Catholic social teaching is our chance to make the world a better place. From work in our
school and house charities, to building up our foodbank, it is our christian duty to recognise
the dignity of every human person and to build them up. In Trinity we look at rights and
responsibilities of all people in our lessons and through our liturgies. We see the value of
work, in the ways it can lift people out of poverty and give them a sense of worth. We look at
vocations in all sectors to create ambition in our students so that they can become the
people that God has made them to be. Catholic Social Teaching is our chance to foster a
sense of resilience and compassion in our students, so that they may go out into the world
as fully equipped adults. It gives them the understanding to follow Jesus, the compassion to
build working and caring families and the drive and resilience to fulfil their God given potential.

The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Dignity of the human person-Every human person is created in the image and likeness of
God. Therefore, every person’s life and dignity must be respected and supported from
conception until the end of their natural life on earth.

We are called to live as Family and Community-The human person is not only sacred, but
social. How society is organized, be it socially, economically, legally or politically has a direct
impact on the dignity and growth of every human person and community. Marriage and
family should be supported and strengthened. Every person has a right to work to support
themselves and their families as well as the building up of the common good for all.

Rights and Responsibilities-Every person has a fundamental right to life. It is this right that
makes all other rights possible. Everyone has the right to food, health care, housing,
education and employment. We all need to strive to secure and respect these rights for
others both locally and globally.

We are called to Stewardship-The world God has created for us has been entrusted to
everyone and we are responsible and accountable to God as stewards of the earth. The
world has been given to us as a gift, to enjoy and care for so that future generations can
enjoy it too. It is in caring for creation that we show our love and respect for its creator.

An option for the Poor and Vulnerable-Society is judged on how it cares for the poor and
vulnerable – our brothers and sisters. We read in scripture how God has a special concern
for the oppressed, poor, vulnerable and those forced to the margins of society. The Church
calls us to respond to the cry of the poor and put their needs first. This preferential treatment
for the poor and vulnerable must be seen in action in our daily lives.

The Dignity and Rights of Workers-Work is a way in which we can continue to participate in
God’s creation. Work gives dignity to life and must be carried out in such a way that the
basic rights of workers are respected. Everyone has the right to productive work, to fair and
liveable wages, and to organize and join a union. The economy must be conducted so that it
serves the needs of the people.

Solidarity-We are all People of God, one family. Therefore what happens to one has an
impact on all, locally, nationally and globally. At the heart of solidarity is the pursuit of peace
and justice. Our love for all calls us to work for a peaceful and just society where everyone
has a fair share of the goods needed for a sustainable life, and opportunities for growth and
development are offered equally. The dignity of every person is respected.

Promotion of Peace-The Church teaches us that peace is central to the gospel and
represents a challenge to many contemporary attitudes and assumptions. Pope Francis has
challenged Christians to be true peacemakers bringing forgiveness and non-violent solutions
to situations of hurt and violence.

All students are assigned to a particular saint as part of their form group, these can be found here.