Special Character - Catholic Social Justice Week

CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE WEEK

This coming week is Catholic Social Justice Week in New Zealand.  

'It is not enough to say we are Christians.  We must live the faith, not only with our words, but with our actions' - Pope Francis.

All over New Zealand people are putting Catholic social teaching into practice in their daily lives.  You can see real life examples of people living our faith in action and learn more about the tradition of justice through resources on the Caritas website - www.caritas.org.nz/resources/cst

Key principles of Catholic social teaching

Human dignity - made in God's image

Each of us is made in God's image, which means every person has an innate human dignity that no one can take away.

Solidarity - walking together

Being in solidarity is recognising others as our brothers and sisters and actively working for their good.  In our connected humanity, we are invited to build relationships and to understand what life is like for others who are different from us.

Preferential options for the poor and vulnerable - protecting those in need

Have a preferential option for the poor compels us to think first of the needs of those who are most vulnerable.

Common good - the good of each and all

Commitment to the common good means working for the good of all.  This means respecting the rights and responsibilities of all people.

Subsidiarity - empowering communities

Taking account of subsidiarity means ensuring decision making happens at the most appropriate level, so all those affected can contribute.

Stewardship - being responsible guardians

We are all guardians of the earth.  Exercising stewardship is caring for the gifts god has given us, including the environment, our own personal talents and other resources.

Participation - everyone with a part to play

Promoting participation means recognising we each have something unique an important to contribute to society.  We are called to be active members of our local and global communities.