The Principles of Catholic

Social Teaching

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Human life is sacred and all people aremade in the image and likeness of God

Dignity of thehuman person

We have a responsibility to contribute to the good of the whole of society,

to the common good

Common good / Rights and Responsibilities

Decision making should be performed at the level closest to those affected

Subsidiarity

We have a duty to care for the earth’s resources responsibly,

as stewards rather than consumers

Stewardship of God’s creation

Society is judged on how it treats its most vulnerable. We are called to remove injustices that keep people poor

Preferential Option for the Poor

The goods of the world are meant for all

Universal Purpose of Goods

Human beings are called to be active shapers of history not mere recipients of

other people’s decisions

Participation

We are one human family regardless of ethnic, cultural, religious or political difference

Solidarity

“(Catholic Social Teaching) expresses for our times the reflection of the

Church on social realities, assessing them in the light of the Gospel and

offering guidelines for practical behavior in society.

It is an application of theology, and especially moral theology, to the

ethical questions raised by human societies.”

Sollicitudo Rei Socialis,41

• Dignity of the Human Person

• Option for the Poor

• Awareness of the Structures of Injustice

• Solidarity – Work Together for Good of All

• Care of the Earth

Caritas Internationalis Mandate

Our vision

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to

the poor…

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives…

…recovery of sight to the blind…

…to let the oppressed go free…

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour

Responding to Disaster

Caritas works through local partners to provide emergency food supplies, clothing, housing and medical attention.

SUDAN ACEH, INDONESIA

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How Caritas Helps to Alleviate Poverty

Helping People to Help Themselves

Caritas supports communities through development programs focusing on:• health and hygiene• income generation • environmental

awareness• improving agricultural

practices

How Caritas Helps to Alleviate Poverty

Encouraging Social Change

Caritas supports people to challenge the structures that keep them poor.

How Caritas Helps to Alleviate Poverty

Changing Attitudes in Australia

Caritas Australia educates Australians by promoting a just and compassionate society at home and abroad.

How Caritas Helps to Alleviate Poverty

Credit: Mark Flanagan

www.caritas.org.au