Theme #1: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

Catholic social teaching is based on and inseparable from our understanding of human life and human dignity. Every human being is created in the image of God and redeemed by Jesus Christ, and therefore is invaluable and worthy of respect as a member of the human family. Every person, from the moment of conception to natural death, has inherent dignity and a right to life consistent with that dignity. Human dignity comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment.

In a world warped by materialism and declining respect for human life, 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. Our belief in the sanctity of human life and the inherent dignity of the human person is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and assisted suicide. The value of human life is being threatened by increasing use of the death penalty. The dignity of life is undermined when the creation of human life is reduced to the manufacture of a product, as in human cloning or proposals for genetic engineering to create "perfect" human beings. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.

Other Current Relevant Topics (not complete)

Abuse

Physical, Mental, Verbal

Mentally ill

Elderly                                                                                    
Stem Cell Research

            Discrimination

                        Racism

                        Sexism

                                    Pornography

                        Religious Persecution

                        Terrorism

            Poverty (International & Domestic)

                        Homelessness

            Modern-Day Slavery (Human Trafficking)

                        Forced Prostitution

Our faith calls us beyond knowledge of the issue to action…

Suggestions for actions

1)    Pray

2)    Become educated

Visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website at www.usccb.org and click on the Social Justice link for resources

3)    Incorporate into your daily lives

Examine your activities and use CST themes to direct your actions

4)    Volunteer - do works of charity

Here are some local organizations that need your help:

Casa Youth Shelter, 10911 Reagan Street, Los Alamitos, (562) 594-6825

Precious Life Shelter, 10881 Reagan Street, Los Alamitos, (562) 431-5025

Self-Help Interfaith Program (SHIP), Jan 29-Feb 12, volunteer to provide dinner for 6-8 homeless people and stay to eat with them.  This is a one-time commitment.  Check the bulletin next week or contact Loni Nguyen (562-307-2234) for details.

            You can also research any of the above topics to find local volunteer opportunities.

5)    Become an activist - do works of justice

Find a cause that you are passionate about and work to change policy or laws to address the problem’s root cause.

Comments and questions are welcome at http://learncst.blogspot.com

You can also submit them in the “CST” envelope at the back of the church.