Social Justice
126 results
Video
CST 101 | Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Part of a collaborative video series presented by the USCCB and Catholic Relief Services on Catholic Social Teaching. Learn from Lisa Hendey, Msgr. Ray East, and Jonathan Reyes as they discuss the call to family, community, and participation.
Video
CST 101 | Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Part of a collaborative video series presented by the USCCB and Catholic Relief Services on Catholic Social Teaching. Learn from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Fr. James Martin, SJ, Kerry Weber, and Thomas Awiapo as they discuss the Preferential Option for …
Video
Kid President - How to Change the World (a work in progress)
The video talks about how we can change the world in a positive way.
Video
The Body of Christ
This video is a student-dramatization of how the different parts of the body can accomplish great things when they work as one.
Video
CST 101 | Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Part of a collaborative video series presented by the USCCB and Catholic Relief Services on Catholic Social Teaching. Learn from Bishop Robert Barron, Jonathan Reyes, and Helen Alvaré as they discuss the dignity of the human person and our right …
Video
CST 101 | Care for God's Creation
Part of a collaborative video series presented by the USCCB and Catholic Relief Services on Catholic Social Teaching. Hear from Father James Martin, SJ, Dr. Carolyn Woo, and Cardinal Peter Turkson as they discuss Care for God's Creation.
Video
Catholic Social Teaching Movie
The video "Catholic Social Teaching Movie," available on YouTube (10:05), is an overview with music, photos, and quotes from various sources, of seven themes. It is best used on day 1.
Video
SJ Project 2012—Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
The video "SJ Project 2012—Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers," available on YouTube (2:33), is a brief video that gives the students a modern look at the dignity of work and the rights of workers as told by …
Video
Don’t Laugh at Me
The song/video "Don’t Laugh at Me," by Mark Wills, is available on YouTube (3:35), describes the pain of being bullied. It is used on day 1.
Video
Seven Corporal Works of Mercy
The video "Seven Corporal Works of Mercy," available on ktd141’s channel on YouTube (3:17), shows the corporal works of mercy in action with a great song accompaniment. It is appropriate for opening or closing prayer on day 4.
Video
Consider the Lilies
The song/video "Consider the Lilies," performed by Sings Sampaguita, available on YouTube (3:59) can be used for opening prayer on day 2. In this version, the only visual is the performer, but the words are easier to understand.
Video
My Visit to a Leprosy Colony
The video "My Visit to a Leprosy Colony," by GospelForAsia, available on YouTube (3:35). is used on day 3.
Video
Say Yes
The song/video "Say Yes," by Michelle Williams, Beyonce, and Kelly Rowland, available on YouTube (4:12), offers a good introduction to day 4. The first 1:20 conveys the necessary content to engage the class.
Video
St. Teresa's Prayer
The song/video "St. Teresa’s Prayer," by John Michael Talbot, available on YouTube (2:39), is appropriate for use on day 4.
Video
Follow You
The song/video "Follow You," by Leeland and Brandon Heath, available on YouTube (4:29), is appropriate for use on day 2.
Video
Let Faith Arise
The song/video "Let Faith Arise," available on YouTube (4:39), is appropriate for prayer on any day.
Video
Do This in Memory
The song/video "Do This in Memory," by Chris Muglia, available on YouTube (9:54), is appropriate for use on any day. The song is found at the 3:48 point of an interview with the artist about the song.
Document
Reflections on Poverty in America
This handout provides a series of Scripture passages and real-life accounts to help students reflect on poverty in America.
Video
The Face of Christ (Black & White)
The song/video "The Face of Christ" by Chris Rice, posted by David Grove, available on YouTube (3:45), is artistically strong with black-and-white photography. It is best used on day 3.
Video
What Is Catholic Social Teaching?
The video "What Is Catholic Social Teaching?" with music “The Resistance,” by Josh Garrels, available on YouTube (4:42), is best used on day 2.
Video
Saint Mother Teresa—Inspiring ‘Everyone, Everywhere,’
The video "Mother Teresa—Inspiring ‘Everyone, Everywhere,’" by Anthony Ndaira, available on YouTube (10:20), is best used on day 4.
Video
What Is Social Justice?
The video "What Is Social Justice?" by the Love Alliance, available on YouTube (1:06), is a series of young people sharing answers to this question. It may be helpful on day 1.
Video
Voices of Youth on Social Justice
The video "Voices of Youth on Social Justice," by the International Labour Organization, available on YouTube (2:59), defines social justice. Young people from all over the world give examples of social justice. The video may be helpful on day 1.
Video
Song "You Are Near"
The song “You Are Near,” by Dan Schutte (Oregon Catholic Press), is a contemporary musical setting of Psalm 139, which is partially printed on pages 38–39 in the Handbook. You might like to play the song at the end of …
Video
Hey, World
The song/video "Hey, World," by Petra and performed by Caroline Chevin, is available on YouTube (4:04). The song tells the story of courageous choices—choosing life instead of abortion or suicide—and affirms God’s gift of life. It is best used on …
Document
What Can a Person Do?
This article gives several suggestions of how an individual can bring about distributive justice.
Document
The Eucharist in Mathari Valley
In 1986, Fr. Jim Notebaart flew to Nairobi, Kenya, to live and work as a missioner. Years later, he told an audience in the United States about an experience of Eucharist as transformation. Read this story and, on a separate …
Document
Lazarus and the Rich Man: A Sequel
Characters: Reader, Narrator, Servant, Levi, Hannah, Isaiah, Simeon.
Document
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations in 1948, sets the international standard for human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has thirty articles. The following list paraphrases and summarizes the articles from …
Video
What is Catholic Social Teaching?
A personal story about living out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Document
Chapter 45 Summary: Working for Justice
A summary of Chapter 45, Working for Justice from the Catholic Connections Handbook for Middle Schoolers, Second Edition.
Document
Chapter 7 Summary: The Human Person
A summary of Chapter 7, The Human Person from the Catholic Connections Handbook for Middle Schoolers, Second Edition.
Video
Celebrating Life: The Human Person and the Rules of God
A personal story about the life affirming ‘yeses’ within the Church.
Video
Make a Connection with People in Need
A personal story about having a spirit of solidarity with those in need.
Video
What are you Called to do?
A personal story about actively living out the principles of social justice.
Video
Obedience to God's Will: Our Greatest Happiness
A personal story about how rules are created out of love and how obedience to those rules ensures lasting happiness.
Document
Lesson 24 Summary
The lesson learning objectives and content summary for Lesson 24, Social Justice.
Document
Human Rights
Several articles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Document
"You Have Heard…But I Say"
An article about Jesus’ command to love everyone, even those who society has deemed unlovable.
Document
Living God's Call
A reading, with reflection questions, on living out God’s Call of unconditional love, agape, for all.
Video
Archbishop Romero
This is a short video on Saint Oscar Romero. Click above to access this online resource for Live Jesus in Our Hearts: Revelation and the Old Testament. Revelation and the Old Testament is the first semester course in the new …
Video
The Violence of Capital Punishment
Sr. Helen Prejean discusses the violence of capital punishment.
Document
War and Peace in Catholic Social Teaching
An article on war and peace in Catholic social teaching.
Document
Socratic Seminar Observation Form - Student
A student observation form for the Socratic seminar.
Document
Student Evaluation of the Socratic Seminar
A student evaluation sheet for the Socratic seminar.
Document
The Challenge of Peace
An article on the foundations for a justified war and the just war doctrine.
Document
Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 5 of “Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society.”
A grading rubric for the final performance task options for Unit 5 of “Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society.”
Document
Principles of Catholic Social Teaching for Business Ethics
An article on the principles of Catholic social teaching for business ethics.
Document
"Homeless: Motel Kids of Orange County" Movie Guide
A movie guide with questions pertaining to the film “Homeless: The Motel Kids of Orange County.”
Document
Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 6 of “Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society.”
A grading rubric for the final performance task options for Unit 6 of “Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society.”
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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 4 of “Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society.”
A grading rubric for several final performance task options for Unit 4 of “Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society.”
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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 7 of “Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society.”
A grading rubric for several final performance task options for Unit 7 of “Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society.”
Document
Planet Partner Survey
A self-assessment survey on how well students are stewards of creation.
Document
Justice Conversation Starters
A list of several conversation starters or self-reflection questions on the topic of justice.
Document
Rubric for Final Performance Task for Unit 8 of “Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society.”
A grading rubric for the final performance task options for Unit 8 of “Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society.”
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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 3 of "Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society."
A grading rubric for the final performance task options for Unit 3 of "Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society."
Document
Principles of Catholic Social Teaching
A reading on the principles of Catholic social teaching.
Document
Dilemma Questions
A set of questions based on real-world situations and dilemmas that a person may be dealing with.
Document
Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 2 of “Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society.”
A grading rubric for the final performance task options for Unit 2 of “Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society.”
Document
Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 1
A grading rubric for the final performance task options for Unit 1 of "Catholic Social Teaching: Christian Life in Society."
Video
Cesar Chavez: Embrace the Legacy
A 5 minute documentary chronicling the life and mission of Catholic Cesar Chavez.
Video
Words of Jesus: Catholic Social Justice - CF
A discussion among Social Justice Activists about their activities and Catholic Social Justice teachings.
Video
WE CRY JUSTICE! Trailer
A trailer of movie on Catholic Social Justice teachings. The trailer includes footage of the impoverished, excerpts from church teachings, and statistics on the number of individuals suffering varying injustices.
Video
Saint Mother Teresa: The Legacy Trailer
An educational glimpse of the life of Saint Mother Teresa.
Video
God's Foot Soldiers - The Good Works of the Augustinians of Villanova Sharing their Mission in America and Around the World. Pt. 2
Narrated by actor, Sam Waterston, this documentary artfully relays the life of Saint Augustine, as well as the mission and domestic and international work of a group of Augustinians.
Video
God's Foot Soldiers - The Good Works of the Augustinians of Villanova Sharing their Mission in America and Around the World. Pt. 1
Narrated by actor Sam Waterston, this documentary artfully relays the life of Saint Augustine, as well as the mission and domestic and international work of a group of Augustinians.
Video
Catonsville Nine
Footage of the Catonsville Nine--a group of social activists and priests, including the Jesuit Berrigan brothers--protesting the Vietnam War.
Video
Join JVC
A brief description of the work and lives of the college-age volunteers of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC). JVC is an example of an organization putting the ideas of Catholic Social Justice into practice.
Video
Pedro Arrupe 5 of 5
A documentary made by Georgetown University on the life of the late Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Pedro Arrupe. Provides both an intriguing history of Arrupe and the dynamic time in which he lived and worked.
Video
Pedro Arrupe 4 of 5
A documentary made by Georgetown University on the life of the late Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Pedro Arrupe. Provides both an intriguing history of Arrupe and the dynamic time in which he lived and worked.
Video
Pedro Arrupe 3 of 5
A documentary made by Georgetown University on the life of the late Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Pedro Arrupe. Provides both an intriguing history of Arrupe and the dynamic time in which he lived and worked.
Video
Pedro Arrupe 2 of 5
A documentary made by Georgetown University on the life of the late Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Pedro Arrupe. Provides both an intriguing history of Arrupe and the dynamic time in which he lived and worked.
Video
Pedro Arrupe 1 of 5
A documentary made by Georgetown University on the life of the late Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Pedro Arrupe. Provides both an intriguing history of Arrupe and the dynamic time in which he lived and worked.
Video
EWTN Live - The History of the Jesuits - Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ w Fr. John Padberg, SJ - 03-30-2011
EWTN hosts an expert on Jesuit History.
Video
Video: Dorothy Day
This video briefly describes the character and actions of Catholic activist Dorothy Day. Click above to access this online resource for Live Jesus in Our Hearts: Revelation and the Old Testament. Revelation and the Old Testament is the first semester …
Video
Fr. James Groppi and the Historic 1967-68 Open Housing Campaign in Milwaukee
A non-audio clip providing footage of and information on Fr. James Groppi, a Milwaukee priest and winner of a Pacem In Terris Award.
Video
10 Principles in the Social Teaching of the Church
Through pictures and quotations, this video clip underscores the central tenets of Catholic Social Teaching.
Video
Catholic Relief Services - General Awareness Video
A video explaining the work of the Catholic Relief Services.
Video
Of Gods and Men (2010) Trailer
Trailer of an award winning movie about the true story of a group of Trappist monks in Algeria. The trailer provides an incisive glimpse into both the daily life of a monk and the difficulties encountered by the monks in …
Video
Digital Story - Bartolome de las Casas
This video contains readings from the journals of Bartholome de las Casas, the priest who helped alter the inhumane treatment of Native Americans by the colonizers.
Document
The Church, Social Ethics, and Politics
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a great introduction to the Church, social ethics and politics in the United States.
Document
Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 8
This rubric is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a guide for assessing students on projects about the Paschal Mystery, especially the role of community and member of the Church to live out their call to …
Document
Service and Justice: A Conversion of Heart
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses 5 stages in introducing service learning to a classrooom setting.
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Called to Holiness: Holiness in Modern Church Teaching
This article from the Living in Christ Series discusses holiness: what it is, who is called, and how to live it out. Both the Church and the people in it are holy.
Document
Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 8
This rubric is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a guide for assessing students on projects about the person of Jesus Christ, especially what it means to be his disciple.
Article
A Friend for Life
Editor's note: The names of the minors in this story have been changed to preserve confidentiality, in accordance with the wishes of Holy Cross Children's Services. DETROIT--When Tonya entered a youth detention home of the Holy Cross Children's Services …
Article
Highlights of Catholic Documents on Justice and Peace
Highlights of Catholic Documents on Justice and Peace The following link will take you to a PDF document that sumarizes many of the key points from Church documents addressing the social teachings of the Catholic Church. http://www.smp.org/Images/Complementary/Highlights.pdf
Article
Our Lady of Guadalupe: Icon of Justice
"Commitment to human life and dignity, to human rights and solidarity"; these are elements of what is commonly understood as social justice. In the Church today we have numerous "icons" we can look to in order to guide us in …
Article
January 22: Reflection on Roe vs. Wade
I walked with George the other day, And this is what he had to say: "If this is what its come to, then I'm glad that I've passed on. For the foundation laid so long ago apparently is gone. What …
Article
A Letter to Young People from the President of Saint Marys Press
Dear young friends, The recent, tragic events continue to leave us all shocked, confused, scared, and sorrowful. At this time, nothing is more important than to turn our hearts to Jesus. Perhaps, we can find comfort in the words of …
Article
A Christian Response to Violence, Part 2:
Pacifism: "We No Longer Learn War" How can we apply Jesus command to love our enemies when our whole nation has been attacked? Over the centuries, how Christians have attempted to apply Jesus teachings on violence to their lives has …
Article
A Christian Response to Violence, Part 1:
In the wake of the 11 September terrorist attacks, many people are calling for military retaliation against whatever group or country is ultimately found to be responsible. The desire to strike back at those who hurt us is understandable, but …
Article
Be At Peace Among Yourselves
"Be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thessalonians 5:13) "None of us is alone in this world; each of us is a vital piece of the great mosaic of humanity as a whole." (Pope John Paul II, Israel-Palestine) Think About That …
Article
On the Frontier of Justice in Ghana
"Africa has been the land of hope, salvation, and redemption. Abraham had come to Africa, Joseph from slave to savior. It was the land of refuge for Jesus and helped to carry his cross. Will we continue to dismiss Africa …
Article
Scenes from a Mexican Village
The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration sponsor a program called Global Awareness Through Experience. The GATE program offers a rich opportunity to get to know the realities of Mexico, something I have wanted to do for years. At a point …
Article
Patch Adams - Movie Reflection
Patch Adams is a great movie to use with students! It is the fact-based story of Hunter "Patch" Adams, the founder of the Gesundheit Clinic. Robin Williams plays the lead character with grace and skill. Synopsis: After spending some time …
Article
Curriculum Integration in Service Programs
How can you begin working toward curriculum integration with your service program? Consider the following principles as a good guide. Connections Get to know the curriculum in other content areas. Study the program of studies of your school. Look at …
Article
U.S. Students Work for Salvadoran Students
Katie Murphy visited El Salvador in the summer of 1999 as part of the Frontiers of Justice project, a learning opportunity for Catholic high school teachers cosponsored by Catholic Relief Services and the National Catholic Educational Association's Secondary Division. Her …
Article
Following the Spirit Down the (Yellow?) Brick Road
The road is really a five-foot wide path. The bricks are more dappled browns than yellow. But the journey does have a wizard and feisty little black terrier. And along the way we found our hearts, our minds, and our …
Article
Central Characteristics of Roman Catholicism
Catholicism is a remarkably rich religion, characterized by a complex tapestry of beliefs, practices, values, rituals, traditions, and more. When viewed "from the outside"--that is, by those who do not share its communal life--Catholicism is probably most frequently identified by …
Article
Everyday Works of Mercy
Are you more Christian than you give yourself credit for being? My belief is that there are many like that--that many dedicated Christian people have compartmentalized their lives and have excluded important and central areas of their lives from what …
Article
The Death Penalty and the Catholic Conscience
Some proponents say the death penalty is biblical: "an eye for an eye." This moral theologian shows how they are misreading the Bible. If someone murdered your child or closest friend, what punishment would you want for the criminal? If …
Article
The Spirituality of Work
Teachers who structure justice into their workday lives model a moral vision for their students. I requested a review copy of all religion textbooks used in Catholic high schools some years ago and scoured over 30 books looking for references …
Article
Peace: The Countercultural Value
Ours is a violent society. Furthermore, evidence strongly suggests that we are learning to accept violence as normal behavior. As a people, we appear to be increasingly indifferent to daily images of warfare, racial hatred and ethnic cleansing. Murder and …
Article
The Community Service Dimension
A high school senior leans over the shoulders of two 9-year-olds struggling with math homework in a tutoring program at the community center. Two students carry food baskets up the narrow flight of stairs to the residents of a housing …
Article
Columbine High's Selfless Heroes
The stories of Columbine's heroes rise like a "tide of inspiration" for this Denver mother. Starting the third laundry load, I pause, puzzled by a pin on my daughter's t-shirt. At 14, she tosses shirts into the hamper with glad …
Article
Dance: An Awakening
Ms. Sawaya Lamb teaches dance at Judge Memorial Catholic High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. Wagoner, a former technical director at Judge Memorial Catholic High School, is now assistant principal at Saint Vincent School in Salt Lake City. …
Article
Getting to the Heart of the Matter
Step 1: Look at the situation What exactly is happening? Why is it happening? Who is involved? What are their motives? How is it happening, that is, by what means or method? When and where is it happening? Step 2: …
Article
Service and Justice
We are standing on the brink, and our bishops are urging us to jump. Many of us don't know where we'll end up, and we aren't sure whether we'll land in one piece. Yet the sense of urgency is building, …
Article
A One-Day Retreat on Service in the Inner City
Our sophomore class day retreat focuses on finding spirituality in the inner city. It is a kind of "urban plunge" experience within a spiritual framework, and students go on this retreat during the same semester that they take a social …
Article
The Harvest Is Abundant: Reflections on a Spirituality of Service
Service is a golden word these days. Everybody's doing it: governmental bodies, schools, churches, even neighborhoods and families. Court sentencing frequently includes community service, the federal government holds service up as a value in programs such as Americorps, and state …
Article
Community Service Courses:
This past semester, at the end of a year-long service program at a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed youth, two students from my community service course wrote a poem to express the significance of their experiences. These are the …
Article
Expect Much, Praise Much, Be Present to Them
Course materials, such as the high school religion textbooks and teacher's manuals published by Saint Mary's Press, are a significant ingredient in the education of our young people. But we all know that the most important factor in a student's …
Article
Curriculum Offerings of Theology Departments
For a couple of years, Saint Marys Press sponsored a listserv discussion group online. Discussions on a variety of topics were pursued via e-mail. In this section of the web site, I summarize some of the highlights from these old …