The Catholic Church’s social teachings, summarized below, encapsulate the importance of building a just society and living lives of holiness amid the challenges of modern society. We joyously follow these teachings with our Social Service Ministries. Please see the many different ministries you can help with. We need you!
The Life and Dignity of the Human Person. The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred, and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.
The Common Good. The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society—in economics and politics, in law and policy—directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community.
Human Rights and Responsibilities. The Catholic tradition promotes the teaching that human dignity can only be protected, and a healthy community achieved, if human rights are protected.
Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable. A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. As a society, we need to place the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers. The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation.
Solidarity. We are one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences. We are called to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be.
Care for God’s Creation. We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Caring for the earth is not just an “Earth Day” slogan. It is a requirement of our faith. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.