Good Shepherd Primary School

What is Catholic Social Teaching?

Catholic Social Teaching is founded in Scripture and includes statements and letters written by Church leaders. It offers wisdom and insights on living the Gospel in today’s world.

Jesus tells us to love God and to love our neighbours, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty. We use Catholic Social Teaching principles to guide us.

At Good Shepherd, we use the Cafod animal mascots throughout the school to remind us of the 9 principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

Everyone is special

Every person has an innate human dignity no one can take away. We are beautifully made in the image and likeness of God.

Thinking of everyone

Our actions have an impact on everyone. When we make decisions, we should consider the good of all. We are called to work for the good of each person.

Taking part

We all have the right and duty to participate fully in society. We live in community with others, growing together. We are called to be active participants in all that we do. We have a responsibility to be inclusive so that we allow all people to participate.

Everyone should have a say

Everyone has important ideas and knows what is best for their families and communities. They need to have a say and the chance to influence outcomes.

Caring for God’s gifts

All living things are connected so we must use God’s gifts responsibly to meet the needs of everyone, now and in the future.

Showing we care

We are connected to people and places all over the world. Being in solidarity is recognising others as our brothers and sisters and actively working for their good.

Putting people most in need first

The needs of poor and vulnerable people should be put first. Jesus taught that when we feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, look after the sick and visit those imprisoned, we are looking after Him.

Sharing fairly

God’s plan was for all people to share in the goods of this world. This means that no person should struggle to have the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter and clothing. Distributive justice is all about fair allocation of resources.

Being peacemakers

Peace is not just the absence of war. It is a value we should all seek to live out in our daily lives. Peace comes from both justice and love and is dependent upon people understanding one another.

Here are Cafod’s animal mascots: