"LORD, you are our father; we are the clay and you our potter: we are all the work of your hand."
~ Isaiah 64:7

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Life and Dignity of the Human Person

​The Catholic Social Teaching principle of Life and Dignity of the Human Person is rooted in our belief that every person is created in God’s image. This is the first of the themes, as all 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.

The Church’s efforts to protect and defend all human life at every stage and in every condition are inseparable from its belief in the dignity of the human person. 

Podcasts

Actions 

  • Advocate for public policies that respect human life from conception through natural death.
  • Stop conversations that are prejudicial (re: differences, diversity, racial, ethnic, and religious.)
  • As a family, cook a meal or bake for a loca homeless shelter or a friend in need; or serve a meal at a soup kitchen together.
  • Model and teach your children respect for the elderly, developmentally disabled, mentally ill, and physically disabled.

Talking to Children about Racism 

​Parents, teach children how special they really are!

God made every single one of us. This makes us incredibly special. It doesn’t matter who we are, who our friends are, what we own, or what we look like. What matters is that we are special because we are God’s creations. This means, also, that we must treat others with great respect and fairness because God made them too. (www.anneneuberger.com)

Speak to your child about bullying, tolerance, and befriending those with special needs. Don’t forget, the best tool you have is yourself! The greatest way to teach your child about respecting the life and human dignity of every person is to model it for them! Use these tools as great conversation starters! ​​
Children's Books
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor East
Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco
You Are Special by Max Lucado
Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki
Wonder by R.J. Palacio

​20 Picture Books for 2020: Readings to Embrace Race, Provide Solace & Do Good
​Movies
Horton Hears A Who (G)
Remember the Titans (PG) 
Happy Feet (PG)

Websites

Teaching CST: Life and Dignity
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