Caritas identity and Catholic social doctrine

Caritas identity and Catholic social teaching

The identity of Caritas is based on the social teaching of the Catholic Church. Caritas’ values, mission and activities stem from the principles of Catholic social ethics. Of the ten principles of Catholic social teaching, human dignity, the common good, the principle of subsidiarity and solidarity are particularly central to Caritas’ activities. They form the identity of Caritas.

• Human dignity is the foundation of identity. It recognizes the unique value of each person and the right to be treated with respect.
• The common good and the principle of subsidiarity act as supporting pillars. The common good emphasizes the promotion of the well-being of all people, while the principle of subsidiarity highlights that the needs of communities and families are primary in relation to larger structures.
• Solidarity forms the peak, or ceiling, of identity. It means responsibility for the well-being of others and a commitment to helping those in need.

The Catholic Church’s tradition of relief work

Caritas’ work is rooted and inspired by the Bible and the Church’s tradition since its foundation. The Acts of the Apostles show how love was central to the life of the first Christian communities. They shared everything they had. “All who believed were together and had everything in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as anyone had need” (Acts 2:44-45)

In solidarity with the poor

Caritas’ conviction: the privilege of the poor, whom we are called to serve, follow and defend (Pope Francis) – is not just a choice but a spiritual and moral obligation

Caritas’ spirituality

The Kingdom of God is the horizon of Caritas. The wealth of Caritas does not lie in bank accounts or in the number of projects, employees or volunteers, but rather in Jesus Christ, who died and rose from the dead. We have faith in Christ, which helps us to build a community of prayer, fraternity and mutual support.

Caritas’ responsibility is to create places of encounter and support where meaningful experiences of love of neighbor can be shared, which is of utmost importance in building the Kingdom of God. Our treasure is the knowledge that communities are seeds of life, justice, affection and hope, through which the Lord transforms the world and the people in it from within.

How is the Caritas identity manifested in practice?

1. At the heart of parish life
2. Providing social services and empowering communities
3. Rapid response to disasters, saving lives and rebuilding communities
4. A “voice of the voiceless” advocating for change and peacebuilding
5. Networking and connecting people
6. Developing skills and strengthening capacities