Our Foundational Principles
Our beliefs are central to our identity, and these beliefs, are deeply enrooted in the Principles of Catholic Social Teachings. As such, these principles form the 7 pillars of the New Thessalonian Apostolate. The seven pillars are:
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
We believe that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person, right from conception to death (and even after death), is the foundation of a moral vision for society. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, concepts or ideology, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. This belief is our first and most important principle that we follow, and it forms the basis for all the other principles.
Family, Community, and Participation
The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society -- in economics and politics, in law and policy -- directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Rights and Responsibilities
We believe that human dignity can be protected, and that a healthy community can be achieved ONLY if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.
Options for the Poor and Vulnerable
We are partial to the poor and the vulnerable. YES, you read it correctly. A basic moral test for society is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our conscience and beliefs guides us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.
Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God's creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected-- the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to form organizations, and to economic initiative.
Solidarity, Justice and Peace
Pope Paul VI once said, "if you want peace, work for justice". We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers and sisters keepers, wherever they may be. In the fast shrinking world that we live in today, loving our neighbor takes a bigger global dimension. At the core of this is the virtue of solidarity, the pursuit of justice and promotion of peace. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict.
Stewardship for God's Creation
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. For us,care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, but a principle that we live by. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God's wonderful creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.