The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, a unique, unprecedented document in the history of the Church, serves as a tool to inspire and guide the faithful who are faced with moral and pastoral challenges daily. It is divided into five sections, an introduction, three parts, and a conclusion entitled For a Civilization of Love. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church is a must-have resource for leaders of social ministry at the diocesan and parish level as well as those in religious education, school, and youth and young adult ministry.

"How does God call you to make a difference in the world?” That provocative question is at the heart of the video In the Footsteps of Jesus: Catholic Social Teaching at Work Today. Divided into two sections, one presents a comprehensive overview of the seven themes of Catholic social teaching, and another highlights each of the themes through portraits of eight extraordinary individuals, who share their personal stories of confronting injustice, promoting peace, and living out Catholic social teaching. Ideal for individual or group use, suited for youth through adult education.

This parish resource includes lesson plans, program suggestions, prayer services, and a bibliography of resources to accompany the video In the Footsteps of Jesus.

In this thoughtful reflection, the bishops present a compelling explanation of how Catholic social teaching is central to keeping the Church strong and true to the Gospel demand “to bring glad tidings to the poor.” The work highlights the seven major themes of Catholic social teaching—from life and dignity of the human person to care for God’s creation—and provides workable recommendations for incorporating the themes into all forms of Catholic education and formation.

Portrays 100 years of Catholic social teaching, from Rerum Novarum to the groups and individuals working for social justice today.

A companion to the bishop’s reflection on the central role of Catholic social teaching in the life of the Church, this leader’s guide provides a flexible resource for infusing Catholic social teaching into a variety of programs and activities. In three easy-to-follow sessions, the guide helps familiarize leaders with Catholic social teaching; helps them integrate those teachings into formational activities; and engages children, youth, and adults to act on the teaching in both charitable service and action for justice. Designed for religious educators at the diocesan and parish levels, the guide also has ideas for study and reflection by anyone committed to incorporating Catholic social teaching in their own faith formation programs.

The principles of Catholic social teaching gain weight when accompanied by effective action. In this volume, the seven themes of Catholic social teaching are presented with a challenge to today’s faithful to put those principles to work at home, in the parish and throughout the community. Featuring enlightening excerpts from papal encyclicals, together with examples of how groups nationwide are living the themes, this work is a motivational resource for all who follow the call of justice.

Reflects on the heritage, principles, and practice of Catholic social teaching.

Employing the powerful biblical imagery of water, this video presentation travels across the country and chronicles the spirit of Catholic social teaching, lived out through CCHD. For parishes, schools, educational workshops, catechetical and catechumenate programs, campus and young adult ministry, small faith communities, and any setting where people are seeking to put their faith into action. Study guide included.

Explains CCHD’s mission based on Catholic social teaching.

Take the pledge to help break the cycle of poverty with these colorful cards. Give them out to any parish-based group such as your youth group, small faith community, or religious education class.

Pin-on buttons with the CCHD theme “If You Want Peace, Work for Justice.”

Prominently displays the CCHD theme “If You Want Peace, Work for Justice.”

This small-group sharing booklet—the first in the five-volume Faith Sharing series—prepares the way for adults to enter into and grow in awareness of the rich social justice tradition of the Church. Through weekly sessions, groups explore the seven themes of Catholic social teaching, including life and dignity of the human person; the call to family, community, and participation; rights and responsibilities of the human person; preferential option for and with the poor and vulnerable; dignity of work and the rights of workers; solidarity; and care for God’s creation. Each weekly session begins with a Gospel reading, followed by a short reflection. Focus questions initiate group discussions—and suggested actions impel participants to live out their learning.

Book 2 in the Faith Sharing series focuses on “the call to family, community, and participation” as a theme of Catholic social teaching. Designed for small-group use, the booklet guides participants through an exploration of such topics as values taught in families; the relationship of family to the broader community; what makes for a healthy community; and the effects of racism and discrimination on our families and community. Although designed to be used after Book 1 in the series, any small faith group desiring formation on the topic of Catholic social teaching will find it beneficial.

Book 3 in the Faith Sharing series highlights the special place held by the poor and vulnerable in Catholic social teaching. In six weekly sessions, group participants will discuss and explore such theme-related topics as the source of life; dignity of the human person; human dignity and human rights; empowerment; and the wonder of human life. The final session focuses on the work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the education and action program of the bishops aimed at bringing a lasting end to poverty and social injustice in the United States.

Book 4 in the Faith Sharing series leads small groups through an examination of the theme in Catholic social teaching centering on preferential options for and with the poor. As Christians, we are called to respond to the needs of all our sisters and brothers, but those with the greatest need require the greatest response. In these six weekly sessions, group participants will examine subsets of this theme of Catholic social teaching, such as human beings as images of God; the sacred covenant with God; the pursuit of justice; and the scriptural foundations of preferential option for the poor—to speak for the voiceless and defend the defenseless.

Book 5 in the Faith Sharing series offers small group members the opportunity to explore Catholic social teaching on the theme of solidarity with the poor. Materials presented in the book guide participants through six weekly sessions, discussing and exploring such related topics as the meaning and scriptural basis of solidarity; the virtue of solidarity with the one human family; who carries the responsibility of solidarity; the work of solidarity and the difference between direct service and social justice; and the fruit of solidarity—advancing mercy, justice, and peace.