Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Life

Catholic Social Teaching

Faith in action — building a fairer, kinder world.

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is the Church's tradition of thinking about how we live together as a society — how we treat one another, care for the most vulnerable, and look after the world we share. It is rooted in the Gospel and the teaching of the Church, and at St Peter Chanel it is central to how we shape our children to be thoughtful, compassionate, active citizens.

CST is woven through every subject, every assembly, and every chance we have to talk about right and wrong, fairness and justice, and our responsibilities to one another.

The seven principles we live by

1

Dignity of the Human Person

Every person is made in the image of God and deserves respect, whatever their background, beliefs or circumstances.

2

Family and Community

We belong to one another and have responsibilities to those around us, beginning at home and reaching out into our school and parish.

3

Solidarity and Peace

We are one human family, whatever our differences of language, culture, race or faith. We stand with our neighbours near and far.

4

Rights and Responsibilities

Every person has rights — to life, to food, to education, to dignity at work — and with those rights come duties to others.

5

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

We have a special duty to those most in need. The Gospel calls us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.

6

Dignity of Work

Work has value and worth, and every worker deserves respect, fair pay and safe conditions. Work is part of how we share in God's creation.

7

Care for God's Creation

We are stewards of the Earth and must care for it for future generations — a responsibility our children take seriously.

Putting it into action

These principles aren't just talked about — they're lived. Our children take part in regular charity activities, fundraise for CAFOD and other Catholic charities, support local foodbank collections, and look for ways to make a difference in our local community. Through our Pupil Parliament, children identify causes they care about and lead the school in responding.