Catholic Social Teaching at St. Mary's
At the heart of our faith is a call to love our neighbour, care for creation, and build a just and peaceful world. Our Catholic Social Teaching Principles help guide us in how we live, treat others, and take action in our school, homes, and wider community.
Every person is special and important because they are made by, and in the image of, God. Everyone deserves to be loved, respected and treated kindly. We should care for and stand up for others as God has asked us to.
"God created mankind in his own image."
- Genesis 1:27
Everyone at St. Mary’s belongs and has something special to share. We are all invited to join in, help others, and work together to make things better. When we include others and listen to their ideas, we build a happy and caring community.
“Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
— Matthew 18:20
We look after the world God has given us. We can help by keeping the Earth clean, saving water, protecting animals, and not wasting things. When we care for nature, we are showing love for God’s beautiful creation.
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
— Genesis 2:15
We remember that everyone in the world is part of one big family. We try to solve problems without fighting, by listening, sharing, and being kind. When we stand together and treat others with love and respect, we help make the world a more peaceful place just like Jesus asked us to.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
— Matthew 5:9
Option for the poor means we care especially for people who are struggling or don’t have enough. We try to help them, share what we have, and make sure they are treated fairly. It reminds us to be kind and to notice when someone needs help.
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
— Proverbs 19:17
Every job is important and every worker should be treated with respect and fairness. Whether someone is building, teaching, cleaning, or helping others, their work matters. Everyone deserves to be valued and treated kindly for what they do.
“The worker deserves his wages.”
— Luke 10:7
