An introduction to the Catholic social teaching of Good Stewardship of Creation. We are all called to respect and take care of God's creation.

1. Catholic Social Teaching
Good Stewardship and Care of Creation
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart  USA Province
305 S. Lake Street, PO Box 270  Aurora, IL 60507 (630) 892-2371  info@misacor-usa.org

2. God gave humans dominion over the earth’s resources.

3. The goods of creation are
intended for the common
good of all human beings.

4. We are responsible for
caring for the earth,
using its resources
wisely, and preserving
these resources for
future generations.

5. We must respect the integrity of all creation.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2415

6. Humans should treat animals with kindness
because they are God’s creatures and their
existence glorifies him.
Animals are entrusted to the stewardship of
human beings and it is morally permissible to
domesticate them or use them for food and
clothing.

7. However, it goes against human dignity to cause
any animal to suffer or die needlessly.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2416-2418

8. We show respect for the Creator by caring for all
of his creation.
We respect creation when we treat animals
humanely. We care for creation when we use
the earth’s resources wisely,
when we are careful not to
waste energy or natural
resources such as oil, when we
reuse instead of throw out.

9. We care for creation
when we are careful
not to pollute our
environment and
when we work to
clean up pollution
that has already
occurred.

10. We can each be a good steward of the earth,
finding ways to live more in harmony with
nature and to respect all of God’s creation.