The Church’s social teaching is a crucial aspect of spreading the positive message of the Gospel. It’s not just about proclaiming the Good News about Christ, but also improving society as a whole by applying Christian values. The teaching is not just theory – it calls Christians to action. It guides us towards a just and loving society that gives a glimpse of God’s perfect world.
A Message for Everyone
The Church’s social teaching is intended for all people of good will, not just Catholics. It promotes a vision of an integral and solidary humanism to guide the building of a more just and peaceful world. Key principles include the dignity of the human person, the common good, subsidiarity, and solidarity.
- Dignity of the Human Person: The Church’s social doctrine is founded on the inviolable dignity of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God. This principle affirms the inherent worth and rights of every individual, regardless of their circumstances.
- Common Good: The Church teaches that the purpose of social institutions and structures is to promote the common good – the sum total of social conditions that allow people, either as groups or individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily. This principle calls for policies and actions that benefit all members of society.
- Subsidiarity: This principle holds that social and political issues should be dealt with at the most immediate or local level possible, only taking action at higher levels when necessary. It respects the autonomy of intermediate social groups and opposes excessive centralization of power.
- Solidarity: Solidarity is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good, that is, to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all. It calls for a spirit of unity and mutual support, especially towards the poor and vulnerable.
The teaching draws on the Gospel and natural law to guide Christians in living their social lives. It doesn’t dictate specific systems, but awakens consciences to apply Gospel values in relationships.
Living It Out Day-to-Day
Ordinary individuals can tangibly apply the social teaching in their daily lives through simple actions grounded in Christian values. By treating their neighbors, particularly the most disadvantaged, with respect and dignity. By embracing lifestyles of moderation that are environmentally sustainable. By volunteering for righteous causes. By advocating for the rights of the oppressed. In short, by constantly striving to promote the common good within their own circles of influence, humble though they may be.
Through this teaching, the Church offers hope – inviting all to build a world of justice and love as God intends.
Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Articles on evangelization and parish revitalization:
- Kindness: A Christian Perspective
- How to Bring Someone to Christ
- The Ultimate Purpose of Human Life – Glorifying God
- From Near-Death to New Life: A Rural Church’s Revitalization Journey
- Evangelization simply: “Taste and see that the LORD is good!” (Psalm 34:8)
- Revitalization of Rural Churches
- Attracting Converts to the Catholic Faith
- Addressing Low Attendance in Churches
- Fostering a Sacred Atmosphere during the Sunday Mass
- Prayer to be baptized in the Holy Spirit
- Jesus is Thirsty for Souls
- Praying And Sharing The Good News With God’s Redemptive Names
- Embracing the Call to Evangelize
- What is Most Pleasing to God? Bringing Souls to Christ
- The Growth of the Church of the Nativity (Fr. Michael White)
- Deliverance Prayer, by Fr. Stephen J. Rossetti (AUDIO – mp3)
- The Growth of Saint Benedict Parish (Fr. James Mallon)
- Five Pillars of the Christian Life
- Encountering Christ: The Path to Transformation
- What does it mean to have a personal relationship with Jesus?
- Unleashing The Evangelization Potential of Your Parish
- The Ultimate Goal of Evangelization
- God’s Longing for Love and our Mission to Make it Known
- A prayer for those whom we wish to encounter Christ
- Memorable Sundays
- Fr. Bedard’s Three-Step Blueprint for Evangelisation
- Guide for The Missionary Transformation of Parishes
- Divine Encounters: A Practical Guide for Small Evangelization Groups
- The Missionary Transformation of Sant’Eustorgio Parish
- Creating Vibrant Faith Communities: Insights from ‘Excellent Catholic Parishes’
- Sharing The Gospel According to People’s Needs And Receptivity
- A Prayer for Inviting Others to Evangelization Meetings and Services
- Welcoming Church Guests and Visitors: Dos and Don’ts
- Various Dimensions of Evangelization
- The True Measure of Success
- Pope Francis on Evangelization
- Revitalizing the Rural Parish for Mission
- Factors Leading to Christian Conversion
- Evangelizing Through Random Acts of Kindness
- Questions To Start Spiritual Conversations
- Three Feet From Gold
- Spreading the Gospel One Act at a Time
- Gather, Witness and Invite
- Prayer to Receive the Spiritual Gifts of The Holy Spirit
- The Language of Evangelization
- Key Factors for Parish Growth According to Rich Birch
- How to defeat Satan?
- Bringing Love, Hope and Healing Through the Gospel
- Love: Our Fundamental Vocation
- Touched by the Master
- A Man, a Dog, and the Ultimate Love
- The essence of evangelization: Loving God and our neighbours
- Loving Our Enemies and Reconciling with Others
- A Powerful Prayer for Healing: You Are The LORD Who Heals Me
- Living a Life of Love: Mother Teresa’s Legacy
- Living a Life of Love: Lessons from the New Testament
- In The Shadows Of Darkness, A Powerful Force Is At Work
- 19 Pastoral Orientations for Parish Renewal and Growth
- The Missionary Renewal of Catechesis
- Characteristics of missionary parishes
- Powerful healing prayer attributed to St. Padre Pio
- We are called to share our faith with others
- Should we seek to grow the Church?
- Find a Need and Fill It – Revealing God’s Heart in the Community
- 15 Habits to Evangelize on a Daily Basis
- The Church’s Mission
- Three Barriers to Building An Invitational Culture In Your Parish
- The Relational Evangelizer
- Doing Church at Home
- The Blind Girl
- A Group of Frogs
- The Elephant Rope
- A Shared Faith is a Growing Faith
- In The Shoes Of The Unchurched
- Parish Evangelizing Cells
- Six Unique Features of Missional Parishes
- Steps Towards Becoming A Missional Parish
- What Is Evangelization, And How Should It Be Carried Out?
- Discussion And Self-Assessment Questions For Parish Evangelization
- A Missional Church Is A Church That Prays
- The Jesus Prayer: A Method To Pray At All Times
- What can help children raised Catholic continue practicing the faith as adults?
- An Example of a Missionary Parish: Phoenix First Assembly of God
- Satan’s Tactics
- Learning to Be a Missionary
- When we cry out to God, he answers
- Presence and Proclamation
- Saving those who are lost
- Saint-Nazaire Parish: The story of a missionary transformation
- Small Groups and Evangelization
- Evangelizing By Inviting People To Receive Jesus As Lord And Saviour
- You Will Receive Power…
- Have You Heard About the Law of Three Hearings and Seven Touches?
- Three Habits of a Fruitful Christian Life
