Subsidiarity

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Matthew 7:12

In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.

James 2:15-17

If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.

Question 323: How can the individual be integrated into society in such a way that he nevertheless can develop freely?

The individual can develop freely in society if the “principle of subsidiarity” is observed. The principle of subsidiarity, which was developed as part of Catholic Social Teaching, states:

What individuals can accomplish by their own initiative and efforts should not be taken from them by a higher authority. A greater and higher social institution must not take over the duties of a subordinate organization and deprive it of its competence. Its purpose, rather, is to intervene in a subsidiary fashion (thus offering help) when individuals or smaller institutions find that a task is beyond them.

Question 95: What does the principle of subsidiarity involve?

Every societal task is always assigned in the first place to the smallest possible group that can perform it. A group at a higher level may assume responsibility only if the smaller association is not capable of resolving the problem. If the smaller association needs help, however, the higher level must help. This principle of subsidiarity is supposed to strengthen the freedom of the individual and of groups and associations and prevent too much centralization. Private initiative should be encouraged, because being able to help oneself is an important component of the dignity of the human person.

• Click here to go to povertycure.org for examples of subsidiarity in action, scripture and Catholic Social Teachings.
• Subsidiarity exists in classrooms when we provide students choice - allowing them to show what they know in the best way they see fit is an example of subsidiarity.
• The principle of subsidiarity was first formulated by Pope Pius XI's Encyclical Quadragesimo Anno (In the 40th Year).

Help us, Lord, to see the value, the inspiration and the joy in other people’s lives even when they don’t echo our own. Creator and guide, we remember all young people in all of their communities. Remind us that it is too easy for us to judge to decide how others should feel. Enable us to enable others to live their own lives in their own cultures, having fun and living life to the full. We ask this through Jesus Christ your son whom you sent to empower each of us in dignity and peace. Amen.

(adapted from Stephen Davies, CAFOD)

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

1. Blest Are They (David Haas)

2. The Cry of the Poor (John Foley)

3. Lead Me Lord (Becker)

4. We Are Called (David Haas)

5. You Are the Healing (Scott Soper)

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.