Catholic social teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by grassroots movements. It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.

It is based around the Church’s belief that we can all make a difference in making our world a better place for all. These teachings are rooted in Scripture and especially in the teachings of Jesus found in the Gospels. Christ shows us how to walk in his footsteps, bringing love and care to those both near and far. It is our vocation to live as Jesus and saints throughout the ages, bettering our world for everyone.

Rooted in Love is a Religious Education resource  developed in partnership with the Diocese of Westminster Education Service. It addresses the objectives relating to Catholic Social Teaching from the new Religious Education Directory, including prayer and liturgy ideas around each theme, as well as suggestions for bringing this work to life in the Catholic life and mission of the school. Rooted in Love is split into 6 themes, one for each half term

 This symbol is used to represent Love rooted in the word of God

 This symbol will help the children to understand that every time they see this they will come back to the principles of CST and remember why we do what we do

We are called to uphold the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

Human Dignity – Everyone is Special

St Paul tells us that each person is a work of art, created by God and chosen for a unique purpose. Ephesians 2:10

At St Joseph’s we recognise the human dignity of others by:

• being respectful
• treating people equally
• raising awareness of civil rights
• preferential option for the vulnerable

The Common Good– Taking Part in our Communities

"You are not making a gift of your possessions to the poor person.  You are handing over to them what is theirs." St Ambrose (340-397 AD)

At St Joseph’s we show we are part of a community by:

• working together
• working for the common good
• participating and engaging
• being active members of our community

Subsidiarity– All people Should have a Say

Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right- Psalm 106:3

Fear not for I am with you. I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

At St Joseph’s we acknowledge our rights and responsibilities by:

• recognising our duties as members of a community
• standing up for what is right
• following our school rules

Distributive Justice – Being Fair

...we are agreed today that the earth is essentially a shared inheritance, whose fruits are meant to benefit everyone.’ Pope Francis, Laudato Si’

At St Joseph’s we recognise the need to share the worlds resources fairly by:

• celebrating Fair Trade Fortnight
• becoming a Fair aware school
• by sharing our belongs

Stewardship – Caring for God’s Creation and Gifts

The ecological crisis is also a summons to profound interior conversion…Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience. Pope Francis - Laudato Si

At St Joseph’s we show we care for creation by:

• taking responsibility for our environment
• making environmentally responsible choices
• having awe and wonder for the natural world

Solidarity – We are One Big Family

Blessed Pope Paul VI taught that "If you want peace, work for justice". The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers.

At St Joseph’s we show solidarity by:

• raising awareness of social justice
• writing to our local leaders
• praying for others
• making connections
• making socially responsible choices

Promoting Peace – We can be God’s instruments of Peace

“Our common bonds of humanity demand that we live in harmony and that we promote what is good for one another. These ethical implications are the reason why solidarity is a basic key to peace.” St John Paul II

At St Joseph’s we show we are people of peace by:

• treating each other kindly
• turning away from conflict
• creating bonds between people

Option for the poor – Some People need Extra Help

‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:35-40

At St Joseph’s we show a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable by:

• fundraising for charitable causes
• raising awareness
• treating others with dignity and respect
• thinking of the needs of others

Participation – The dignity of Work

Do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honour. (James 3:17) 

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

At St Joseph’s we recognise the dignity of work by:

• respecting all workers
• contributing to society
• making responsible economic choices
• supporting wellbeing and workers' rights
• sharing our talents with others