CSSLibraryGuides: Dignitas Resources: Catholic Social Teaching

Jessica Ellingson, MA

Jessica Ellingson
jellingson@css.edu
218-723-6604

Jessica is the Director of Campus Ministry at the College of St. Scholastica where she engages college students in service-learning, leadership development, ecumenical ministry, and service and social justice activities.

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching challenges our community to live in justice and peace. Catholic Social Teaching examines the radical idea that God calls us to live simply, sustainably, and in solidarity with ALL people-especially the poor.

A Snapshot View of Catholic Social Teaching

Faith-based approach to social justice
Response to social issues based on Gospel values and the lived experience of Christians
Teaching on social, political and economic issues
Analysis of the lived experience of Christian reflection from different historical, political and social contexts
It provides principles for reflection
- A criteria for judgment
- Guidelines for action

Introducing Catholic Social Teaching

Presentation Slideshow
Slideshow from an Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching presentation for Faculty.
Catholic Social Teaching Major Documents List
Lists the major documents of the Catholic Church which establish Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching Principles Handout
This is a handout that includes a brief description of each of the major principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

Major Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Human Dignity
Handout explaining the CST Principle of Human Dignity
Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Handout explaining the CST Principle of Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Rights & Responsibilities
Handout explaining the CST Principle of Rights and Responsibilities
Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
Handout explaining the CST Principle of Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Handout explaining the CST Principle of Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Solidarity
Handout explaining the CST Principle of Solidarity
Care of Creation
Handout explaining the CST Principle of Care of Creation

Resources

Lazarus at the Table Rights & Responsibilities
Selected reading from "Lazarus at the Table" for post-community day reflection paper.
Lazarus at the Table Solidarity
Selected reading from "Lazarus at the Table" for post-community day reflection paper.
Activity for Teaching Catholic Social Teaching
Sample activity that faculty may use to teach Catholic Social Teaching in the classroom.
Resource List
List of additional resources for learning more about Catholic Social Teaching
Selected Videos Discussion Guide
Discussion guide for "Duluth Q: Poverty: Homelessness & the Working Poor" and "Waging A Living" videos. Both videos are available to check out from the Dignitas Resource Library.
Discussion Questions about Principles of Catholic Social Teaching
Several discussion questions regarding each of the major principles of Catholic Social Teaching. These discussion questions could be used during the CST Activity about the principles or as a stand alone activity.

CST 101 Series
Includes a short (4 min) video for each of the 7 principles of CST and a corresponding discussion guide.
Revolution of the Heart: The Dorothy Day Story
Includes a 1 hour video and multiple discussion guides.
Day in the Life of a Child Activity
This resource is from: “A day in the life of a child in the United States,” by the NETWORK Education Program. After reading through this “day-in-the-life” scenario about children and teens in the U.S., use the questions on page 3 to spark discussion around public policy as it relates to children and teens in the United States.
CST Jeopardy!
This activity tests students’ knowledge on all things Catholic Social Teaching! Use the game board with a class as a fun way to teach students about different aspects of CST, including themes, important contributors, and more! Teacher and student instructions are provided along with a link to a CST 101 Jeopardy board that you can edit to include your own questions.