Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching (or CST) is a modern tradition composed of official Church statements on social, political, economic and environmental issues concerned with protecting the dignity and well-being of all persons; promoting just relations within societies; and informing ethical choices that serve in the preservation of the natural world.

What is “the common good”?

The concept of the common good has a long history dating back to ancient Greek philosophy, but in essence its definition is brief. The common good refers to:

“The sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment.” (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium Et Spes, Pope Paul VI, 1965)

People have access to their own fulfillment when they have the provisions needed for safe and healthy living – food, shelter, and clothing – but also quality education and meaningful jobs, affordable healthcare and trusted childcare.

When all have access to the common good, then all can participate in the common good, creating fair and just relations between individuals.

Niagara University and Catholic Social Teaching

Inspired by the works of St. Vincent de Paul and committed to meeting the needs of the 21st century, Niagara University is engaged in research, teaching and service to make a positive impact on the greater society. Niagara’s mission is not limited to any one sector of the university. Our pledge is to guide the development of the mind, body, and spirit of all students at the University, and every single person who works here has a part in that.