The Compendium of The Catholic Social Teaching  is the body of thought and work from the Catholic Church that addresses the social situations we face in our ever-changing world. (CCST: click here to download it for free)

Summary of Catholic Social Teaching
The CST calls us to work for justice, serve those in need, pursue peace, and to work toward the full realization of the dignity and rights of our sisters and brothers around the world. During the past 100 years, papal statements, Vatican II and Conferences of Bishops have addressed urgent issues which have both national and international reach - such as human rights, economic depression, development, political participation, and war and peace. These messages are not only Church doctrine, but also provide individuals with a framework for action. Catholic Social Teaching calls people everywhere, and of every faith, to work toward the elimination of poverty, to speak out against injustices, and to actively shape a more peaceful and just world. Therefore, at the heart of the Solidarity Int’l. Missionary Society formal commitment, is the same set of principles, the body of thought, and a call to action known as Catholic Social Teaching, where we insist to emphasize the Evangelii Nutiandi pastoral letter, as critical and foundational.

Following is a brief summary of some of the main themes in Catholic Social Teaching that also relate directly to the work of the Solidarity Int’l. Missionary Society.

Dignity and Equality of the Human Person
All of humanity has been created in the image of God and possesses a basic dignity and equality that come directly from our creation and not from any action on our own part.

Rights and Responsibilities
Every person has basic rights and responsibilities that flow from our human dignity and that belong to us as humans, regardless of any social or political structures. The rights are numerous and include those things that make life truly human. Corresponding to our rights are duties and responsibilities to respect the rights of others and to work for the common good of all.

Solidarity
Imperative: We are all part of one human family -- whatever our national, racial, religious, economic or ideological differences - and in an increasingly interconnected world, loving our neighbor has global dimensions.

Social Nature
All of us are social by nature and are called to live in community with others --- our full human potential isn't realized in solitude, but in community with others. How we organize our families, societies and communities directly affects human dignity and our ability to achieve our full human potential.

The Common Good
In order for all of us to have an opportunity to grow and develop fully, a certain social fabric must exist within society. This is the common good. Numerous social conditions -- economic, political, material and cultural - impact our ability to realize our human dignity and reach our full potential.

Subsidiarity
A higher level of government -- or organization -- should not perform any function or duty that can be handled more effectively at a lower level by people who are closer to the problem and have a better understanding of the issue.

Preferential Option for the Poor
In every economic, political and social decision, a weighted concern must be given to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. When we do this we strengthen the entire community, because the powerlessness of any member wounds the rest of society.

Stewardship
There is an inherent integrity to all of creation and it requires careful stewardship of all our resources, ensuring that we use and distribute them justly and equitably --- as well as planning for future generations.