Rights and Responsibilities

Romans 12:6-8

We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Proverbs 31:8-9

Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Luke 12:48b

From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.

Psalm 82:3

Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.

Question 328: What can the individual contribute to the common good?

Working for the common good means assuming responsibility for others. The common good must be the business of everyone. This happens first of all when men get involved in their particular surroundings—family, neighborhood, workplace—and take responsibility. It is important also to exercise social and political responsibility. Someone who assumes this sort of responsibility, however, wields power and is always in danger of misusing that power. Therefore, everyone in a position of responsibility is called upon to engage in an ongoing process of conversion, so that he can exercise that responsibility for others in lasting justice and charity.

Question 65: What are human rights about specifically?

The fundamental human right is the right to life; this right exists from conception onward, since from that point in time the new human being already has the status of a separate person. Another human right is the right to freedom of opinion. Next, no human being can be denied the right to earn a living for himself and his family by his own work. The right to marry and start a family, to have children and raise them personally, is also a human right. The human right to choose and practice a religion freely is very important; there must be no compulsion in religious matters.

Question 66: What is the connection between rights and duties?

A person who exercises a human right at the same time also assumes duties and thus responsibilities toward others. Pope John XXIII comments in Pacem in terris (30): "To claim one's rights and ignore one's duties, or only half fulfill them, is like building a house with one hand and tearing it down with the other."

• Read the full text of St. Pope John XXIII's Encyclical Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) here.
• Check out the action starters at the Development and Peace website
• Use this lesson from Living Democracy with students Grade 6 and up.
• Help students from Grades 2-8 understand Rights and Responsibilities

For the Protection of Human Rights

God of all nations, in today’s world, many people live in poverty and unfair conditions. Bring your strength and healing to all those who suffer and are vulnerable. Grant us willing hearts and courageous spirits that are ready to work for justice and for the protection of human rights. Teach us how to live simply and not to excess that all people may have the basic needs of food, shelter, clothing, health and education. May rivers of justice flow through the earth as we seek to uphold the dignity and rights of all people and bring release to their suffering. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

A Prayer to Use Our Gifts Wisely

Lord God, all that we possess we have received from your loving hand. Help us to be thankful and to think of others. Fill us with wisdom and grant us generous, cheerful, and loving hearts that we may wisely and responsibly use our gifts for the benefit of our families and communities. May our service inspire generosity in others and strengthen your kingdom in justice and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayers by Michelle Hoogveld, District Chaplain

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

1. As I Have Done for You (Daniel Schutte)

2. Bread for the World (Bernadette Farrell)

3. City of God (Daniel Schutte)

4. Go Make a Difference (Angrisano/Tomaszek)

5. The Eyes and Hands of Christ (Tom Kendzia)

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.