Catholic Social Teaching at St Mary’s
HUMAN DIGNITY – THE COMMON GOOD – SUBSIDARITY – SOLIDARITY
At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Nottingham, Catholic Social Teaching is at the heart of who we are and what we do. It calls us to work together for the common good, to build a just and fair society, and to recognise the God-given dignity of every human life. We are inspired by the Gospel message to love and serve one another, especially those who are most in need.
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is rooted in the teachings of Jesus in the Scriptures, guided by the wisdom of the Church, and strengthened by the witness of ordinary people working for justice around the world. It is a compass for us at St Mary’s, helping us understand how to live out our faith every day – in our classrooms, our playground, our homes, and our wider community.
Some of the key principles of CST that inspire our life together at St Mary’s are:
- Dignity of the Human Person – recognising that we are all made in the image and likeness of God.
- Solidarity – standing together as one family, no matter where we come from.
- The Common Good – working for what is best for everyone in our school and beyond.
- Option for the Poor – putting the needs of the most vulnerable first.
- Peace – being peacemakers in our words, choices, and actions.
- Care for Creation – looking after our world as God’s gift to us.
- The Dignity of Work and Participation – valuing each person’s gifts and contributions.
Our faith calls us to love God and love our neighbour in all circumstances. At St Mary’s we try to follow Jesus’ example by showing kindness, fairness, and compassion, and by helping to bring God’s love, peace, and justice into the world.
Catholic Social Teaching Prayers
For more about Catholic Social Teaching, please visit: CAFOD: Catholic Social Teaching
