Bringing Catholic Social Teaching to Life
WHAT IS CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING?
In Let Us Dream, Pope Francis tells us that “Reflecting on the Kingdom of God in response to the way we live in the modern world, the Church has developed a series of principles for reflection, together with criteria for judgement that also offer directives for action. It is known as Catholic Social Teaching (CST). While they are drawn from reflection on the Gospel, its principles are accessible to all, seeking to translate and set in motion the Good News in the here and now.”
Pope Leo XVI, in his apostolic exhortation Dilexi te, notes that, “The acceleration of technological and social change in the past two centuries…not only had an impact on the lives of the poor but also became the object of debate and reflection on their part. The various movements of workers, women and young people, and the fight against racial discrimination, gave rise to a new appreciation of the dignity of those on the margins of society. The Church’s social doctrine also emerged from this matrix. Its analysis of Christian revelation in the context of modern social, labor, economic and cultural issues would not have been possible without the contribution of the laity, men and women alike, who grappled with the great issues of their time.”
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING IN ACTION
USCMA members work to uphold the dignity of all people, both within the United States and across the globe. Explore the themes below to grow in awareness and understanding of our Catholic Social Tradition, taking inspiration from the stories of committed disciples living the mission of Jesus alongside people at the social and economic peripheries.
