We are called as missionary disciples to bear witness in the world!  The USCCB's Secretariat of Justice and Peace has numerous resources to help Catholics engage in the Church’s social mission.

Catholic Social Teaching

This page contains resources on the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), including the CST101 video series, discussion guides, handouts, foundational documents, an examination of conscience in light of CST, activities, and more.  Visit the CST pages in English and Spanish.

Pope Francis Resources and Prayers

Pope Francis emphasized a vision of a missionary church that served the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalized of our world. Resources and prayers on Pope Francis' teachings are now available in one location.  Visit the Resources and Prayers webpage.

As members of the Body of Christ, we share in the joys and struggles of all who are poor and vulnerable.  In faith and trust, we pray for a broken world awaiting redemption. See a complete list of prayers in English and Spanish.

Sacraments and the Social Mission: Living the Gospel, Being Disciples

Updated in 2021, this publication helps Catholics better understand the connections between the celebration of the sacraments and our mission as disciples.  Double-sided handouts/bulletin inserts on each sacrament, a guide for study sessions, and suggestions for use in a parish setting are included.  The resource is downloadable in English and Spanish.

Resources on the Eucharist and our Call to Love

• Visit our Eucharist and Social Mission page for videos, a webinar recording, and catechetical materials to explore the connection between the Eucharist and our Catholic social mission.  Also in Spanish.
  
  
• Read the 2021 statement by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ titled The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church and an accompanying reflection on our call to be missionary disciples, which is also available in Spanish.
  
  
• Read a sampling of resources by the Secretariat of Justice and Peace to help individuals and communities become missionary disciples who are fed, healed, and sent by the Eucharist. 
  
  

Reflect and Act with Pope Francis

• Fratelli Tutti – Visit our Fratelli Tutti page for Vatican and USCCB materials to explore this important encyclical on social friendship and universal fraternity. You’ll find a study guide, reflections, infographics, videos and more.
  
  
• Laudato Si' - As Catholics, we respond to Pope Francis' call to care for creation, our common home.  Visit our Environment page for resources in English and Spanish including prayers, bulletin inserts, a postcard, a discussion guide, and more.
  
  
• Querida Amazonia – Join Pope Francis to listen and accompany those who live in the Amazon region.  Use the study guide in English and Spanish to listen, learn and take action to protect this vulnerable region.
  
  

Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love

In their pastoral letter against racism, the U.S. Catholic bishops invite all Catholics to examine their hearts and put faith into action to end racism.  Our racism page includes bilingual parish resources, educational materials, and more.  

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

In their statement on political participation, the U.S. Catholic bishops teach that "even those who cannot vote have the right to make their voices heard on issues that affect their lives and the common good" (no. 16).  Visit FaithfulCitizenship.org to read the statement and access dozens of bilingual resources, including those for Parishes and Schools.

Civilize It: A Better Kind of Politics

Civilize It: A Better Kind of Politics is a nonpartisan initiative of the USCCB to help Catholics overcome polarization and division in Church and society by following the example of the Good Samaritan, who challenges us to "become neighbors to all" (Fratelli Tutti, no. 80).  Take the pledge to charity, clarity, and creativity and access numerous resources to be builders of bridges.

PovertyUSA.org

PovertyUSA.org shares facts and data about the reality of poverty in the U.S. and how we as Catholics can act to end it, including during “Poverty Awareness Month” each January.  The Spanish mirror site is PobrezaUSA.org.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)

Learn more about the work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the domestic anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic bishops which helps low-income people create communities where all can thrive.  Learn how CCHD empowers families, immigrants, new mothers, workers, and those in need.  Find CCHD-funded groups in your area on our map.  Plan a Journey to Justice Day to facilitate encounter and understanding of the root causes of poverty.

Communities of Salt and Light

This webpage in English and Spanish helps missionary disciples to be salt and light in their communities in the vision of the U.S. bishops’ statement, Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish. Contains numerous resources, success stories, an assessment tool, and more.  

Two Feet of Love in Action

There are two distinct, but complementary, ways to put the Gospel in action in response to God’s love: social justice (addressing systemic, root causes of problems that affect many people) and charitable works (short-term, emergency assistance for individuals). Learn more in English and Spanish.

Youth Resources

Materials are available to engage youth in prayer, encounter, learning and action. Resources include a Two Feet of Love in Action session for teens, numerous lesson plans/activities by grade level on racism, a Scripture and Justice Timeline Activity, the Biblical Justice Challenge, and the CST timeline activity.  These activities help youth better understand the reality of poverty and our faith response.