Catholic Social Teaching

At St. John’s Catholic Primary School, Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is at the heart of our christ-centered community, guiding our mission to serve others and care for all members of society. Senior leaders ensure that staff and pupils alike are grounded in the teachings of the Gospels, emphasising our responsibility to act with compassion and service, both within our school and in the wider local and global community.

Our pupils are regularly involved in acts of service, learning to connect the theology of the Gospels to their words and actions. Through these experiences, they aspire to follow Jesus’ example by showing care and compassion, particularly for those most vulnerable or in need. Whether participating in local outreach or global initiatives, students are encouraged to take a thoughtful and active role in promoting the common good.

Catholic Social Teaching is woven into the fabric of daily life at St. John’s, informing every aspect of our work. Our pupils engage in projects and activities that support vulnerable members of society, whether at a local, national, or global level. Throughout the year, the school maintains strong connections with charitable organisations such as CAFOD and the local foodbank. Fundraising efforts and calls for support are met with overwhelming generosity from our students, parents, and staff, who are always eager to respond to the needs of others.

This commitment to Catholic Social Teaching is evident in the way we celebrate and embed its principles into our daily practice. We are especially proud of recently achieving (September 2024) the CAFOD LiveSimply Award, which reflects our dedication to living sustainably and caring for God’s creation. We have also been officially recognised as a 'Fair Achiever' School by the FairTrade Foundation. By fostering an environment of service and solidarity, we ensure that our students leave St. John’s not only as confident learners but also as compassionate, socially responsible individuals ready to contribute positively to the world.

 

What does ‘Catholic Social Teaching’ mean?

At St. John's, we believe that every child is part of God's greater plan— participation in a world rooted in love, justice, and compassion. Catholic Social Teaching reminds us that God has a unique purpose for each of us, and that living out our faith extends beyond prayer and worship; it influences every aspect of our daily lives, including how we treat others and care for the world around us.

To help our children grow into responsible, caring members of society, we integrate the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching into school life in meaningful ways. These values are not just taught in lessons but are brought to life through special activities, community projects, and the way we interact with one another every day.

By embracing these teachings, we hope to nurture in our pupils a deep sense of social responsibility, kindness, and a commitment to justice—qualities that will guide them as they grow into compassionate individuals who make a positive impact on the world.

The seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Dignity

 Dignity means ‘the state or quality of being worthy of honour or respect’. Therefore, ‘Dignity’ in Catholic Social Teaching means that every human being should be treated equally. This is because everybody is made in God’s image and His likeness and therefore equal in the eyes of God. This is so important that the other principles are based on this

Community and participation

 This is about our own call to be an active part of our community. God didn’t make us to live by ourselves. We’re meant to interact with others. The relationships we have help us learn about ourselves and others. Therefore, God wants us to get involved with those around us; supporting one another and helping build a better world for all. 

 Creation

 This is about our call to care for the world. This because, we as Catholics, believe that the Earth and all it contains has been created as a gift for us by God. The resources of the Earth are not infinite. They have been given to us and to future generations. How we treat the Earth has a real impact on people now and in the future.

Solidarity and peace

 Solidarity means ‘agreement of feeling or action’. In Catholic Social Teaching this means being together with other people in agreeing and promoting peace in the world. We do this because we believe we are all sisters and brothers of one another because God made all of us in His image. We should work to make sure everyone is living in peace with each other.

Option for the poor

This principle of Catholic Social Teaching helps us to focus on those most in need: the poor. It calls us to think carefully about people living in poverty and how we can help in our choices and actions. We cannot ignore people who are poor; we have to help them as much as we can.

Dignity of workers

 Work is more than simply being able to earn money. It is about being able to support yourself and your family. It is about finding something you’re good at and feeling important. Everyone deserves to find a job they enjoy and are good at.

Social Justice

Social Justice

Social Justice

"There is no democracy with hunger, nor development with poverty, nor justice in inequality."
— Pope Francis, 2019

At St. John’s, we are called to ‘Let the Light of Christ Shine in Us’ by putting our faith into action. Social justice is at the heart of our Catholic mission, and we encourage our pupils to serve others, care for creation, and stand up for fairness and dignity in our community and beyond. Through Catholic Social Teaching, we live out Jesus' call to love our neighbour by supporting those in need and working towards a more just and compassionate world.

Fairtrade – A ‘Fair Achiever’ School

We are proud to be a Fair Achiever school, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to Fairtrade values. Our pupils learn about ethical trade and work to ensure that farmers and workers worldwide receive fair wages and working conditions. By embedding Fairtrade principles into our curriculum, fundraising, and daily choices, we seek to shine Christ’s light on those in need.

LiveSimply – Living Out Our Faith

We have been awarded the CAFOD LiveSimply Award, recognising our commitment to living simply, sustainably, and in solidarity with the poor. We strive to care for God’s creation, reduce waste, and take practical steps to support those who are vulnerable. By making thoughtful choices, we let Christ’s light shine in how we treat the world and one another.

Foodbank Collection – Feeding the Hungry

Following Jesus’ teaching to “give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37), we regularly collect donations for our local foodbank, ensuring that families in crisis receive the support they need. Our school community gives generously, knowing that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life.

Battery Recycling at Tesco – Caring for Creation

In our commitment to stewardship of God’s creation, we take part in battery recycling at Tesco, helping to reduce waste and protect our environment. Our pupils learn that caring for the earth is part of their Christian responsibility and a way to live out our LiveSimply values.

The Big Lent Walk – Walking in Solidarity

Each year, we take part in CAFOD’s Big Lent Walk, raising money to support communities facing poverty around the world. By walking together as a school, we reflect on the struggles others face and offer our steps as a sign of solidarity, just as Jesus walked the road to Calvary for us.

Shoebox Appeal – Bringing Joy at Christmas

At Christmas, we take part in the Shoebox Appeal, collecting and packing essential items and small gifts to be sent to children in need across the world. This simple act of generosity allows our pupils to share Christ’s love and joy with those who might otherwise go without.

Litter Picking – Caring for Our Common Home

We regularly organise litter-picking activities in our local area, helping to keep God’s creation clean and beautiful. By looking after the environment, our pupils put their faith into action and develop a sense of responsibility for the world around them.

Helping with Church Gardening – Serving Our Parish

Our pupils take pride in helping with gardening at the church, ensuring that the grounds are well-kept and welcoming. Whether planting flowers, clearing weeds, or tidying up, this hands-on work strengthens our connection with our parish and teaches us to serve with humility and joy.

Serving Our Community Through Song

Music is a way to spread joy, bring comfort, and share Christ’s love. Our pupils regularly sing at local care homes, parish gatherings, and charity events, using their voices to uplift others. Through song, we bring companionship to the elderly, support those who feel isolated, and remind others of God’s presence in their lives.

At St. John’s, social justice isn’t just an idea—it’s how we let the light of Christ shine in us every day, through our words, choices, and actions.