Catholic Social Teaching

Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools is committed to fostering a safe, equitable environment for all students, staff and families. Guided by Catholic Social Teachings, we strive to ensure every person feels accepted and supported, that they are spoken to with kindness and understanding, that we stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and bullied, and that we continue to learn together. 

At CTR, we focus on Catholic Social Teaching in our schools through our Many and One initiative. Each month our schools focus on one of 10 social teachings of the Church to build a sense of solidarity and work toward the common good. 

Teachers integrate the social teachings into school life, inspiring students to bring the faith into their own day-to-day life. This initiative seeks to counter marginalization by seeing each as the image of God, caring for creation, and building a more just and peaceful world starting in our schools.

Catholic Social Teachings are:   

September - Human Dignity

In alignment with our Catholic Social Teaching, our school community upholds the sanctity of human life, recognizing each person's inherent dignity. We view all individuals as precious, urging peace and respect for life in all forms and oppose any form of human degradation. Each person is SACRED made in God’s image to know, love and serve Him and deserve to be respected. #ctrmanyandone #ctrcatholicsocialteaching #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicEd

"There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

Common Good

Based on our Catholic Social Teaching, the Common Good emphasizes love and justice. Jesus teaches us to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). We are called to support families, strengthen communities, and work together for the wellbeing of all, especially the vulnerable, ensuring human dignity and collective growth. #ctrmanyandone #ctrcatholicsocialteaching #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicEd 

Jesus taught people: "you shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31) and "do to others as you would have them do to you." (Matthew 7:12)

 Solidarity 

Solidarity reminds us that we are all part of one human family, connected and responsible for one another, regardless of our differences. Our call to care for others extends across the globe, promoting justice and peace. Solidarity challenges us to work together, especially in support of the most vulnerable, to build a just and compassionate world. #ctrmanyandone #ctrcatholicsocialteaching #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicEd 

“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) 

Preference for the Poor

Our Catholic Social Teaching of Preference for the Poor reminds us that a basic moral test is how we care for the most vulnerable. Jesus calls us to put their needs first (Matthew 25:31-46). Our responsibility is to defend, protect, and care for those in material, cultural, and spiritual poverty, upholding their dignity. #ctrmanyandone #ctrcatholicsocialteaching #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicEd 

“How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?” (1 John 3:17)

Stewardship of Creation 

Stewardship of Creation calls us to care for the earth as a way to honor God. We are responsible for protecting the environment and ensuring that the resources of creation are shared and preserved for all people. This care for the planet is a reflection of our faith and our gratitude for God's gifts. #ctrmanyandone #ctrcatholicsocialteaching #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicEd 

“You have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field.” (Psalm 8:5-7). 

Subsidiarity

 Subsidiarity teaches that decisions should be made at the most local level possible, ensuring that people have a voice in matters that affect their lives. Government's role is to promote human dignity, protect rights, and work for the common good. Higher authorities should intervene only when necessary to support justice and solidarity. Everyone should have a say. #ctrmanyandone #ctrcatholicsocialteaching #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicEd 

“It is clearly laid down that the paramount task assigned to government officials is that of recognizing, respecting, reconciling, protecting and promoting the rights and duties of citizens.” (Saint John XXIII, Pacem in Terris, 77) 

Participation

 The Catholic Social Teaching of Participation reminds us that everyone has a role in building our communities. Each person has unique gifts to contribute, and we are all called to actively engage in decisions that shape our society. Promoting participation ensures that no one is excluded and that everyone shares in the development of our communities. #ctrmanyandone #ctrcatholicsocialteaching #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicEd 

“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

Rights and Responsibilities 

Rights and Responsibilities emphasizes that every person has a right to life and the necessities for human dignity. With these rights come responsibilities - to one another, our families, and society. Protecting human rights and fulfilling our responsibilities are essential for creating a just and healthy community. #ctrmanyandone #ctrcatholicsocialteaching #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicEd 

"Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9) 

Economic Justice 

Economic Justice teaches that the economy must serve people. Work is not just a means of earning a living but a way to participate in God’s creation. To protect the dignity of work, we must ensure that workers have the right to fair wages, safe conditions, and meaningful, productive work. #ctrmanyandone #ctrcatholicsocialteaching #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicEd 

“The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each.” (1 Corinthians 3:8)

Peace 

Peace teaches that true peace comes from justice, respect, and cooperation among all people. It is more than the absence of conflict; it is about creating harmony through right relationships with God and each other. We are called to work together to build a peaceful world rooted in charity and justice. #ctrmanyandone #ctrcatholicsocialteaching #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicEd 

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)