Catholic Social Teaching

Whether we are helping meet our client’s most basic needs or advocating for social change to reduce poverty in America, our Catholic values, teachings, and traditions provide the foundation for the work we do at Catholic Charities of Central Florida. 

We are called to witness the love of God through compassionate care of all God’s children and to work prophetically, as Jesus did in his time, to build a more just and equitable society. Our mission is rooted in the seven principals of Catholic social teaching listed below:

1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person
   The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.
   
   
2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation
   We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
   
   
3. Rights and Responsibilities
   Every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency.
   
   
4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
   A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. Our tradition instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.
   
   
5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
   The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation.
   
   
6. Solidarity
   We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world.
   
   
7. Care for God's Creation
   We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation.

To learn more about Catholic Social Teaching visit The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching.