"Catholic social teaching is not just about policies but about creating a culture of solidarity and compassion." - Cardinal Vincent Nichols

At St Mary’s Priory, Catholic Social Teaching underpins our approach to social justice and how we live out our faith each day. Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, it focuses on key principles such as the dignity of every human person, solidarity, community, peace and working for the common good.

These teachings guide our children and our whole school community to grow as kind, responsible and compassionate individuals. Through Catholic Social Teaching, we encourage pupils to recognise and respond to issues such as poverty, inequality and human rights, and to care for the wellbeing of others both locally and globally.

Each half term, we explore a different strand of Catholic Social Teaching. Please follow the links below to see how these principles are lived out in daily life at St Mary’s Priory.

Rights and Responsibilities – Ongoing Focus

This challenges us to protect the rights of all people. Everyone has certain rights, but we also have the responsibility to protect the rights of others.  
What responsibilities do we have for the larger society?

Care for Creation - Autumn 1 Focus

This is about protecting people and the planet. We must consider how our actions can affect the environment.     
 What can we do to protect earth and the people, animals and plants in it?

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable - Autumn 2 Focus

This means to help those who need it the most. Due to divisions of the rich and poor, we are called to put the needs of the poor first. 
Who are the most vulnerable in our society? How can we help them?

Solidarity and Peace - Spring 1 Focus

We are all one human family. By promoting peace and justice, we can bring the community together and live in unity.
When have you depended on someone else? When has someone depended on you?

Community and Participation - Spring 2 Focus

This means all people have the right to participate in society and to seek the common good, which means the good for all. 
Why is your family and your community important to you? How can we participate to make a difference?

Dignity of Workers - Summer 1 Focus

All people work in some way because work is more than making a living, it’s participating. Therefore, jobs and pay should be fair for everyone. 
How can we protect the rights of workers?

Human Dignity - Summer 1 Focus

We all have dignity because we are created in God’s image. 
What is one thing that is wonderful about you? Can you think of ways we can respect the dignity of others?