A. Maher • June 21, 2018

PRINCIPLES of SOCIAL TEACHING and the CATHOLIC CHURCH


1

Principle of ‘The Dignity of the Human Person’

  • Created in the image of God
  • Regardless of any differentiating characteristics
  • Simply being human establishes your dignity

2

Principle of ‘Respect for Human Life’

  • Right to life, from conception to natural death
  • Every stage of development and decline – worthy of respect and protection
  • Respect for the sacredness of life is part of a good and just society

3

Principle of ‘Association’

  • Tradition proclaims, the person is not just sacred but social
  • We organise our families – our politics – our economics – our laws
  • Association gives the individual the capacity to grow
  • Protect dignity and promote good

4

Principle of ‘Participation’

  • People have a right and a duty to participate society, to promote good and protect vulnerable
  • Work – form of continuing participation in God’s creation
  • Basic rights of workers to be protected, fair wage, right to organise and join unions

5

Principle of ‘Preferential Protection for the Poor and Vulnerable’

  • We will be judged on how we treat the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the homeless
  • WHY? Because the good of society as a whole requires it

6

Principle of ‘Solidarity’

  • We are one human family
  • Solidarity calls on us to respond
  • Not just with charitable works but towards Social Justice

7

Principle of ‘Stewardship’

  • Moral responsibility to look after our environment
  • Stewardship also relates to how we look after our personal health and how we use our talents

8

Principle of ‘Subsidiarity’

  • Responsibilities and limits of government
  • Restrict limits of higher authority only to that which is necessary

9

Principle of ‘Human Equality’

  • Equality of all persons comes from their essential dignity
  • Treating equals equally is one way of defining justice and fairness
  • Social and cultural discrimination in fundamental rights, – not compatible with God’s design

10

Principle of ‘The Common Good’

  • Social conditions allowing people to reach full potential and realise their human dignity
  • Opposite of unbridled individualism
  • Helps maintain balance, harmony and peace among groups, neighbours, regions and nations

From A Lenten Talk delivered by A. Maher on 28 March

By Webmaster • October 23, 2026
Saturday 28th November 10am – 3pm Attention, all stall holders, any volunteers, and anyone wishing to partake on the day! We are having a Christmas Fayre Planning Meeting at 7pm Wednesday 28th October in the Church Hall. If you are unable to attend, please contact Annette 07717756770. Urgently needed please: bottles, chocolates, board games (complete!), jigsaws (complete!), bric-a-brac, jewellery… Box for items in the narthex. Items can be collected – please contact Annette. Thank you for any and all support you can lend
By Webmaster • October 23, 2026
NDL envelopes are in the narthex for you to include your deceased loved ones and an offering for prayers during November and, in our parish, for the next year.
By Webmaster • October 23, 2026
This year the Holy Day celebration falls on Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November. Get your children and teens to dress in WHITE in honour of their Onomastic Saint, Confirmation Saint, or other Patron Saint – And feel free to set them an example! ALL SOULS Not a Holy Day of Obligation! Monday 2nd November. Mass at 12 noon and 6pm
By Webmaster • October 23, 2026
The programme is open to baptized children in Year 6 and above plus those who will be confirmed at Easter as agreed. The plan is to start before Christmas. Parents, please let me have your child’s details and your email address after Mass. Thank you
By Webmaster • October 23, 2026
OVER 60s Next meeting on Monday 2nd November. SWAP SHOP! Bring along one, two, or three items, in good condition, that you would like to swap with the group – NOT your spouse!  Followed by a GROUP GAME hosted by Liz G
By Webmaster • October 23, 2026
Prayer for Deceased Clergy (October) Please pray for the repose of the souls of our departed brethren 24th Rev Michael B Conlin 1992 25th Rev William O’Grady 1970 25th Rev Patrick Roche 1985 Rev Philip Catcheside IC 1989 26th Rev Paul J White 1976 Very Rev Canon John Mullane 1982 Rev Anthony Wilkinson 2010 27th Very Rev Canon Charles Leteux 1933 Rev Dennis O’Mahoney 1973 28th Rev James Reynolds 1955 Rev James Power 1988 29th Rev Sean Casey 1966 Rev William Backhouse 1970 31st Rev John O’Shaughnessy 1944
By Webmaster • October 23, 2026
Finding the Voice of Christ Friday 30th October to Sunday 1st November . If you have booked to go and would like to pay the balance of £180 beforehand, contact  The Briery 01943 607287. Please remember you need to take your own towels – that or share!
By Webmaster • October 17, 2026
St Peter & St Paul’s SVP would like to thank all our parish for their supportive interest in our recent displays and lectern awareness appeal. Gregory is kindly allowing us to resume our Weekend After-Mass Collections from late October whenever there is no other special collection. You can help us so much with the increasing needs in our parish and local communities. The SVP wall collection box (just to the left of the main doors as you go out) is also there for donations at any time. Many thanks to you all in our parish. God bless
By Webmaster • October 17, 2026
WINE CALL MY BLUFF Friday 23RD OCTOBER (for 18+) LAST CHANCE Tickets In Advance Only, Please (Or call Annette by Wednesday 07717756770) Adults £17.50, Students (18+) £12.50, Non-Drinkers £7.50 Raffle prizes gratefully received
By Webmaster • October 17, 2026
October: For mental health ministry Let us pray that mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.
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