Catholic Social Teaching

This theme explores how the Church holds that we should all have a special focus on supporting, walking alongside, and sharing with people who are living in poverty. The option for the poor includes talking with, and listening to, those who are living in poverty. It is not just thinking that we know what people want or need, but listening to people, sharing in their suffering. This theme is taught with sensitivity towards the children and families of our schools.

‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.’

Proverbs 31:8-9

Glossopdale Foodbank donations during Harvest time.

Visit from Glossopdale Foodbank to hear about how they support the local community.

Visit to Hummingbirds to learn how they support those in need in the local community.

Solidarity is fundamental to the way in which we treat one another. Children consider that solidarity is not just feeling sorry for those who suffer. It is a commitment to action. Wherever we are. Whatever our age. Whatever our circumstances. We are all responsible for one another, those close by, and those far away.

The children also look at peacemakers, the people who dedicate their lives and work to make the world more peaceful. What can be learnt from how they help reconcile people with God and with one another?

‘Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with those in need.’

Romans 12:16

We lay a wreath on the Glossop Cenotaph annually, to remember all of those who have been affected by war and conflict.

The children learn we are called to be active members of society, our local and global community. Supporting one another and recognising how our gifts and talents could be used to the advantage of the wider community. We’re all called to put love into action. These lessons help children to understand the role we all have to play in creating a fair society and strong communities.

‘For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.’

Matthew 18:20

Our Ambassador’s of Hope work with other schools throughout the diocese to help develop a vision of how we can grow in faith as a school community as well as supporting our local, national and global community.

Fundraising for and learning about World Gifts through the support of CAFOD. This has helped us to develop an awareness of our role as a Global Neighbour.

Visit from The Bureau to learn how they help and support our local community.

This theme introduces the children to the concept of having dignity in one’s work – what that means and how it should be maintained. Dignity of Workers is about everyone finding a role in society, finding something they are good at, and feeling important and needed because of that. Dignity of Workers is also about making sure that people’s dignity is respected in work.

‘The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.’
2 Timothy 2:6

A trip to M&S to hunt for Fairtrade items and discuss how M&S supports the dignity of workers.

Dignity is the underlying principle of all Catholic Social Teaching. The children learn we are all made lovingly in God’s image and likeness. We are all sisters and brothers of one another. They explore that every person we meet – family, friends, neighbours, strangers, people on the other side of the world – are also made in God’s image and likeness. They deserve our respect. They must be treated fairly.

‘So God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.… God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.’

Genesis 1

Weekly visits to local care homes.