Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic social teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by grassroots movements. It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.

At OLSJ we learn about and follow the six principles of Catholic Social Teaching:

• Care of Creation 
• Preferential Option for the Poor 
• Solidarity and Peace
• Community and Participation
• Dignity of Workers 
• Dignity

Care of Creation 

"Human life is grounded in three fundamental relationships, with God, with our neighbour, and with the earth itself." Pope Francis, Laudato Si' 2015.

In the first pages of the Bible we read how God created the sun and the stars, the water and earth, and every creature. We believe Christ is the redeemer of all creation.

In 2015, Pope Francis brought together decades of Church teaching in the encyclical, Laudato Si’. In this deeply influential letter, Pope Francis invites everyone on the planet to consider how our actions are affecting the earth and the poorest people. Everything is interconnected, and all of creation praises God. It is our Christian vocation to care for creation.   

At OLSJ we learn about how we can be stewards of creation and look after God's creation. 

Preferential Option for the Poor

“You are not making a gift of your possessions to the poor person. You are handing over to them what is theirs.” Saint Ambrose (340-397 AD)

The option for the poor reminds us of God’s preferential love for the poorest and most vulnerable people. God’s love is universal; he does not side with oppressors, but loves the humble.

At OLSJ, we work to live out our mission and support those in need. For example, we have many charity events e.g. Harvest donations to the London Catholic Worker, World Porridge Day for Mary's Meals, Lenten boxes for the Catholic Children's Society.

Solidarity and Peace

“In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers [or sisters] of mine, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40

Solidarity arises when we remember that we belong to each other. We reflect on this in a special way at Mass. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Eucharist commits us to the poor. To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognise Christ in the poorest.”

The Church teaches that peace is about positive action, not just the absence of war. It implies fair relations among people and between people and the environment. It can only come about in conditions of justice and solidarity. The human person cannot flourish without peace.

Communication and Participation

“Participation is the voluntary and generous engagement of a person in social interchange. It is necessary that all participate, each according to their position and role, in promoting the common good.” Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The Church teaches that individuals and communities must be allowed to participate in the decisions that affect their lives. We all have a duty to take part in society to promote a better world.

Dignity of Workers

“A small number of very rich men have been able to lay upon the teeming masses of the laboring poor a yoke little better than that of slavery itself.” Rerum Novarum, 1891.

Church teaching has upheld the dignity of work and participation. The human person should always come before the pursuit of profit. Workers have the right to join trade unions, to a just wage, to spend time with their families and to rest. Work is an essential part of our human dignity and everyone has the right to participate.

At OLSJ we know that earning a living is essential to living with dignity. We celebrate world of work week each year to celebrate different professions and help pupils to have ambitions with careers for the future. 

Dignity

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Jeremiah 1:5

We believe every human person is made in the image and likeness of God. This is a gift that we all share as fellow human beings; we are all infinitely loved by our Creator.

God is present in every human person, regardless of religion, culture, nationality, orientation or economic standing. Each one of us is unique and beautiful. We are called to treat every person and every creature with loving respect. 

We celebrate the uniqueness of our school community. We recognise and celebrate events such as World Afro hair day, cultural diversity day and St Patrick's Day. All pupils are invited to share and celebrate their culture.