OLOR Website - Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic social teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders.

It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.

Our faith invites us all to champion the rights of those with no voice,

seeks to bring dignity to the poor and welcomes the stranger among us.

Our children are taught about the principles of Catholic Social Teaching through the curriculum

and live it out through their actions locally, nationally and globally.

These are the Catholic Social Teaching principles that we teach and follow at our school.

Dignity of the Human Person

All human life is sacred

As human beings we are created in the image and likeness of God with an inherent worth and distinction.

We recognise that we are all brothers and sisters which requires us to respect, value and uphold a common dignity for all.

Therefore, we all work together, regardless of gender, disability, age, race, ethnicity, nationality,

culture, sexual orientation, political or religious belief. We celebrate diversity, and the strength it gives us.

God said, ‘Let us make human-kind in our image, according to our likeness.’ Genesis 1:26

Option for the Poor

Putting People in need first

The option for the poor reminds us of God’s preferential love for the poorest and most vulnerable people.

God’s love is universal. Acts of kindness to those in need—the hungry, thirsty,

homeless, sick, or imprisoned—are considered acts of kindness to God.

Working together, we strive to create a society where the needs of the poor are always prioritised

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:31-46

Mother Teresa of Calcutta/St. Vincent de Paul

Stewardship and care for our common home

We are part of and need to care for creation

From the beginning, God asked humans to care for one another and for all creation.

The world God created for us has been entrusted to everyone;

we are responsible for acting as caretakers or stewards of creation.

A steward takes personal responsibility for something in his or her care.

It is in caring for creation that we show our love and respect for its creator.

We are guardians of God’s creation, living sustainably and enhancing the wellbeing of our planet.

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.". Genesis 2:15

St. Francis of Assisi

Solidarity and the common Good

We are one big family

God created us as one global family called to support our brothers and sisters.

What happens to one has impacts on all locally, nationally and globally.

Our love for all calls us to work for a peaceful and just society

where everyone has their fair share and equal opportunities for growth and development.

We work together to address issues that are affecting the people in our community and our global neighbours.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." John 13:34

Subsidiarity

All people should participate and have a say

Through Jesus’ example we are called to ensure that everyone has a say. We recognise the importance and uniqueness of all and we work together to build a society where everybody’s voices can be heard. We believe that individuals can influence changes to our school community’s policies and practices so that they benefit all. We follow Jesus’ example of ensuring that the perspectives of all are heard so that fair and just decisions can be made.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” Luke 4:18