Catholic Social Tradition
The creation of the Institute for Social Concerns was inspired by the people, documents, and principles of the Catholic social tradition (CST). Growing out of the Center for Experiential Learning and the Volunteer Services Office of the 1970’s, the center staff hopes to challenge ourselves and others to live up to the words of John Paul II to be part of the “‘new evangelization,’ which must include among its essential elements a proclamation of the church’s social doctrine.”
What is Catholic Social Tradition?
When we talk about Catholic social tradition (CST), we often talk about principles like the preferential option for the poor and commitment to the common good. Those are important, but CST is much more than principles.
Living CST in response to COVID-19
In a spirit of solidarity, the Institute for Social Concerns turns again to the Gospels and the Catholic Social Tradition (CST) for inspiration to work toward the common good during the current crisis. The faculty and staff of the Institute for Social Concerns offer the following reflections and practical suggestions that we might each be people with hope to bring.
The annual Catholic social tradition theme
Every year the center selects an annual theme from Catholic social tradition to serve as a focus for annual programming and courses. The theme is drawn from a Papal encyclical or Bishops’ statement. The original document, along with other commentary and related resources, provide context and background for analysis of pressing social issues.
2021–22 Theme
The Institute for Social Concerns invites you to join us as we consider our 2020–22 theme, “Dignity,” and how to advance dignity in the world. “All are equal in human dignity.” – #44, Pacem in Terris, Pope John XXIII
Catholic Social Tradition minor
The Catholic Social Tradition minor is an interdisciplinary minor in the College of Arts and Letters, co-directed by the Institute for Social Concerns. Since its inception in 1997, the program has been committed to providing undergraduate students with a deeper understanding of the social ramifications of the Catholic faith by drawing on the wealth of resources of the Catholic social tradition as found in the official documents of the Church and the experience of the Catholic community.