Pope John Paul II wrote, “The Church’s social teaching finds its source in Sacred Scripture, beginning with the Book of Genesis and especially in the Gospel and the writings of the Apostles. From the beginning, it was part of the Church’s teaching…[It was] developed by the teaching of the Popes on the modern “social question,” beginning with the Encyclical Rerum Novarum.”

Catholic Social Teaching is rooted in the belief that God calls us to help build a world filled with peace, love and justice. God has a unique purpose for each of us. This calling reaches into every part of our lives, shaping how we pray, care for others and act as responsible members of our global community. We are called to work together for the common good, recognising the dignity of every person and treating others as our brothers and sisters. Through kindness, compassion and respect, we can all make a positive difference.

At St Mary’s, we bring the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching to life through our curriculum, special events and everyday school experiences. We help our children understand these principles and put them into practice through their choices, relationships and actions.