Catholic Social Teaching (CST) offers a compelling vision of a just society rooted in the dignity of the human person and the common good, providing a framework to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and the climate crisis. By applying the principles of CST, young people in diocesan Catholic schools can help to create a fairer society that prioritises the needs of the poor and marginalised, with students actively engaging in social issues, and exploring how their actions align with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The principles of Catholic Social Teaching are being embedded in diocesan Primary and Secondary schools in two ways through CYMFed’s “Faith in Action Award” and “The Oscar Romero Award”. The children, young people and schools who engage in
these award schemes are encouraged to act with love and justice in their communities, making the world a better place for everyone. You can find out more about CST by visiting CAFOD and CSAN’s websites:
To date, more than 3,000 children and young people have taken part in the Faith in Action Award (FiA) in Catholic Social Teaching our Diocese with the Award run in many diocesan schools. Supported by CYMFed, the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation of England and Wales, the Award aims to help young people to connect their life and faith in a tangible way, through service to others. Young people across the Diocese are already following Jesus' example by serving others in their schools and parishes. The Faith in Action Award builds on this, encouraging them to undertake acts of service in their wider community and accept greater responsibility for their faith.
FiA is for young people aged 10-18 (Year 6 to Year 13). It has four levels, with primary and secondary school students completing the Pin Award, which deepens their understanding of what it means to belong to God’s family, through to the Gold Award, which requires ongoing commitment to active service through innovative acts of service beyond their local parish and school.
We currently have 11 primary and 6 secondary schools involved in the process this year. This will equate to approximately 150 students achieving a range of Pin, Bronze, Silver & Gold badges from across Surrey & Sussex.
Each level of the Award programme encourages an exploration of Scripture and Church teaching, with an emphasis on translating what young people have learned into action and shinning the light of faith upon their experience of service, through guided and personal reflection. To find out more about launching the award programme in your school, contact the diocesan Youth Adviser.
The Oscar Romero Award (ORA) is active in 22 dioceses across England & Wales, with thousands of children and young people taking part in the scheme each year. The ORA encourages Catholic schools and colleges to be inspired by the example of St Oscar Romero and promotes the values of Catholic Social Teaching. In contrast to the Faith in Action Award, it is presented to the whole school and not to individual pupils, with 3 Award levels: Participator, Developer, and Innovator. To gain the award, a school must demonstrate that:
>> Catholic Social Teaching is at the heart of decision-making at the school,
guiding its vision and directly impacting its culture.
>> Students learn about CST across the curriculum gaining a holistic
understanding of the mission of the Church.
>> The whole school community celebrates its dedication to living in solidarity with the poor, and has a lasting commitment to the common good.
St Oscar Romero said, “we must be microphones of hope.” The Oscar Romero Award offers Catholic schools a unique opportunity to reflect, in a pragmatic way, what it means to live out our mission and ethos in the world of today. 22 diocesan schools are currently involved in the scheme, seven of which have achieved Participator Level and one, St Joseph’s Specialist Trust, has achieved Developer Level. To find out more, visit the Oscar Romero Award website.
