One very important part of Catholic social teaching is the Church's teaching on economic life (i.e., how a society organizes its financial resources). The Church teaches that all economic life should be shaped by moral principles. The social justice principals of life and dignity of the human person, concern for the common good, and support for the family are key to evaluating economic choices and institutions.
In November 1996, the US bishops produced a document called A Catholic Framework for Economic Life. In it, they outline ten important principals to help Catholics reflect on the values that should inform our consciences as we participate in economic life. Even though that document is over thirteen years old, the principals are timeless and can offer great guidance in our current economic situation in the US.
For more information, including Catholic Framework document, some reflection questions, links to downloadable documents, and podcasts), check out the USCCB web page at www.usccb.org/jphd/economiclife/.
Copyright © 2010, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins. (http://bit.ly/16p8ws)
