Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching (CST)
At St Mary’s, Catholic Social Teaching (CST) forms a vital part of our educational ethos and mission. Rooted in our Mission Statement, CST guides our commitment to fostering a just, compassionate, and caring community. We try to integrate these teachings into every aspect of school life, encouraging our children to live out their faith through action and service.
Catholic Social Teaching emphasises the dignity of every human person, the importance of community and participation, and the responsibility to care for God’s creation. These principles are woven into our curriculum, school activities and CARITAS sessions, helping our children to develop a strong sense of social responsibility and a deep understanding of their role in the world. Through lessons, projects, and school-wide initiatives, we encourage our pupils to engage with issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental stewardship.
At St Mary’s, we actively promote the principles of CST through various activities. Our children participate in projects to serve that support local and global communities, such as food bank collections, environmental clean-ups, and fundraising for charitable causes. These experiences not only teach our children about the needs of others but also inspire them to become proactive, empathetic citizens who make a positive difference in the world.
In our classrooms, discussions and reflections on CST help pupils to connect their faith with real-world issues. By exploring topics such as human rights, economic justice, and environmental responsibility, our children gain a deeper understanding of how they can contribute to building a more just and compassionate society. Identified CST links are built in to our planning across the curriculum so that children are able to make links right across their learning.
Through our dedication to Catholic Social Teaching, St Mary’s nurtures hearts, minds, and spirits, preparing our pupils to live out their faith in meaningful ways. We strive to create a community where every person is valued, every voice is heard, and every action reflects the love and teachings of Christ.
Our staff use Caritas in Action produced by Salford Diocese to provide ideas for learning across the curriculum and they engage monthly in CARITAS assemblies leading to a CARITAS morning.