Catholic Social Teaching Education & Engagement

Catholic Social Teaching offers a rich foundation for education, reflection, and action in parish life. Whether your parish is just beginning to explore Catholic Social Teaching or is ready to engage more deeply with specific issues affecting your community, The Dorothea Project offers resources to support you at every stage.

Catholic Social Teaching

Levels of Engagement

The resources below are organized by levels of parish engagement, helping parish leaders identify what may be most appropriate for their community at this time.

First Encounters

Level One

For parishes that are new to Catholic Social Teaching or have limited exposure beyond a few familiar issues. These resources offer gentle, accessible entry points.

Explore Level One Resources

Introductory Formation

Level Two

For parishes that have some familiarity with Catholic Social Teaching and are ready to offer structured education or a short learning series.

Explore Level Two Resources

Deep Study & Action

Level Three

For parishes with engaged leaders or ministries seeking deeper study, issue-based engagement, and opportunities for action rooted in Catholic Social Teaching.

Explore Level Three Resources

Discernment Questions for Parish Leaders

If your parish is considering offering education or ministry around the themes of Catholic Social Teaching, the following questions may be helpful as you review available resources. They are intended to support thoughtful discernment as parishes explore educational or ministerial resources. Additionally, all resources you will find on this page have been carefully vetted using these questions.

Catholic Social Teaching calls us to uphold the dignity of every human person. Consider whether this resource reflects that wholeness, or whether it narrowly focuses on select issues while overlooking others.

Effective Catholic Social Teaching formation invites reflection and response. Consider whether this resource encourages meaningful action within your parish or local community.

Catholic Social Teaching invites us to meet immediate needs through charity while also addressing the root causes of injustice. Consider whether this resource supports both dimensions.

Some resources are designed as introductory overviews, while others assume prior knowledge. Identifying the appropriate level can help ensure the resource is accessible and effective.

Consider whether this resource is intended for broad parish-wide use or for deeper formation among a smaller leadership or ministry group.

LEVEL ONE

First Encounters

Level One resources are designed for parishes that are new to Catholic Social Teaching or have limited exposure beyond a few familiar issues. These materials offer gentle, accessible entry points that help introduce the language, principles, and breadth of Catholic Social Teaching without requiring prior experience.

Also consider these basic reading materials on Catholic Social Teaching.

Foundational Level One Reading & Teaching

Overview of Catholic Social Teaching Documents

A short introduction to the key Church documents that shape Catholic Social Teaching.

Abstract of Catholic Social Teaching Documents

A summarized overview of the modern Catholic Social Teaching tradition and its development.

USCCB Teachings on Immigration

Resources outlining what the Church teaches regarding immigration and immigration reform.

The Cabrini Pledge

Information and resources for prayerful reflection and response to those under attack in our country.

Visual & Social Media Resources

Direct from the USCCB, the materials here are easy to share on social media.

Parish Bulletin & Communications Resources

In development

LEVEL TWO

Introductory Formation

Level Two resources support parishes ready to offer introductory education on Catholic Social Teaching through structured learning and group reflection.

We also invite you to deep dive USCCB sourced documents.

Note: Parishes with a Formed.org subscription may find CST 101 easier to access through that platform.

Additional Level Two Formation & Learning Resources

CST 101 (USCCB / CRS)

An introductory video series with reflection questions exploring the foundations of Catholic Social Teaching. Available through the USCCB website, Catholic Relief Services website, and Formed.org.

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

A comprehensive reference that brings together the Church’s social teaching in one place, offering deeper context and theological grounding for those leading or facilitating Catholic Social Teaching formation.

Hispanic ministry–specific CST resources

Resources designed to support Catholic Social Teaching formation within Hispanic and multicultural parish communities, including materials available in Spanish.

The Ignatian Solidarity Network

Educational and formation resources rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, supporting parishes and ministries through study, reflection, and action. Subscription-based access is available.

LEVEL THREE

Deep Study & Action

Level Three resources are designed for parishes with engaged leaders or ministries seeking deeper formation and opportunities to connect Catholic Social Teaching with concrete issues and action within their communities.

Helpful Links:

Education for Justice
The Death Penalty
Care for Our Common Home
Racism
Responding to Poverty (Local & Global)
Curriculums
- JustFaith Ministries (Catholic edition)
- DOCAT (Do Catechism)

Additional Level Three Formation & Learning Resources

Justice for Immigrants

A comprehensive initiative of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offering education, prayer, and pastoral resources to support ministry with immigrants and refugees.

You Are Not Alone

A USCCB initiative supporting accompaniment and pastoral care for immigrants and their families during challenging times, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and human dignity.

Comprehensive Formation Programs

Structured formation programs designed to support deeper study, reflection, and action rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. These programs are best suited for committed parish groups or ministries. Please see Helpful Links for direct links.

Issue-Based Learning & Outreach

Resources to support deeper learning and parish engagement around specific issues addressed through Catholic Social Teaching. Please see Helpful Links for direct links.

Share What’s Worked in Your Parish

Have you used a Catholic Social Teaching resource or program that has been effective in your parish? We welcome recommendations so we can share trusted resources with others.

Submit a Resource Recommendation