At St John Fisher, Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is a fundamental part of our school’s ethos and everyday life. Inspired by the words of our mission, we are committed to building a community rooted in compassion, justice, and faith. CST guides us in helping our children live out Gospel values through acts of love, service, and respect for others.

Catholic Social Teaching reminds us of the dignity of every person, the importance of community, and our shared responsibility to care for God’s creation. These principles are woven into our curriculum and daily routines, encouraging pupils to grow in empathy, stewardship, and a sense of justice. Through lessons, service projects, and whole-school initiatives, we empower our children to respond to real-world issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental care.

At St John Fisher, CST is brought to life through meaningful action. Our pupils actively support both local and global communities, deepening their understanding of others’ needs and developing into compassionate, faith-filled individuals who strive to make a positive difference.

In our classrooms, children engage in thoughtful discussions and reflections that connect their faith to current social challenges. By exploring themes such as human dignity, social justice, and care for creation, our pupils grow in awareness and learn how to live out their faith in practical, everyday ways.

Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and inspired by our mission, St John Fisher is a place where every person is valued, every voice is heard, and every action reflects Christ’s love in the world.

What are the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching?

  1. Dignity of the Human Person
    • Every human being is created in the image of God and deserves respect and protection. Human life is sacred, and the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.
  2. Common Good and Community
    • The common good refers to the social conditions that allow people to reach their full human potential and realize their dignity. This principle emphasizes the importance of community and the need to work for the well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
  3. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
    • Society is judged by how well it treats its most vulnerable members. This principle calls for a preferential option for the poor, ensuring that their needs are prioritized and their voices are heard.
  4. Rights and Responsibilities
    • Human dignity can be protected, and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected, and responsibilities are met. Every person has a fundamental right to life and those things required for human decency.
  5. Role of Government and Subsidiarity
    • The state has a positive moral function; it is an instrument to promote human dignity, protect human rights, and build the common good. The principle of subsidiarity emphasizes that decisions should be made at the most local level possible, as long as they can be effectively addressed.
  6. Economic Justice
    • The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Workers have the right to productive work, fair wages, and safe working conditions. The right to organize and join unions is respected, and private property is understood within the context of the universal destination of goods.
  7. Stewardship of Creation
    • We are called to protect the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. Environmental stewardship is a fundamental moral and ethical issue.
  8. Promotion of Peace and Disarmament
    • Catholic teaching promotes peace as a positive, action-oriented concept. Peace is the fruit of justice and is dependent upon right order among human beings.
  9. Participation
    • All people have a right and duty to participate in the economic, political, and cultural life of society. It is essential for human dignity and the development of the human community.