CLVE

I. Core Values of Love and Respect

● Hospitality:
○ Definition: Love and respect symbolize being hospitable.
○ Key Actions:
■ Care for others as a reflection of faith.
■ Value each person’s contributions and give preference to one another.

II. Understanding “Common”

● Definitions:
○ Belonging to all; shared or used jointly.
○ Latin: communis ("in common, public, shared by all or many").
○ Root meanings:
■ ko- ("together") + "to change, go, move."
■ ko-munia: Latin for "public duties, functions."

III. Common Good

● Definition:
○ The well-being and flourishing of all members of society.
○ Collective effort enhances the community’s welfare.
● Key Principles (CCC 1905):
○ Humans are social beings, interconnected with others.
○ The common good includes the needs and dignity of all.
○ Encourages selflessness—prioritizing community over personal gain.

IV. Characteristics of the Common Good

1. Inclusivity:
○ No one is excluded from benefiting.
2. Community Awareness:
○ Requires understanding the needs of the entire population.

V. Elements of the Common Good

1. Respect for Human Dignity (CCC 1929):

○ Acknowledging and honoring the inherent worth of every person.
2. Promotion of the Common Welfare (CCC 1928):
○ Ensuring rights and responsibilities are respected.
3. Participation and Subsidiarity (CCC 1895, 1901):
○ Encouraging individuals’ active involvement in decision-making.
4. Social Justice (CCC 1928):
○ Promoting fairness and equality in society.
5. Solidarity (CCC 1928):
 ○ Supporting and caring for one another, especially the vulnerable.

VI. Living the Principles of the Common Good

● Essentials to Remember:
○ Love, respect, and care improve community life.
○ Every individual has a vital role in achieving the common good.
● Virtues to Uphold:
○ Right thinking and temperance ensure actions contribute positively to society.

TAKE NOTE:

● Be hospitable by showing love and respect in all interactions.

● Strive for inclusivity and active participation in improving the community.
● Support fairness, justice, and solidarity to uplift everyone, especially the vulnerable.

I. Subsidiarity

● Definition:
1. Decisions should be made at the lowest possible level or closest to where they
will have an effect.
● Key Points:
1. Empowering Smaller Groups:
■ Smaller groups or individuals address specific needs better than larger
entities.
■ Every person has the capacity to solve social and economic problems.
2. Family, Friends, and Local Organizations:
■ Local communities should be entrusted to respond to their issues first,
escalating only when necessary.

II. Principle of Subsidiarity

● How it Works:
○ Delegation:
■ Empowerment: Subordinates are trusted to make decisions and act.
■ Trust: Leaders must trust the capabilities of those they delegate to.
○ Responsibilities:
■ Delegators ensure resources are available for tasks.
■ Subordinates value the trust given to them and act responsibly.
● Core Idea:
○ Empowerment and trust enable individuals and smaller groups to take action,
fostering responsibility and efficiency.
III. Solidarity

● Definition:
1. Unity and mutual support among individuals, regardless of differences in race,
religion, gender, or social status.
● Key Principles:
1. Support and Acceptance:
■ Standing together in trying moments.
■ Promoting love, peace, and justice through mutual support.
2. Human Connection:
■ All people are brothers and sisters in society.
■ Understand and fulfill your role to address others' needs.

IV. Practicing Solidarity

1. In the Family:
○ Be sensitive to the needs of the least, last, and lost members.
2. In School:
○ Welcome new students with openness and avoid forming judgments.
3. In the Community:
○ Participate in local projects to solve social issues.

V. Common Good in Subsidiarity and Solidarity

● Focus Areas:
○ Peace and Order: Achieving harmony through collective action.
○ Inclusivity: Ensuring no one is left behind.
○ Collaboration: Combining individual efforts for societal welfare.

Reminders

● Subsidiarity: Empower others by delegating responsibilities at appropriate levels.

● Solidarity: Build unity by supporting and uplifting everyone in society.
● Common Good: Balance personal contributions and community welfare to foster peace
and justice.

I. Rights and Privileges

Rights:

● Definition:
○ Inherent and universal, granted by natural law.
○ Actions we can do without needing permission.
● Examples:
○ Right to life, liberty, freedom of speech, and a fair trial.
Natural Law and Rights:

● Natural Law:
1. Written in the soul of every person.
2. Enables discernment between good and evil, truth and lies.
3. Upholds dignity and forms the foundation of rights and duties.
● Examples of Alignment with Natural Law:
1. Respect for Human Life: Prohibits actions like murder, abortion, and
euthanasia.
2. Respect for Human Dignity: Condemns discrimination and upholds equality.
3. Respect for the Common Good: Promotes social justice and community
welfare.
4. Respect for Freedom and Conscience: Values moral decision-making and
individual accountability.

Privileges:

● Definition:
○ A special benefit or advantage enjoyed beyond the common rights of others.
○ Not inherent; often granted by institutions or societies.
● Examples:
○ Exclusive memberships, tax exemptions, or corporate advantages.

II. Responsibilities

● Definition:
○ Duties and obligations tied to the exercise of rights and privileges.
● Etymology:
○ Derived from Latin re ("back") + spondere ("to pledge").
○ Implies accountability and a pledge to act responsibly.
● Key Points:
○ Every right and privilege comes with the responsibility to respect others' rights
and dignity.
○ Misuse or excessive use of rights can harm others.

III. "Pacem in Terris" (Encyclical by Pope John XXIII)

● Published: April 11, 1963 (during Cold War tensions).

● Purpose:
○ Establish global peace in truth, justice, charity, and liberty.
○ Highlight the relationship between rights and responsibilities.
Calls to Action:

1. Dialogue and Cooperation:

○ Foster communication and trust among nations.
2. Disarmament:
○ Advocate for nuclear disarmament and global agreements.

Role of the Church:

1. Promoting Moral Values:

○ Encourage ethical behavior and responsibility.
2. Encouraging Community Engagement:
○ Strengthen unity and collaboration.

IV. "Evangelium Vitae" (Encyclical by Pope John Paul II)

● Published: March 25, 1995.

● Context: Address growing concerns about the "culture of death."
● Purpose:
○ Affirm the sanctity and inviolability of human life.
○ Address moral issues like abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment.

V. Church Teachings: Upholding Rights and Responsibilities

● Church as the People of God:

○ Promotes respect for human dignity and natural law.
○ Encourages individuals to act responsibly and uphold societal harmony.
● Church as the Body of Christ:
○ Advocates unity and adherence to natural moral law for societal well-being.

VI. Practical Applications

● Individual Responsibility:
○ Respect others’ rights and dignity.
○ Use freedoms and privileges ethically.
● Societal Responsibility:
○ Promote the common good.
○ Engage in actions that enhance justice, solidarity, and peace.