social justice pt.1

Materialism

The belief that physical possessions, money, and material wealth are more important than spiritual values, relationships, and moral responsibility.

Common Good

The social conditions that allow individuals and communities to reach their fulfillment more fully and easily.

Life and Dignity of the Human Person

The belief that every human life is sacred, created in the image of God, and deserves respect from conception to natural death.

Organizing Unions and the Church

The Church supports workers forming unions to protect their rights, ensure just wages, safe working conditions, and human dignity.

Last Judgement

The final judgment by God at the end of time when individuals are held accountable for their actions, especially how they treated others.

Father Mykal Judge

Catholic Franciscan priest
Chaplain for the New York City Fire Department
Died on September 11, 2001, while helping victims
Known for compassion, service, and courage

Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

The teaching that work is a form of participation in God's creation and that workers deserve fair wages, safe conditions, and the right to rest and organize.

Solidarity

The commitment to recognize that all people are interconnected and responsible for one another, especially the poor and vulnerable.

Saints

Holy men and women recognized by the Church who lived lives of heroic virtue and are models of faith for others.

Social Responsibilities

The duty individuals and societies have to care for others, promote justice, and work for the common good.

Thomas Aquinas and his teachings

Medieval Catholic theologian and philosopher

Emphasized natural law

Taught that faith and reason work together

Wrote Summa Theologica

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Founder of the Missionaries of Charity
Served the poorest of the poor
Worked primarily in India
Won the Nobel Peace Prize

The special vow of the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa's Order)

A vow to give free and loving service to the poorest of the poor.

Sister Ann Nu Thawng

Catholic religious sister from Myanmar
Risked her life to protect others
Demonstrated courage and faith
Symbol of self-sacrifice and human dignity

St. Pope John Paul II

Served as pope from 1978-2005
Played a role in the fall of communism
Strong defender of human dignity
Promoted Catholic Social Teaching

Spiritual Good

Anything that strengthens a person's soul and relationship with God, such as faith, hope, love, and prayer.

Divine Will

God's plan and purpose for humanity and creation.

CST on the Family

The family is the central foundation of society and must be protected, supported, and respected.

Option for the Poor

The moral priority to care for and support the poor and vulnerable when making social and economic decisions.

Catholic Deacon's Ministries (3)

service to the poor, Assisting at Mass, Teaching and pastoral ministry

Use of Catholic Social Teachings in Real Life

Applying CST principles to daily life by promoting justice, respecting dignity, and caring for others.

The Need For Assistants

The recognition that leadership requires shared responsibility so that everyone's needs can be met fairly.

Sr. Miriam Teresa Demjonovich

American Catholic nun
Member of the Sisters of Charity
Known for spiritual writings
Lived a short but holy life

Individualism and its impact on human dignity

Excessive focus on the self weakens community, reduces concern for others, and can harm human dignity.

What problem arose in the early Church in Acts?

As the number of disciples grew, some widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

Why couldn't the apostles handle the problem themselves?

They needed to focus on prayer and preaching the Word of God.

What solution did the apostles propose?

To choose seven men of good reputation, wisdom, and faith to assist with serving the community

Who were these assistants?

They became the first deacons of the Church.

What happened after the assistants were chosen?

The apostles prayed and laid hands on them, and the community's needs were met fairly.

What was the result for the Church?

The Church continued to grow and spread because responsibilities were shared.

Five Facts on the dignity of human life

Human life is sacred from conception to natural death
Every person is created in the image of God
Human dignity does not depend on age, ability, or status
Life must be protected in all circumstances
Respect for life is the foundation of Catholic Social Teaching

Five facts on Rights and Responsibilities

Every person has basic human rights
Rights include life, food, shelter, work, and education
Rights come with responsibilities to others
People must act for the common good
Society must protect and promote human rights