In this video, Libby & Kai at Catholic Central, give a brief overview of what Catholic Social Teaching is.

Have a think about how much of it you already knew and what new information you learn.

There  is no specific reading to be done in advance of the session from you YouCat Confirmation book, as the themes of this session go beyond the themes in the book. Instead, take time to read these Bible passages…

Matthew 25: 34-40

Luke 6: 27-36

John 1: 1-17

Last month we began looking at living the christian life. What we choose to DO, as Christians, is a natural response to what we believe.

We looked at the DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON as being the foundation on which we base our decisions. We also spoke of the importance to LOVE GOD and LOVE NEIGHBOUR. As we continue to look at faith in action, our focus is on the importance and value of SERVICE towards others and of working to create a better society.

Pope John Paul II spoke of the need to turn away from an “individualistic mentality” to a commitment to CHARITY (love & care for others) and SOLIDARITY (standing alongside those in need). Our Christian walk should lead us to look beyond ourselves to the needs of others, and seek to serve them in some way, so as to give them the life of dignity that they deserve.

Our service should not been a begrudging “do I have to?” but a JOYFUL service – because we want to do it and because we bring the love of Jesus into that act of service. The biggest challenge is that sometimes it means putting aside our own interests for the sake of the other or giving up some of our comfort, in order to better the life of another. SERVICE INVOLVES SACRIFICE, BUT JOYFUL SACRIFICE. Service is the highest form of love – that is, giving of yourself to the point that you don’t expect anything in return.

You, our young people, are more than capable of great acts of service that would take you beyond your comfort zone. However, even the smallest and simplest acts can make a big difference and can be as effective – it is about being intentional in what we choose to do and doing it well!

Maundy Thursday Mass is where we remember the ultimate act of service which Jesus did when he washed the feet of his disciples, Last year, Fr Peter gave the congregation two questions that we should ask ourselves on a daily basis:

• Who can I serve today?
• How can I bring the presence of Christ to others?

Let us keep those two questions at the forefront of our minds this month…

Which of the acts on this list opposite would be the hardest one to do and why?

In striving for a more just world, the church actually outlines 7 pillars which describe ways in which we can achieve this task. These seven principles are known, together as Catholic Social Teaching or Social Justice.

Take a look at the seven themes –

which of these, for you, feels like the most urgent point to tackle? Which would make the most difference, if everyone were to set their mind to it?

HUMAN DIGNITY – PROTECTING THE FAMILY – UPHOLDING HUMAN RIGHTS – CARE FOR THE POOR AND NEEDY – DIGNITY OF WORK – SOLIDARITY – CARE OF OUR ENVIRONMENT

Take time to read and reflect on this story and the words of Mother Theresa.

Then there was the man we picked up from the drain, half eaten by worms and, after we had brought him to the home, he only said, “I have lived like an animal in the street, but I am going to die as an angel, loved and cared for.”  Then, after we had removed all the worms from his body, all he said, with a big smile, was:  “Sister, I am going home to God” — and he died.  It was so wonderful to see the greatness of that man who could speak like that without blaming anybody, without comparing anything.  Like an angel — this is the greatness of people who are spiritually rich even when they are materially poor. 

We are not social workers.  We may be doing social work in the eyes of some people, but we must be contemplatives in the heart of the world.  For we must bring that presence of God into your family, for the family that prays together, stays together.  There is so much hatred, so much misery, and we with our prayer, with our sacrifice, are beginning at home.  Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put into what we do. . . I want you to find the poor here, right in your own home first.  And begin love there.  Be that good news to your own people first.  And find out about your next-door neighbours.  Do you know who they are?

— St Mother Theresa of Calcutta

The Servant King

by Graham Kendrick

Listen to these powerful lyrics, about how in our looking outwards to the needs of others, we can be reminded of the sacrifice that Christ made for us

Check out these thought-provoking videos

A television advert which send san important message about service…

A simple explanation of what Catholic Social Teaching is

Challenge of the Month:

To choose one special act of service to perform

NB Do note, that it is also good to know that there are many specifically Catholic organisations, charities and causes to support. It is not to say that other charities do not do good, but a catholic charity or one with catholic origins, will usually have values or aims which be faithful to the teachings of the church and be in step with Catholic social justice.

Protecting the human dignity of all

Looking after our environment

Protecting the family

The dignity of work and workers rights

Good government

Sharing resources – food, clothing, the earth’s resources  etc

Seeking the Common Good

Preventing War

Fairness and battling unfair discrimination

Caring for the poor and needy

Caring for those with disabilities or special needs

Protection of human rights