CATHOLIC RESOURCES

The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of a modern society.

Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and Episcopal documents. The depth and richness of this tradition can be understood best through a direct reading of these documents.

This list can help guide you to these Catholic resources, some of which are on other Web sites.*
 
Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

Seven Common Themes (USCCB)

Four Permanent Principles* and
Four Fundamental Values*

Two Feet of Social Action

Sample Chart (.doc file)
Worksheet  (.doc file)

Recommended Resources

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church*
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (PDF, 5MB)
Communities of Salt and Light statement
Credible Signs of Christ Alive: CCHD case studies
Solidarity Will Transform the World: stories of hope from Catholic Relief Services *
JustFaith Ministries*
University of Dayton, Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation*

Find Official Catholic Social Teaching Documents

Papal encyclicals, letters and other statements
Summary of Ten Economic Justice Principles
Episcopal statements (USCCB)

Life and Dignity of the Human Person

USCCB Statement Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities (excerpts) (PDF)

Evangelium Vitae: On the Value and Inviolability of Human Life (1995)

* Throughout its Web site, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops provides links to other Web sites solely for the user’s convenience. By providing these links, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops assumes no responsibility for, nor does it necessarily endorse, these Web sites, their content, or their sponsoring organizations.