Catholic Social Teaching

We are called to serve and follow in Jesus’ footsteps…

As a Catholic School, it is our duty to assist the church in its mission of making Christ known and His love shared with all people.

We are called to serve: to be at the service of the local church – the diocese, the parish and the Christian home. To be ‘a service to society’

The church’s principles of Catholic Social Teaching are central to our life in school, in all we think, say and do: they ensure that we live our faith and help us to make a positive difference in the world around us.

The curriculum at St. Aelred’s provides many opportunities for both our children and staff to develop knowledge and understanding of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, and to action that commitment through good works and words that show we live our faith in our community as a force for good.

As a Catholic School, we believe that God has a plan for creation, a plan that still exists in our modern world. Our belief in God must not be limited merely to the ‘spiritual’ world or what we do at Mass on a Sunday but must permeate all aspects of our lives as responsible global citizens.

We teach the children about the dignity of the human person, how we are called to live as family and community, about rights and responsibilities, that we are called to stewardship, our responsibility for the poor and vulnerable, about the dignity and rights of workers and about solidarity and the promotion of peace. We do this through RE lessons, assemblies, outside visitors, through drama, debate, and first-hand experience. As a result, our children feel that they are making a difference to the world by having an impact on Social Justice.

There are several principles under the Catholic Social Teaching umbrella.

At St Aelred’s, we focus on the following principles:

Human Dignity – we are all wonderfully made in God’s image and likeness.
Community & Participation – we work for what is truly good for everyone.
Solidarity & Peace – we love our brothers and sisters around the world and stand with them.
Option for the Poor – we put those in most need first.
Stewardship – we love and protect God’s beautiful creation.

As a school, we are working towards the Oscar Romero Award. This is a charitable award to help Catholic schools and colleges put Catholic Social Teaching into action.

It recognises, celebrates and encourages schools to: