Caritas is... Love in action
“When our hearts are open to universal communion, this… exclude nothing and no one.”
– Pope Francis: Laudato Si’ #92
Our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty. Following in the footsteps of Christ, we hope to make present in our unjust and broken world, the justice, love, and peace of God.
The Caritas in Action document has been produced by Salford Diocese as a response to Catholic Social Teaching, which calls us all to work for the common good, help build a just society, uphold the dignity of human life and work for justice and the dignity of all our brothers and sisters, especially those in the greatest need. Our children are taught SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education) through their learning and with the support of the Caritas in Action document. It is fundamental that all children are to be spiritually, morally, socially and culturally educated.
What do Caritas do?
- Caritas is a charity which helps the most needy without judgement
- Caritas are the “home” charity of the Diocese of Salford
- They have over 24 different projects spread across the Diocese
- Caritas work closely with CAFOD and many other partners and charities
- They are part of CSAN and Caritas International
What does the word Caritas mean?
- It means LOVE
- A special kind of love – charitable love for humankind
- It comes from the Latin language
- Leads us to Faith in Action
What are the themes of Caritas in Action?
1. Dignity of the Human Person
Every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, every person’s life and dignity must be respected and supported from conception until the end of their natural life on Earth.
The Faith Group have encouraged us to…
- Enjoy spending time with members of our family
- Reach out to members of our community
- Pray for the members of our global family who are victims of conflict
2. Family and Community
The human person is not only sacred, but social. How society is organised, be it socially, economically, legally or politically has a direct impact on the dignity and growth of every human person and community. Marriage and family should be supported and strengthened. Every person has a right to work to support themselves and their families as well as the building up of the common good for all.
The Faith Group have encouraged us to…
- Show respect to everyone in our family.
- Share our sorrows and our success with each other.
- Show respect to those in our community.
- Pray for those who are suffering.
3. Solidarity and the Common Good
We are all People of God, one family. Therefore what happens to one has an impact on all, locally, nationally and globally. At the heart of solidarity is the pursuit of peace and justice. Our love for all calls us to work for a peaceful and just society where everyone has a fair share of the goods needed for a sustainable life, and opportunities for growth and development are offered equally. The dignity of every person is respected.
The Faith Group have encouraged us to…
- Show respect to everyone in our family.
- Share our sorrows and our success with each other.
- Show respect to those in our community.
- Pray for those who are suffering.
4. Rights & Responsibilities
Every person has a fundamental right to life. It is this right that makes all other rights possible. Everyone has the right to food, health care, housing, education and employment. We all need to strive to secure and respect these rights for others both locally and globally.
The Faith Group encourages us to…
- Pray with our families that all people have their needs met including the right to life, food, clothing, shelter, rest, medical attention, security in case of sickness or inability to work through old age etc.
- Help us to recognise our responsibilities as well as our rights.
- We pray that all people’s human rights are respected across the world and people are given their fair share of the worlds resources.
5. Option for the Poor & Vulnerable
Society is judged on how it cares for the poor and vulnerable – our brothers and sisters. We read in scripture how God has a special concern for the oppressed, poor, vulnerable and those forced to the margins of society. The Church calls us to respond to the cry of the poor and put their needs first. This preferential treatment for the poor and vulnerable must be seen in action in our daily lives.
The Faith Group encourage us to…
- Pray with your families for those who are vulnerable and who do not have enough that they may have all their needs met.
- Help us to recognise our responsibility to help those who are poor and vulnerable.
- We pray that all people are respected across the world and people are given their fair share of the worlds resources
6. Dignity of Work
Work is a way in which we can continue to participate in God’s creation. Work gives dignity to life and must be carried out in such a way that the basic rights of workers are respected. Everyone has the right to productive work, to fair and liveable wages, and to organise and join a union. The economy must be conducted so that it serves the needs of the people.
7. Stewardship
The world God has created for us has been entrusted to everyone and we are responsible and accountable to God as stewards of the earth. The world has been given to us as a gift, to enjoy and care for so that future generations can enjoy it too. It is in caring for creation that we show our love and respect for its creator.