, education and employment.  We all need to strive to secure and respect these rights for others both locally and globally.
  • We are called to Stewardship-The world God has created for us has been entrusted to everyone and we are responsible and accountable to God as stewards of the earth. The world has been given to us as a gift, to enjoy and care for so that future generations can enjoy it too. It is in caring for creation that we show our love and respect for its creator.
  • An option for the Poor and Vulnerable-Society is judged on how it cares for the poor and vulnerable – our brothers and sisters.  We read in scripture how God has a special concern for the oppressed, poor, vulnerable and those forced to the margins of society. The Church calls us to respond to the cry of the poor and put their needs first.  This preferential treatment for the poor and vulnerable must be seen in action in our daily lives.
  • The Dignity and Rights of Workers-Work is a way in which we can continue to participate in God’s creation.  Work gives dignity to life and must be carried out in such a way that the basic rights of workers are respected.  Everyone has the right to productive work, to fair and livable wages, and to organize and join a union.  The economy must be conducted so that it serves the needs of the people.
  • Solidarity-We are all People of God, one family.  Therefore what happens to one has an impact on all, locally, nationally and globally.  At the heart of solidarity is the pursuit of peace and justice.  Our love for all calls us to work for a peaceful and just society where everyone has a fair share of the goods needed for a sustainable life, and opportunities for growth and development are offered equally. The dignity of every person is respected.
  • Promotion of Peace-The Church teaches us that peace is central to the gospel and represents a challenge to many contemporary attitudes and assumptions. Pope Francis has challenged Christians to be true peacemakers bringing forgiveness and non-violent solutions to situations of hurt and violence.

To say it is radical is an understatement, but it must permeate all our work in all parts of the curriculum in our schools and colleges. It is the Common Good: working in a world in which everyone can live their lives to the full. Catholic Social Teaching should inform all our actions – and the issues that the teaching covers affect everyone in our school, as we engage with and affect each other.    CST should be very visible in our Catholic schools and colleges — a guide to our relationships with one another, and to our interactions with the wider world.


The future of humanity lies in the hands of those who are strong enough
to provide coming generations with reasons for living and hoping.
(‘Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the modern world -1965’)

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