Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is grounded in Scripture, shaped by the wisdom of Church leaders, and inspired by grassroots movements. It serves as our moral compass, guiding us in living out our faith in the world.

At St Bede’s, we believe that everyone has the power to contribute to making our world a better place for all. These teachings, deeply rooted in Scripture and particularly in the teachings of Jesus from the Gospels, call us to follow Christ’s example. He inspires us to bring love and compassion to those both near and far. We are called to embody the values of Jesus and the saints throughout history, striving to improve the lives of others.

CST is an essential part of our curriculum, and we celebrate these teachings in a number of different ways through both learning and play.

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is a vital aspect of our faith that guides us in promoting justice, dignity, and the common good in our communities. It is rooted in Scripture and the rich traditions of the Church, offering a framework for addressing social issues and living out our Christian values.

Core Principles of CST

1. Dignity of the Human Person:
   Every person is created in the image of God and deserves respect and dignity. CST emphasizes the importance of protecting human life from conception to natural death.

2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation:
   We are called to engage with our families and communities, recognizing that our actions impact others. Active participation in society is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility.

3. Rights and Responsibilities:
   Every individual has basic rights, including the right to life, education, and work. With these rights come responsibilities to contribute to the well-being of others and the common good.

4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable:
   A key tenet of CST is to prioritize the needs of the poor and vulnerable. We are called to advocate for social justice and support those who are marginalized or in need.

5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers:
   Work is a form of participation in God’s creation. Workers have the right to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the ability to organize. Promoting just labor practices is essential to CST.

6. Solidarity:
   We are all part of one human family, and solidarity calls us to stand with one another, especially during times of injustice and suffering. This principle encourages us to work together for the common good.

7. Care for God’s Creation:
   CST emphasizes the importance of stewardship over the environment. We are called to protect and preserve the planet for future generations, recognizing that our well-being is intertwined with the health of the Earth.

At St Bede’s we encourage children to engage with these principles through various activities, discussions, and charity projects. By embracing Catholic Social Teaching, we can cultivate a spirit of compassion and justice, working together to create a better world for everyone.

Each half term we focus on a strand of CST within school. During this time, the children can nominate those who have shown attributes of that strand in our CST box – led by Year 6 at lunch times. We then celebrate each others achievements on Friday’s during our Celebration Assembly by awarding two children CST keys.

This term we our focus is on Sid the Sheep, who helps us to remember that everyone should be able to have a say.