Catholic Social Teaching

In EYFS, KS1 and KS2, we use the Caritas ‘Rooted in Love’ programme to support our teaching of Catholic Social Teaching. We focus on a different theme every half term. 'Rooted in Love' was developed in partnership with the Diocese of Westminster Education Service. It addresses the objectives relating to Catholic Social teaching from the new Religious Education Directory, including prayer and liturgy ideas around each theme as well as suggestions for bringing this work to life in the Catholic life and mission of the school.

The programme divides the principles into six areas. These are explained to the children and then we try to capture how we, as Christians, can live out these principals at St Michael’s.  These range from being part of Eco-Club, to being a Caritas Ambassador, from raising money for a specific charity to picking up litter on the playground, from being kind to our friends and speaking respectfully to others. The children understand that we behave in these ways because God has asked us to and we want to respond to his call and put love into action.

Dignity: God wants us to know how important it is that we treat others with dignity. God wants us to do this because we are all made in the image and likeness of Him.

Community and Participation: God tells us how we are made to live in community with one another and that we should be active members of the world in which we live.

Care of Creation: God calls us to look after the planet – to be Stewards of Creation.

Solidarity and Peace:   God asks us to be peacemakers, to try to make the world more peaceful, to help people in need and to help people to stop arguing.

Option for the Poor: This means allowing someone to have first choice. It means giving the poor the best that is available.  God calls us to look for those in need and to work hard to support them as best we can.

Dignity of Workers:​ God wants everyone to feel loved and respected and this means everyone should feel loved and respected at their job too.