Catholic Vision of Dignity
This digital resource is for S5 learners to investigate the Catholic vision of dignity of the human person and our faithful response to injustice.
Using this resource
This resource looks at the dignity of the human person and what Scripture and Church Teachings reveal about our duty to tend to the needs of others.
Designed for pupils to use independently, each section should take 10-15 mins to complete:
Catholic vision of dignity
Responding to the needs of others
Rights & Dignity
Responding to injustice
The activities section includes prayers, and games to be played offline.
Catholic vision of dignity
The Catholic vision of the dignity of the human person has implications for the way we respond to moral and human rights issues. This vision comes from Sacred Scripture, Church Teaching, and the example of Christ’s life.
VIDEO
What does dignity mean to you?
The Declaration of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
“Dignitas Infinita”
tells us that “inherent and infinite dignity belongs to the person as such simply because he or she exists and is willed, created, and loved by God…it is indelible and remains valid beyond any circumstances in which the person may find themselves”
Responding to the needs of others
We are created for good but unfortunately, the world is not perfect and is unequal.
But, it doesn’t have to be this way.
SCIAF recognise that every person has
dignity bestowed by God,
not merely given by human law.
We work to meet people’s needs and uphold their rights, guided by our faith and the divine vision of dignity of the human person
VIDEO
Swema’s story: A door to a brighter future
What do Scripture and Church Teachings reveal about our duty to respond to the needs of others?
Choose one
quote to
focus on
What does the quote mean to you?
Does it inspire or challenge you?
How can you put this quote into action?
VIDEO
“Money must serve, not rule”
VIDEO REFLECTION
Looking to Jesus
Reflect on the example set by Jesus, through his words and actions, showing how we should respond to the needs of others.
Rights and Dignity
There are different approaches which guide international development and humanitarian efforts including:
Human Rights Approach
This approach focuses on the legal and moral rights of individuals.
It is rooted in legally binding international laws and seeks to ensure that
every person can claim their universal rights.
Integral Human Development Approach
This approach goes beyond legal frameworks,
considering the full range of human needs and capacities,
including social, cultural and environmental.
SCIAF adopts an Integral Human Development approach in our work,
deeply rooted in the Church’s teachings
on the dignity of every human being and the pursuit of the common good.
Our approach doesn’t detract from our commitment to helping communities advocate for their human rights; rather, it shapes our understanding of the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind our actions in response to global injustices.
“Authentic development concerns the whole person in every single dimension...if it does not involve the whole person and every person it is not true development.”
Pope Benedict XVI
VIDEO
What is Integral Human Development?
Rights and Dignity
People with albinism are
one of the most marginalised groups in Malawi.
They often face discrimination, violence, inefficient healthcare, and a lack of support and representation.
VIDEO
Baison's story: Fighting for rights in Malawi
Responding to injustice
Developing an informed conscience means learning and thinking deeply about what God and the Church teach us, and using that knowledge to make good choices.
VIDEO
How does an informed conscience affect our response to injustice?
Responding to injustice - Refugees
There are more people on the move than ever before.
Today, more than 1 in every 74 people on Earth
have been forced to flee.
In 2022 108.4 million people worldwide were
forcibly displaced from their homes.
You may have experienced migration yourself?
ANIMATION
On the move
The Catholic Church is at the forefront of welcoming, protecting and integrating refugees and migrants throughout the world.
Responding to injustice - Conflict
THE IMPACT OF THE CONFLICT IN SYRIA
REMAINS DEVASTATING. MORE THAN HALF OF THE
POPULATION REMAIN DISPLACED
INSIDE SYRIA OR IN NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES.
SCIAF HAS BEEN SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OF SYRIA
FOR OVER EIGHT YEARS ENSURING ESSENTIAL ACCESS
TO FOOD, WATER AND SAFE PLACES TO STAY.
VIDEO
Shining a light in Syria
Catholic Vision of Dignity
Activities
Download these activities to use
with friends and family
Catholic Vision of Dignity
Resource list
“The human person is the clearest reflection of God's presence in the world; all of the Church's work in pursuit of both justice and peace is designed to protect and promote the dignity of every person.”
The Challenge of Peace, US Bishops, 1983 #15
Pray
with SCIAF
SCIAF’s work
Campaign with SCIAF
CST in 3 mins