By: CCWVa staff members, Bill Hagy and Micah Underwood
In this post, we shared why we’re called Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa). Now, we invite you to learn more about what that means in practice. How does our Catholic identity inform how we serve our community, connect with our neighbors, and build relationships with people from all walks of life?
Catholic Social Teaching is the foundation of CCWVa’s work, guiding us to promote human dignity and the common good across the state, making a tangible difference in the lives of the people we serve.
In this post and the series to follow, we’ll explore the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching and how our work (and the way we do that work) brings those values to life.
What is Catholic Social Teaching?
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, it is “a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society.” The teachings apply broadly to our lives and are grounded in Scripture and tradition. They come to us through centuries of Church leaders and teachers like the Gospel writers, St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, and even modern popes like John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis.
The seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching guide us toward living in more just and loving relationships with each other and the world around us:
1. Life & Dignity of the Human Person. CCWVa respects the inherent dignity of every person by addressing poverty, homelessness, and hunger through services that uphold and value life.
2. Dignity of Work & the Rights of Workers. CCWVa emphasizes the importance of fair wages and dignified work for individuals and families through job training and employment support.
3. Solidarity. CCWVa fosters unity and compassion across diverse communities within West Virginia. We stand with individuals from diverse backgrounds with the goal of building a just and inclusive society.
4. Option for the Poor & Vulnerable. CCWVa prioritizes people who are in greatest need by offering tailored assistance to marginalized populations, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
5. Rights & Responsibilities. By advocating for social justice and providing access to resources such as food, housing, and healthcare, CCWVa works to ensure all basic rights are protected while promoting mutual responsibility.
6. Call to Family, Community & Participation. CCWVa supports families and fosters community through programs like family counseling and community outreach initiatives, encouraging active participation in society.
7. Care for God’s Creation. CCWVa incorporates environmental stewardship by promoting sustainable practices within its operations and encourages care for the environment as part of a holistic mission throughout all internal programs and operations.
While our Catholic identity guides what we do and how we do it, we serve people from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions. The impact of our work transcends any one church or religion just as the principles of Catholic Social Teaching resonate with people who have a wide range of beliefs. This work unites us in pursuit of a community where we all have what we need to be happy and healthy and reach our full potential.
Over the rest of this series, we’ll dig deeper into each of these principles and what they look like in our work throughout the Mountain State. We’ll also share resources on how you can find help or get involved as a volunteer, donor, or advocate.
To learn more about Catholic Charities West Virginia, our programs, and our impact, explore our website, subscribe to our e-newsletter, and keep reading our Mission Moments blog.
