The seven principles of Catholic social teaching show us how to live the Gospel
The Good News of Jesus Christ is meant to be shared, as our Lord commissioned his first disciples—and us today—to “go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.”
Some may assume this is merely a spiritual endeavor. However, when it comes to the “social question”—addressing the issues in our world—the Church founded by Christ boldly states there is no solution apart from the Gospel. As members of the body of Christ living in the world today, we are each called to live out the Gospel not only in words, but in action.
Catholic social teaching provides a blueprint to do just that. In other words, Catholic social teaching is how we put our faith into action.
The social doctrine of the Church—originating from the same rich Tradition as its teachings on faith and morals—provide criteria for judgment and guidelines for action,1 particularly in public affairs. Catholic social teaching is meant to serve the common good, or as the Church defines it, “the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily.”2
Promoting the common good is the work and mission of Michigan Catholic Conference as the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Michigan. The nine advocacy principles that make up MCC’s Blueprint for the Common Good used to assess public policies in this state are grounded in the tenets of Catholic social teaching.
This edition of focus presents the seven themes of Catholic social teaching and encourages reflection and prayer within the minds of individual readers. While the Church continues advocating for these principles in public policy, the first place they must take root is in our own hearts.
As Pope Benedict XVI taught, “Charity is at the heart of the Church’s social doctrine,” and charity, love of God and neighbor, “according to the teaching of Jesus, is the synthesis of the entire Law.”3
Photo: A wood carving by Pierre Bataille depicting the seven principles of Catholic social teaching. Displayed in the Michigan Catholic Conference lobby, its location reflects the integral role these principles play in MCC’s work.
Every Person’s Life Has Dignity
As Catholics, we can and should recognize and embrace the God-given dignity that exists in every person, which “prevails in and beyond every circumstance, state, or situation the person may ever encounter.”4 Recognizing every person’s dignity shapes how we treat the people God places in our lives.
For reflection
Who are the people or groups of people in my life that I may struggle to see as equal in dignity to those I am otherwise fond of? Do I see Christ in the stranger, the unborn child, the homeless person, the immigrant, the elderly, or those suffering from mental illness or a physical handicap?
Every Person is Called to Participation
Rather than living in isolation from one another, we are expected to participate in our personal responsibilities—marriage, family, jobs—and in the public life of our community to the extent we are able.5 The Church’s teaching on subsidiarity guides this participation, meaning the decisions that impact a particular group should be made at the lowest competent level.6
For reflection
How much time is spent on distractions such as frequent scrolling or excessive consumption of political commentary, when instead I can be more present and engaged with those around me and in my nearby community?
Every Person Has Rights & Responsibilities
Each of us has a right to life and its necessities—food, water, clothing, shelter, and medical care—as well as a responsibility to recognize and respect the rights of others.7 We are called to protect these rights and meet these responsibilities, particularly with each other, our families, and broader society.
For reflection
American culture and public debate are often split between personal responsibility and social responsibilities. Have I been too focused on myself without being attentive to others and their needs, particularly those who are struggling?
We Prioritize Care for the Poor & Vulnerable
Jesus links our eternal salvation to the extent that we care for the needs of “these least brothers of mine.” In addition to material poverty, the Church calls us to remember those suffering the “many forms of cultural and religious poverty.”9 At the Michigan Legislature, MCC speaks for the poor and their needs through state budget advocacy.
For reflection
While praying with the corporal and spiritual works of mercy (see below), am I mindful and loving toward “the least of these” in or around my life? How can I be more attentive to the material or spiritual needs of others?
Our Work Has Dignity & Workers Have Rights
Work provides dignity along with the material necessities to care for ourselves and our families. Because the economy must serve people rather than the other way around, workers have rights that include access to employment, private property, receiving a just wage, and organizing and joining a union.11
For reflection
Do I give glory to God in my work by being attentive to my tasks and treating others with respect and dignity? As an employer, do the teachings of Jesus Christ help to guide my business practices and relationships with my employees?
We Belong in Solidarity to One Human Family
In the book of Genesis, Cain infamously asked God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The answer, as revealed throughout all of Scripture and Tradition, is a resounding yes! We are called to solidarity—or friendship—with all our sisters and brothers, wherever they live, regardless of our national, racial, ethnic, economic, or ideological differences.13
For reflection
Are there steps I can take to improve a relationship with another person in my life, whether at home, work, or elsewhere? How can I commit intentionally to practice peace and kindness with others I encounter, regardless of their status?
We Care for God’s Creation
Because the Earth and all that is in it was created by God, the Church calls for greater attention to and care for the environment. Our God-given dominion over the Earth’s resources is not absolute—it is limited by concern for the quality of life of all, particularly those on the margins adversely impacted by significant environmental shifts.
For reflection
Pope Benedict wrote, “our duties towards the environment are linked to our duties towards the human person.”14 How does this connection impact my perspective regarding the duty to care for creation?
Catholic Social Teaching and the Mission of MCC
During a Sunday Mass homily, Bishop Jeffrey Walsh of the Diocese of Gaylord explains that Catholic social teaching is how the Church “walks the talk” of helping the poor and serving others, and connects the Church's social doctrine to the work and mission of MCC.
‘We see Christ in them’
How the healthcare provided at Cristo Rey clinic embodies Catholic social teaching
Over the centuries and in modern times the Church has presented to humanity its experience and Gospel-based wisdom on various economic and social theories.
