Catholic Social Teaching is based on the belief that God has a plan for creation: a plan to build a kingdom of peace, love and justice. Catholic Social Teaching includes insight from the Scriptures, as well as understanding from the thinking, reflections, and lived experience of Christian leaders throughout the life of the Church.
As we learn and grow at SSAS, we believe that God has a special place in his plan for every single one of us, whoever we are. Our part in this plan involves every aspect of our lives, from the things we pray about, to how we live as a responsible global citizen. We are all called to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty. Following in the footsteps of Christ, we hope to make the kingdom of God present in our unjust and broken world. We are also inspired in our mission by our founders, the Sisters of Mercy, who dedicated their lives to loving and serving others.
The seven principles of Catholic social teaching are woven through everything that we do at school, through the curriculum, special events and activities and through our ordinary actions in school. These seven principles are ‘our moral compass’, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.
Rights and Responsibilities – Ongoing Focus
This challenges us to protect the rights of all people. Everyone has certain rights, but we also have the responsibility to protect the rights of others. What responsibilities do we have for the larger society?
Community and Participation- Autumn 1 Focus
This means all people have the right to participate in society and to seek the common good, which means the good for all. Why is your family and your community important to you? How can we participate to make a difference?
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable- Autumn 2 Focus
This means to help those who need it the most. Due to divisions of the rich and poor, we are called to put the needs of the poor first. Who are the most vulnerable in our society? How can we help them?
Solidarity and Peace- Spring 1 Focus
We are all one human family. By promoting peace and justice, we can bring the community together and live in unity. When have you depended on someone else? When has someone depended on you?
Dignity of Workers- Spring 2 Focus
All people work in some way because work is more than making a living, it’s participating. Therefore, jobs and pay should be fair for everyone. How can we protect the rights of workers?
Human Dignity- Summer 1 Focus
We all have dignity because we are created in God’s image. What is one thing that is wonderful about you? Can you think of ways we can respect the dignity of others?
Stewardship of God’s Creation- Summer 2 Focus
This is about protecting people and the planet. We must consider how our actions can affect the environment. What can we do to protect earth and the people, animals and plants in it?
Here are some of the ways in which we live out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching at SSAS.
Click on the pictures to find out more.
Learn more about our founders, the Sisters of Mercy, and how they have inspired our mission:
Learn more about Catholic Social Teaching:
Find out how we are called to be stewards of God’s creation:
