Dignity of Work

1 Corinthians 3:8

The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each.

Matthew 25:40

And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’

John 13:16

Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them.

Question 329: How does social justice come about in a society?

Social justice comes about where the inalienable dignity of every person is respected and the resulting rights are safeguarded and championed without reservation. Among these is also the right to active participation in the political, economic, and cultural life of the society.

Question 134: What does it mean for a human being to work?

To be able to work, to have work, and to be able to accomplish something for oneself and for others is a great source of happiness for many people. To be unemployed, not to be needed, takes the dignity away from a person. Through work, man develops his inclinations and abilities and participates in economic, societal and cultural development. Work plays a major role in God's plan. God commanded man to subdue the earth (Gen 1:28), to protect and cultivate it. Work can be a valuable service to one's fellowmen. Even more: to cultivate the earth in a sustainable way and creatively to develop its further potential makes man like his Creator. Doing simple tasks well also unites a person with Jesus, who was a worker himself.

• Help young students identify the different kinds of work they see in their community and invite them to create a collage of workers.
• For older students, visit www.maquilasolidarity.org for ideas.
• Check out the Development and Peace website for activities on the economy
• For older students, introduce the idea of fair trade by clicking here.
• Invite in 10,000 Villages to your school to teach about fair trade and the choices we have as consumers.
• Pray the Prayer of St. Joseph together. Click here for a copy.
• Read Saint Pope John Paul II's Encyclical Laborem Exercens (On Human Work)

In Appreciation of Work

Lord God, you call us to the dignity of work just as you called Adam and Eve to subdue the earth and sent Jesus to do the work of your kingdom.

We thank you for the gift of work and for the way it serves us as a means to human freedom and fulfillment.

As we strive to carry out our vocation and care for creation, may we practice sincere charity to our brothers and sisters and advance the spread of the kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer by Michelle Hoogeveld, District Chaplain

If you are interested in preparing a liturgy or staff meeting around this Catholic Social Teaching, please consider these songs:

1. Tend the Ground (Curtis Stephan)

2. Come to the Water (John Foley)

3. For the Fruits of This Creation (Fred Pratt Green)

4. Lord, You Have Come/Pescador de Hombres (Cesário Gabaráin)

5. Parable (M.D. Ridge)

All titles are found in Breaking Bread 2019 and are permitted for reprint with One License. Click on the song title to listen to a sample. Songs researched by Andreas Berko, Consultant, Fine and Performing Arts.

Created by Nancy Krar, Secondary ELA Consultant, these posters are intended to create discussion around books and lessons in Catholic Social Teachings. The idea is to print the poster and then create a display of books around the theme or concept. Click the image to the left for other ideas.