This document outlines the key Catholic Social Teaching principles for primary school students: Human dignity, common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, participation, stewardship, and preferential option for the poor. It defines each principle simply, with examples of how people can uphold each one. The principles are founded on biblical messages and aim to guide how people live and work together in community with justice and respect for all.

1. Catholic Social Teaching
Principles
for Primary School

2. The Bible teaches
us how God wants
us to live with
other people.

3. Catholic Social Teaching principles
are founded on the messages of the
prophets, of Jesus and of our
church leaders.

4. These are the main Catholic Social Teaching
Principles we work with:
Human Dignity
Common good
Solidarity
Subsidiarity
Participation
Stewardship
Preferential Option for the poor

5. Human
Dignity
We are all special because God made us.
We have to make sure other people are treated with
respect and fairness because God made them too!
A mother holds her baby, who has just received the polio vaccine and other immunizations. At
the clinic in Hamedia camp near Zalingei, Darfur,
Credit:LauraSheahen/CaritasACT2013

6. Common
Good
We should always try to think about what is
good for everyone, not just ourselves.
It’s about living together in a community.
CST principles unpacked

7. Solidarity
We all need each other. We are one big
human family.
It’s about working together.
CST principles unpacked

8. Subsidiarity
People who make decisions should listen to
everyone and give everyone the chance to
share their opinions.
CST principles unpacked
Village women meet for Australia-supported Harith Ashia ('Green Hope') integrated natural
resource management program. India
Credit:PeterSaunders

9. Participation
Everyone should be able to work and
use the talents that God gave them.
CST principles unpacked
Module 1
In Chawir, there are two large communal gardens. Around 200 women work here everyday.
Chad.
Credit:caritasSwitzerland

10. Stewardship:
Care for Creation
We need to take
care of the earth
because it is for
everyone.
CST principles unpacked
Module 1
A farmer who has received help with sustainable agriculture techniques.
Afghanistan.
Credit:CaritasAustralia

11. Preferential
Option for the
Poor
The Bible teaches us to take
extra special care of the most
vulnerable people in society.
We should try to create a
more fair world.
CST principles unpacked
Makeshift shelters made with sticks, blankets and plastic sheeting are the only
means of shade or warmth for many of the Malian refugees who have fled the
West African food crisis situation in Niger.
Credit:CatholicReliefServices

12. An easy guide to Catholic Social Teaching Principles
CST principles unpacked
Human Dignity
Common good
Solidarity
Subsidiarity
Participation
Stewardship
Preferential Option for the poor

13. Picture credits
Slide 7: Sheahen/Caritas ACT 2013
Slide 9: P. Jeffery
Slide 10: Peter Saunders
Slide 11: Caritas Switzerland
Slide 12: Caritas Australia
Slide 14: Catholic Relief Services
Wording for principles adapted from Anne E.Neuberger (CST for Kids) with
permission.
Find out more:
www.caritas.org.au
Last updated September 2013