Objective:
The middle school youth will understand the basis of Catholic social teaching, as well as the specific theme related to the option for the poor and vulnerable.
Overview:
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops explains that:
Catholic social teaching is based on and inseparable from our understanding of human life and human dignity. Every human being is created in the image of God and redeemed by Jesus Christ, and therefore is invaluable and worthy of respect as a member of the human family. Every person, from the moment of conception to natural death, has inherent dignity and a right to life consistent with that dignity. Human dignity comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment. (“Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions,” 1998)
The Catholic Church’s social teaching can be summarized in seven themes
1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person
2. Call to Family, Community and Participation
3. Rights and Responsibilities
4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
6. Solidarity
7. Care for God’s Creation