Catholic social teaching emphasizes that the human person is sacred — but also social. We were meant to live, grow and flourish in community. Even the author of Genesis reminded us that God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” We are created for each other.
Spirituality, friendship and service are the core values that nurture the society’s call to grow community through personal relationships,” said Smith. “Establishing everything we do in our desire to know and grow in God’s love allows us to reach out to others, our friends and neighbors of all kinds, in a spirit of mutual respect and support.”
The social teaching of the Church goes beyond merely acts of charity, as important as those acts are. The U.S. bishops, in their pastoral letter, “Economic Justice for All,” remind us that “economic and social policies as well as organization of the work world should be continually evaluated in light of their impact on the strength and stability of family life.”
“Each of you as a good manager must use the gift that God has given you to serve others”
1 Peter 4:10
“We need one another to see”. This is a shocking experiance of St. Paul. He is so traumatised by the reality of what he encountered on the road to Damascus that he is rendered blind by the experience. His unwillingness to see Jesus for who and what he is becomes physical, and he is temporarily blinded.
When it comes to God, we are all blind. It does not matter how holy, intelligent, or deeply imbued with the experience of God we are; the fact is that in this lifetime, we can only ever scratch the surface of who God is. Recognising this brings a degree of humility into any discussion of God and God’s ways. It also raises a question: if each of us is blind when it comes to experiencing or understanding God, how can anything be said about God at all?
It can be done because we belong to one another. We do not come to God only as individuals. Among other things, the Church exists to remind us of the centuries upon centuries of experience and insights gathered from people like you and me. Individually you and I have very little to say about God. Collectively, we stand on the shoulders of the many holy men and women who have walked this road before us. Their combined wisdom provides us with a map we can follow. We are not alone.
For this reason, we can say that Catholicism is not a religion of the individual; at least, not primarily. It is a religion of communion, where the individual is welcomed into a family and has access to all that family’s resources
Catholics, like adherents of many other religious traditions, are encouraged to belong to a faith community for several reasons:
- Spiritual Support: Being part of a faith community provides spiritual support and guidance. It offers a sense of belonging and connection to a group of people who share similar beliefs and values. This support can be particularly helpful during difficult times or when individuals are seeking answers to spiritual questions.
- Worship and Sacraments: Faith communities, such as Catholic churches, provide a place for regular worship and the celebration of sacraments. Attending Mass, receiving the Eucharist, and participating in other sacraments like confession and baptism are central to Catholic faith and practice.
- Learning and Formation: Faith communities often offer educational opportunities, such as Sunday school, Bible studies, and religious education programs. These help Catholics deepen their understanding of their faith, Scripture, and Church teachings.
- Moral and Ethical Guidance: Catholic faith communities provide a framework for moral and ethical decision-making based on Catholic teachings. Being part of a community can help individuals navigate complex moral issues and receive guidance from clergy and fellow believers.
- Fellowship and Community: Belonging to a faith community provides a sense of community and fellowship. It offers opportunities to build meaningful relationships, share life experiences, and support one another in both spiritual and practical ways.
- Service and Outreach: Catholic communities are often engaged in charitable and social justice activities. Being part of a faith community allows individuals to participate in these initiatives, helping them live out their faith through acts of service and outreach to those in need.
- Tradition and Ritual: Catholicism is rich in tradition and ritual, and participating in these rituals within a faith community can be a source of spiritual nourishment and connection to the broader Catholic tradition.
- Accountability and Growth: Being part of a faith community can encourage personal accountability and spiritual growth. Community members can hold one another accountable for living according to their faith and provide encouragement for personal development.
- Witness and Evangelism: By belonging to a faith community, Catholics have the opportunity to be witnesses to their faith and to share it with others. This can be a form of evangelism, where they invite others to explore Catholicism and its teachings.
It’s important to note that while belonging to a faith community can offer many benefits, the depth of involvement can vary from person to person. Some Catholics may be deeply engaged in their faith community, while others may have a more casual or occasional participation.
Ultimately, the decision to belong to a faith community is a personal one and can depend on individual beliefs, preferences, motivation and circumstances.