Seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Perhaps there is an opportunity to integrate Catholic social thought and principles into the everyday practice of Christian Catholic life at all levels. Perhaps there is opportunity to link one or two of these principles to the sacred work of health care:

1). The human person is sacred. Every human has the dignity of being made in God’s image and likeness. Each is a unique self whom God invites into friendship.

2). The human person is social. We grow and thrive through relationships with family and friends and through participating in building the human community.

3). Every person has rights and responsibilities.

4). Every person has a right to life and those things that make life truly human, such as food, clothing, shelter, education, health care, and work. We need to respect the rights of others and assist them in achieving them.

5). We care for the poor and vulnerable. The common good asks us to respond especially to those in greatest need and help them become active participants in our society.

6). We care for creation. God calls us to care for Earth, which supports us in life. Solidarity is our call. We are one human family, whatever our national, social, ethnic, or economic differences. We recognize this in Jesus’ command to love our neighbour as ourselves.

7). Work has dignity. All persons have a right to work.