The principles of Catholic Social Teaching underpin all we do at STM. Our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially people living in poverty. Following in the footsteps of Christ, we hope to bring justice, love and peace to our unjust and broken world. 

Catholic Social Teaching is based on the life and words of Jesus Christ.  Pope Francis says that Catholic schools are places where our young people are helped to put their faith into loving actions for others so that their faith can improve life and society. 

The Themes of Catholic Social Teaching are:

Dignity of the Human Person
Every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, every person’s life and dignity must be respected and supported from conception until the end of their natural life on earth.

Family and Community
The human person is sacred and social.  How society is organized has a direct impact on the dignity and growth of every human person and community.  Marriage and family should be supported and strengthened.  Every person has a right to work to support themselves and their families as well as the building up of the common good for all.

Solidarity and the Common Good
We are all People of God, one family.  Therefore what happens to one has an impact on all, locally, nationally and globally.  At the heart of solidarity is the pursuit of peace and justice.  Our love for all calls us to work for a peaceful and just society where everyone has a fair share of the goods needed for a sustainable life, and opportunities for growth and development are offered equally. The dignity of every single person is respected.

Dignity of Work
Work is a way in which we can continue to participate in God’s creation.  Work gives dignity to life and must be carried out in such a way that the basic rights of workers are respected.  Everyone has the right to a fair and livable wages.  The economy must be conducted so that it serves the needs of the people.

Rights and Responsibilities
Every person has a fundamental right to life.  It is this right that makes all other rights possible.  Everyone has the right to food, health care, housing, education and employment.   We all need to respect these rights for others both locally and globally.

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Society is judged on how it cares for the poor and vulnerable.  We read in scripture how God has a special concern for the oppressed, poor, vulnerable and those forced to the margins of society. The Church calls us to respond to the cry of the poor and put their needs first.  This preferential treatment for the poor and vulnerable must be seen in action in our daily lives.

Stewardship
The world God has created for us has been entrusted to everyone and we are responsible and accountable to God as stewards of the earth. The world has been given to us as a gift, to enjoy and care for so that future generations can enjoy it too. It is in caring for creation that we show our love and respect for its creator.

'It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith          in the world.' - CAFOD

At St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, Catholic Social Teaching is an integral part of the ethos of our school family and is embedded throughout the curriculum. 

Mervyn (from CAFOD) came into school to deliver workshops to each Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 class. His workshops were all about the importance of Catholic Social Teaching. In KS1, we met different animals who represented each principle. Where as, in KS2, we learnt about the key principles by looking at keys that unlocked a treasure chest. We all had a great time. Thank you Mervyn.