What Are Catholics Called to Do?
Live the Gospel
Catholics are called to live the Gospel in their daily lives. This means loving God and neighbour, practising forgiveness and reconciliation, seeking justice, showing compassion to those in need, serving others generously and trusting in God with hope. In doing so, believers seek to reflect Christ in their actions and contribute to building a more just and caring society.
Pray and Worship
Prayer and worship are at the centre of Catholic life. Catholics gather for Mass to pray together, listen to Scripture and celebrate the Eucharist, remembering the Last Supper and Christ’s gift of love for the world. The Church teaches that the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.”
Service and Justice through Catholic Social Teaching
Catholics are also called to go out into the community and serve in God’s name. This call flows directly from Jesus’ commandment to “love one another as I have loved you”. It includes living with compassion, forgiveness and generosity, and working for justice and peace. These values are embodied in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, which are explained in the table below. Your child may participate in activities and fundraising that are based around these core principles.
| Principle | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Human Dignity | Every human life is sacred and each person has inherent dignity and worth. Human rights and responsibilities arise from this shared dignity. |
| The Common Good | Society should be organised so that all people can flourish. Catholics are called to work for a just society where the needs of all, especially the vulnerable and marginalised, are respected. |
| Subsidiarity | Decisions should be made at the most appropriate and local level possible. People and communities should be empowered to participate in decisions that affect their lives. |
| Solidarity | Human beings are interconnected and responsible for one another. Catholics are called to stand in unity with others, especially those who are disadvantaged or marginalised. |
| Preferential Option for the Poor | Particular concern should be given to those who are poor, vulnerable or excluded, ensuring their needs are prioritised in social and economic decisions. |
Stewardship of Creation | Catholics are called to care for the earth and protect the environment. Creation is a gift from God and humanity has a responsibility to safeguard it for future generations. |
Evangelisation
Evangelisation is another important dimension of Catholic life. The word “evangelisation” comes from the Gospel, meaning “Good News,” and refers to the mission of sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others. In Catholic schools, evangelisation often takes place through education, prayer, service and community life, helping young people encounter the message of the Gospel and understand how it can shape their lives.
Living the Mission of the Church
Through prayer, participation in the Sacraments, service to others and a commitment to social justice, Catholics seek to fulfil the Church’s mission: to proclaim the Gospel and build up the Kingdom of God in everyday life.
Reference List
- Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1997). Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
- Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. (2004). Vatican City: Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
- Evangelii Nuntiandi. (1975). Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Paul VI. Vatican City.
- Gravissimum Educationis. (1965). Declaration on Christian Education. Second Vatican Council. Vatican City.
- The Holy Bible. New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. (1989). Washington, DC: National Council of Churches.
- Together on the Alter https://www.togetheratonealtar.catholic.edu.au/live/living-the-gospel/
- Gaudium et Spes. (1965). Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World. Second Vatican Council. Vatican City.
- Laudato Si’. (2015). Encyclical Letter of Pope Francis on Care for Our Common Home. Vatican City.
- Sollicitudo Rei Socialis. (1987). Encyclical Letter of Pope John Paul II. Vatican City.
- Caritas Australia, Catholic Social Teaching Principles, https://cgcatholic.org.au/services-directory/councils-commissions/social-justice-commission/principles-of-catholic-social-teaching/
- Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. (2011). General Instruction of the Roman Missal (3rd ed.). Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
