Catholic Social Teaching Overview
Social Teachings are universal teachings regarding all of creation’s
calling to live in relationship. While these teachings are promoted by
the Catholic Church, we believe that they are applicable to people of
any and all faith traditions. Typically these social teachings are laid
out in principles so that they can be better understood, similar to the
Ten Commandments, eight beatitudes, seven sacraments, etc. Depending on
the source these teachings can include anywhere from six to ten
different (but similar and related) principles. These principles, “once
internalized, lead to something. They prompt activity, impel motion and
direct choices” (Byron 1). Catholic Social Teaching calls us to learn,
reflect upon and internalize these principles so we may act on them in
every decision of our daily lives. Here at the Farm we focus on six
principles: Human Dignity, Common Good and Participation, Preferential
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, Stewardship for God’s Creation,
Subsidiarity, and Solidarity. Below is some information on what each of
these principles entail and calls us to.
Each of us is created equal, and therefore deserves an
equal amount of respect
We don’t have to earn dignity and we can’t lose dignity.
It is inherent in us because we are human and God created us all to be
We see people as people not simply as objects.
We treat all individuals with respect. We respect
their opinions and contributions, everyone has something to offer. We
overcome prejudgments and stereotypes with that respect.
We work with people, not for them. We’re not here to
“change” their lives or their situations.
We promote a faith that is inclusive.
Good and Participation
We have a right and an obligation to participate.
Because we’re all created equally, we all have something
to contribute but at the same time must realize the dignity of others
and encourage them to grow.
In community with others, when we are giving and taking,
is where we realize our full humanity.
We look for ways to expand our comfort zones.
We seek to build community and engage those around us in
that community rather than seclude ourselves or seclude our communities.
Acknowledge the fact that we are not capable of everything
and therefore need the help and support of others.
Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
All policy decisions, and decisions in our own lives, are
made with the needs of the people who are underprivileged in mind
We are all inherently equal, but we have not all been
Preferential Option for the Poor shows concern whose
dignity has not been upheld.
We have to judge our own needs against our own wants and
put others needs before our own desires.
Stewardship for God’s Creation
We take care of what has been entrusted to us. (example:
animals, tools, the Farm, materials)
Nothing is actually ours but Gods and has been entrusted
to us. Therefore we are stewards of all of creation.
“Dominion” calls us to live in harmony, not in control.
We do not waste: napkins, food materials, water, gas.
We try to be conscious of taking, buying, and using what
we need, not necessarily what we want.
Local is better. The further you get away from the roots
of something, the less able you are to meet the needs that were
initially meant to be addressed.
Because we’re social beings, we need to work together to
solve problems rather than looking to larger and higher organizations to
solve problems for us.
We seek to build relationships rather than sacrifice
relationships for objects/ work.
We serve as advocates for the needs of the people around
We continually work to give our business to small and
locally owned businesses
When we can’t support local organizations, we support
organizations that have and promote just business practices, e.g. No
Sweat Apparel, Fair Trade coffee.
We are all responsible for one another.
We stand with one another not because of some obligation
or hope for personal gain, but because we fully believe that we are all
We work to understand one another and each other’s
We try to become more aware of our interconnectedness by
eliminating distractions (like TV, radio/music, watches).
Be an advocate for other people so that they are empowered
We work with and not for our local community.
principles call us to action. They are a calling to respond to God’s
creation which includes all of humanity. Check the following sources
for more information about Catholic Social Teaching:
States Conference of Catholic Bishops. “Sharing
Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions.” 23 Sept 2009.
Building Blocks to Catholic Social Teaching.” 23 Sept 2009. America
Press. 31 Oct 1998.