At Our Lady of Lourdes, Catholic Social Teaching (CST) lies at the heart of our mission and shapes the way we live, learn, and grow together as a school family. Guided by the teachings of Jesus, we encourage our children to put faith into action through kindness, compassion, and service to others.

Through Catholic Social Teaching, pupils learn that every individual is created in the image of God and deserves dignity, respect, and care. We nurture an understanding of the importance of community, fairness, and responsibility for the wider world, helping children recognise how their actions can positively impact others and God’s creation.

CST is embedded throughout school life at Our Lady of Lourdes. Across the curriculum, worship, charity work, and daily interactions, children are encouraged to reflect on issues such as poverty, injustice, and environmental responsibility. By engaging with these themes in meaningful and age-appropriate ways, our pupils develop empathy, confidence, and a strong sense of moral purpose.

Our school community actively supports local charities and wider global causes, giving pupils opportunities to show solidarity with those in need and to become active agents of change. Through fundraising, awareness campaigns, and acts of service, children learn the value of working together to build a more just and caring world.

At Our Lady of Lourdes, we strive to create an environment where Gospel values are lived out each day — where everyone is welcomed, supported, and inspired to follow Christ’s example through love, respect, and service to others.

See our Caritas in Action Plan here.

What are the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching?

  1. Dignity of the Human Person
    • Every human being is created in the image of God and deserves respect and protection. Human life is sacred, and the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.
  2. Common Good and Community
    • The common good refers to the social conditions that allow people to reach their full human potential and realize their dignity. This principle emphasizes the importance of community and the need to work for the well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
  3. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
    • Society is judged by how well it treats its most vulnerable members. This principle calls for a preferential option for the poor, ensuring that their needs are prioritized and their voices are heard.
  4. Rights and Responsibilities
    • Human dignity can be protected, and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected, and responsibilities are met. Every person has a fundamental right to life and those things required for human decency.
  5. Role of Government and Subsidiarity
    • The state has a positive moral function; it is an instrument to promote human dignity, protect human rights, and build the common good. The principle of subsidiarity emphasizes that decisions should be made at the most local level possible, as long as they can be effectively addressed.
  6. Economic Justice
    • The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Workers have the right to productive work, fair wages, and safe working conditions. The right to organize and join unions is respected, and private property is understood within the context of the universal destination of goods.
  7. Stewardship of Creation
    • We are called to protect the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. Environmental stewardship is a fundamental moral and ethical issue.
  8. Promotion of Peace and Disarmament
    • Catholic teaching promotes peace as a positive, action-oriented concept. Peace is the fruit of justice and is dependent upon right order among human beings.
  9. Participation
    • All people have a right and duty to participate in the economic, political, and cultural life of society. It is essential for human dignity and the development of the human community.