The Dignity of the Human Person

Human dignity, is foundational in understanding Catholic social teaching. All humans are created in the image and likeness of God. All individuals have an intrinsic and immeasurable worth and dignity; each human life, from conception to death, is sacred. The principle of human dignity means that Catholic schools need to teach and promote the value that each person within our community is unique and has a God given dignity.

Human dignity should be the starting point for all that the school board undertakes. It is not lived out in the abstract but rather in the small everyday actions of the school community made manifest in the policies, procedures and action of the board.

See (recognising the reality of a situation)

The school board is called to commit itself to ensuring that we uphold and promote the dignity of all.

Where do you see this in the policies and procedures of our school?
Where else do you see the school upholding and promoting humanity dignity?

Judge (reflecting in light of our faith)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church insists the "dignity of the human person is rooted in his or her creation in the image and likeness of God." "All human beings," says the Church, "in as much as they are created in the image of God, have the dignity of a person.”^[1]

Do any of school structures or procedures hinder human dignity?
How do we know?
 

Act (discerning a response)

Are there any areas the board needs to improve on as a community to ensure it upholds and promote human dignity?

This Powerpoint will help your board to discuss, explore and deepen an understanding of the principle of human dignity (five slides).