Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching is the body of doctrine developed by the Catholic Church on matters of social justice, involving issues of poverty and wealth, economics, social organization, and the role of the state.
The seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching are:
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person
- Call to Family, Community, and Participation
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
- Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
- Solidarity
- Caring for God’s Creation
Click the button below to access a self-guided, video-based course on Catholic social teaching developed by Catholic Relief Services. If you’d like to put together a small group to explore this course with others, you can contact Jim Merhaut at the parish office to assist you with setting up your own study group. Email Jim at jmerhaut@stblaiseaustintown.org.
Catholic Social Teaching in Real Life
Click the button below to read about how the themes of Catholic social teaching play out in real life. How do the stories inspire you to bring out the themes in your own life?
What is Fair Trade?
Fair Trade Is a Commitment to Building Relationships:
Fair trade is a trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the Global South.
We believe that fair trade, at its heart, is about building respectful, enduring relationships. Looking through a wider lens, this embodies a comprehensive set of criteria, including, at a minimum, the following commitments:
- Paying a fair wage in the local context
- Offering employees opportunities for advancement
- Providing equal employment opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged
- Caring for God’s creation by engaging in environmentally sustainable practices
- Being open to public accountability
- Building long-term trade relationships
- Providing healthy and safe working conditions within the local context
- Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible
For more information on Fair Trade please use this link
For more information on Pro-Life, Marriage, and Family, please use this link
Domestic Violence Help: Domestic violence is a crime of silence. Abusers rely upon secrecy to protect themselves. If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, you can speak out and take the first steps to a better life. You may contact the parish office and we can direct you to the help you need.
There is also a National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-700-SAFE (7233).
Call 911 in emergency situations.
Visit our Domestic Violence page for more information.