Catholic Social Teaching is based on the belief that God has a plan for creation, a plan to build his kingdom of peace, love and justice.

Our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty.  Following in the footsteps of Christ, we hope to make present in our unjust and broken world, the justice, love and peace of God (CAFOD).  

Catholic Social Teaching is based on the life and words of Jesus Christ, who came "to bring glad tidings to the poor...liberty to captives...recovery of sight to the poor" (Luke 4:18-19). It concerns what the Church has to say about social issues and the way in which Catholic faith should be lived out within society. These teachings are rooted in Scripture and especially in the teachings of Jesus found in the Gospels.

Catholic schools therefore become places where our young people are helped to put their faith into loving actions for others so that their faith can illuminate life and society (Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei 55).

There are 7 principles of Catholic Social Teaching: 

Stewardship - How do I show respect for Creation? The earth and all life on it are part of God’s creation. We are called to respect this gift. We are responsible for taking care of the world we live in and for sharing all the wonders and resources the earth gives us.  

Human Dignity - ‘What makes me special?’ ‘What makes people special? ‘How should we treat each other?’

Family, Community and Participation- How can we ensure that all are treated equally and take part in society? 

Common Good/ Rights and Responsibilities  - What is ‘true community’? The common good is reached when we work together to improve the wellbeing of people in our society and the wider world. How do we respect all in our community?

Solidarity - Who are our leaders? How do we stand with others? How did Jesus show service and justice?  How do we help our neighbour?

Dignity in Work – How do we protect workers and ensure fair wages? How do ensure workers are respected and work for their vocation?

Sharing God's World, Protecting the Poor and Vulnerable- How do pupils share at home and at school? What are the kinds of things that are shared? Should everyone get exactly the same? Should some people get more? Why? For example, families with more children might need more resources, or someone with a disability might need extra help.

At St Joseph's Federation,  Catholic Social Teaching is incorporated across the curriculum and is explicitly linked to key events across the academic year to make it a meaningful experience for our children. 

Sofia the Sloth - Stewardship - Taking Care of God's Creation 

Sofia the Sloth stands for Stewardship

All living things are connected so we must use God's gifts responsibly to meet the needs of everyone, now and in the future. The character associated with Stewardship is 'Sofia the Sloth'. The children will hear Sofia's story and find out that we need to be caring for the many gifts that God has given to us. These include our environment, our own talents and other resources. 

“...the world we have received also belongs to those who will follow us.” Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ 159

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.” Genesis 2:15

“Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home” Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ 13

We reflect on the impact we have on the world that we live in, we recognise the world and its resources are a gift from God and that we as Global Citizens have a duty to ensure everyone has access to these gifts. As a Rights Respecting School we regularly discuss the UN Rights of the Child with our pupils and ensure we are considering how we can raise awareness and support these rights throughout our wider community.
 

Chikondi the Giraffe - The Common Good- Thinking of Everyone 

Chikondi teaches us about 'The Common Good which means thinking of everyone and putting others before yourself. At St joseph's we always think of others and this year we donated an enormous amount of food to local food banks and to the church to distribute to those in need. 

Luc teaches us about Human Dignity

At St Joseph's, we believe that everyone is special and that we are all unique and wonderful in our own special way. We celebrate our differences, are proud of who we are and show respect for ourselves and each other.  Luc the Deer shows us that God is present in every single one of us and we are called to treat every person and creature on this earth with loving respect.

At St Joseph's, we celebrate everyone’s skills and talents and recognise that we are all individuals. 

Every year, our children  join together with other choirs from around the globe for an annual singing extravaganza.  The 2024 Sing Up song, 'I belong', was written by award winning Scottish songwriter, Roseanne Reid. It carries a powerful message , reminding us that, although we may not always feel like it, there is always a place for us in the world.  Can you spot St Joseph's Catholic Infants and Juniors? 

Together young people and the school community learn about children’s rights, putting them into practice every day. The Award is not just about what children do but also, importantly, what adults do. In Rights Respecting Schools children’s rights are promoted and realised, adults and children work towards this goal together.

There are four key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting school; wellbeing, participation, relationships and self-esteem.

The difference that a Rights Respecting School makes goes beyond the school gates, making a positive impact on the whole community.

• Children are healthier and happier
• Children feel safe
• Children have better relationships
• Children become active and involved in school life and the wider world