Catholic Social Teaching (CST)
Catholic social teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by grassroots movements. It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.
At St Martin of Porres we learn about and follow the six principles of Catholic Social Teaching:
Care of Creation
"Human life is grounded in three fundamental relationships, with God, with our neighbour, and with the earth itself." Pope Francis, Laudato Si' 2015
Preferential Option for the Poor
“You are not making a gift of your possessions to the poor person. You are handing over to them what is theirs.” Saint Ambrose (340-397 AD)
Solidarity and Peace
“In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers [or sisters] of mine, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40
Community and Participation
“Participation is the voluntary and generous engagement of a person in social interchange. It is necessary that all participate, each according to their position and role, in promoting the common good.” Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Dignity of Workers
“A small number of very rich men have been able to lay upon the teeming masses of the laboring poor a yoke little better than that of slavery itself.” Rerum Novarum, 1891.
Dignity
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Jeremiah 1:5
More information about Catholic social teaching can be found on the CAFOD website -
