‘Catholic education cannot be silent: it must combine social justice and environmental justice, promote sobriety and sustainable lifestyles, and form consciences capable of choosing not merely what is convenient, but what is just. Every small gesture – avoiding waste, choosing responsibly, defending the common good – constitutes cultural and moral literacy.’ Apostolic letter ‘Drawing New Maps of Hope’ of Pope Leo XIV.

Catholic social teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by grassroots movements. It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.

It is based around the Church’s belief that we can all make a difference in making our world a better place for all. These teachings are rooted in Scripture and especially in the teachings of Jesus found in the Gospels. Christ shows us how to walk in his footsteps, bringing love and care to those both near and far. It is our vocation to live as Jesus and saints throughout the ages, bettering our world for everyone.

Rooted in Love is a Religious Education resource developed in partnership with the Diocese of Westminster Education Service. It addresses the objectives relating to Catholic Social Teaching from the new Religious Education Directory, including prayer and liturgy ideas around each theme, as well as suggestions for bringing this work to life in the Catholic life and mission of the school. Rooted in Love is split into 6 themes, one for each half term:

Care for Creation	(Autumn 1) Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience. Pope Francis - Laudato Si At Blessed Dominic’s we show care for creation by: taking responsibility for our environment making environmentally responsible choices having awe and wonder for the natural world
Option for the Poor	(Autumn 2) ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:35-40 At Blessed Dominic’s we show a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable by: fundraising for charitable causes raising awareness treating others with dignity and respect thinking of the needs of others
Solidarity & Peace	(Spring 1) “Our common bonds of humanity demand that we live in harmony and that we promote what is good for one another. These ethical implications are the reason why solidarity is a basic key to peace.” St John Paul II At Blessed Dominic’s we show solidarity & peace by: raising awareness of social justice writing to our local leaders praying for others treating each other kindly
Community & Participation	(Spring 2) Fear not for I am with you. I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 At Blessed Dominic’s we acknowledge our rights and responsibilities by: recognising our duties as members of a community standing up for what is right following our school rules
Dignity of Workers	(Summer 1) ...we are agreed today that the earth is essentially a shared inheritance, whose fruits are meant to benefit everyone.’ Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ At Blessed Dominic’s we recognise the need to share the worlds resources fairly by: celebrating Fair Trade Fortnight being a Fair aware school sharing our talents with others respecting all workers
Human Dignity	(Summer 2) St Paul tells us that each person is a work of art, created by God and chosen for a unique purpose. Ephesians 2:10 At Blessed Dominic’s we recognise the human dignity of others by: being respectful treating people equally making connections

Over the years, we as a community have supported many different charities locally and across the world, including CAFOD, Macmillan Cancer research, Save the Children, Catholic Children Society, NSPCC, Colindale Food bank and many more. We have had events ranging from cake sales, to group/class fundraising, to our Lenten fundraising.

We continue to aim to stretch our awareness and time to ensure we as a school support those that are the most vulnerable in our world. The children, staff, parents and all involved in the community of Blessed Dominic are here to serve.

Every year we support NSPCC Number Day to participate in various math-related activities and raise funds to support the NSPCC's crucial work.

We support Macmillan’s vital work to help fund the amazing Macmillan nurses every year on our coffee mornings.

At Blessed Dominic Catholic school we are proud to be a Fairtrade school. The school is committed to supporting, using and promoting Fairtrade wherever possible. We believe that Fairtrade can make a difference to the lives of young people throughout the world by improving living and working conditions for the people who grow the things we buy.

Our committee works hard to promote the values of the Fairtrade Foundation, which in turn helps us to live out our school motto ‘Love, Learn and Believe’.

We are proud to support Food Bank Aid, which distributes food, toiletries and household goods to 30 food banks across north London. They are a community-led charity which supports all denominations and demographics.

Every year we take part in a fundraising fund for 'Young Minds' by taking part in 'Hello Yellow'.  By wearing yellow to show young people that they matter and that they deserve the support they need when they need it, no matter what. Together, we can make a real difference.

This year’s appeal is inspired by Pope Francis’s call for young people to use their voice to make a difference in the world. Every penny raised by our school supports  work with local disadvantaged children and families.

 ​JUST ONE Tree is a young, yet already award winning, non-profit organisation. We’re tackling the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss through global reforestation. We make it simple for everyone to get involved because JUST £1 plants 1 Tree.

Every year we take part in Christmas Jumper Day. We wear our Christmas jumpers to help kids in the UK and around the world get the best future ever. There's more to Christmas Jumper Day than wearing a silly jumper. You'll be helping children facing serious issues like war, hunger and poverty.

At Blessed Dominic, we regularly support CAFOD by raising the profile through our charitable work and by praying for all those that need our care.

JUST ONE Tree is a young, yet already award-winning, non-profit organisation. They tackle the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss through global reforestation. We wore green for the day and donated £1   JUST £1 plants 1 Tree.