Spirituality of Catholic Social Teaching

The Living Catholic Social Teaching in Complicated World has three goals: to introduce narratives from John’s gospel that enliven the principals of CST, to learn some of the spiritual practices of the Ignatian tradition and engage students in the wisdom of two contemporary prophets, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Sr. Dr. Servant of God, Thea Bowman, whose lives displayed many of the CST that the Church proposes that we live. The certificate program includes three foundational courses:

Catholic Social Teaching:

Focused on Laudate Si, this introductory course helps participants reflect more deeply on Catholic Social Teaching.

“Do you Love Me? John’s Gospel in Light of Catholic Social Teaching:

In John's Gospel, Jesus poses a challenging question that the other authors in the Synoptic Gospels do not phrase to their audience: "Do you love me?" This conversation highlights a moment of vulnerability and establishes a foundation of trust and belief between Jesus and Peter. Peter's initial response requires a deep understanding, which the Catholic Church considers essential for effective ministry. Through the lens of Ignatian Spirituality we will invite participants to discern more deeply the ways they are personally being called to respond to the question “Do you love me?”

Living the Gospel with Dr. Martin Luther King and Sr. Dr. Thea Bowman

By living out the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), along with the Ignatian spiritual practice of the Magis—"doing more for the glory of God"—individuals can respond appropriately to Jesus' question. After reflecting deeply on our personal relationship with Christ, through John's Gospel, CST, the Magis, the Contemporary lives of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Sr. Thea Bowman, our outward actions can provide support to those marginalized by greed and other sins, which hinder us from fully embracing the love that God generously offers for us to flourish.

Who Should Participate

This course is essential for ministers, educators, anti-racism groups, other small adult faith formation groups and individuals looking to grow in their faith and practice. It encourages catechists to reflect deeply on Catholic Social Teaching and to embrace Ignatian spirituality, particularly the call to Magis, which means "to do more for the glory of God." This course challenges individuals to "do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8), emphasizing the importance of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and setting the captives free. Participants will have a transformative experience that embodies the powerful message of the Psalmist: "Love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss" (Ps. 85:11).

Program Goals

By the end of the program students will have:

• Identified central principals in Laudate Si and their application in today’s world.
• Formulated ideas to address racial issues that serve as stumbling blocks toward justice in the Church.
• Explored how John's Gospel supports CST.
• Empowered participants' zeal to support CST.
• Understood and learned different practices of Ignatian Spirituality to aid in discernment of contemplatives in action.
• Identified unjust and just laws through Aquinas and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Explored ways to respond to the call of the “Beloved Community.”
• Gleaned new insights into Dr. King’s and Sr. Thea’s sermons and speeches.
• Examined critical elements embedded in Sr. Thea’s approach to evangelization.

General Information

Course and program requirements, schedules and tuition are subject to change; and additional fees may be incurred for books and materials. Click here to review all policies prior to enrollment. For additional information, contact the Center at (310) 338-2799 or crs@lmu.edu.

Please note: because this is an online program, enrollment eligibility is dependent on place of residency. Please review these provisions in full before enrolling.

Our Partner

To make this programming possible, the Center counts on the support of the African American Catholic Center for Evangelization (AACCFE) of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  The AACCFE supports the continuing education courses of The Presence of Black Catholics in the Church Today and Tomorrow in the following ways:  active promotion of the courses, offering financial support to AACCFE affiliated students who take the courses, and the AACCFE Director serves on the advisory committee for this program.