328 RESPONSIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

YOUCAT Lesson 328, March 30, 2015

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

328  What can the individual contribute to the common good?

Working for the common good means assuming responsibility for others.  [1913-1917, 1926]

Photo:  Contributing to the common good…. The welding skills of a Rhinelander, WI, Nicolet College student seeking to enter the workforce are being tested by an instructor in the school’s mechanical shop. …..328

The common good must be the business of everyone.  This happens first of all when men get involved in their surroundings—family, neighborhood, workplace—and take responsibility.  It is important also to exercise social and political responsibility.  Someone who assumes this sort of responsibility, however, wields power and is always in danger of misusing that power.  Therefore, everyone in a position of responsibility is called upon to engage in an ongoing process of conversion, so that he can exercise that responsibility for others in lasting justice and charity.

“No one can claim as Cain did, that he is not responsible for the fate of his brother.”  Pope St. John Paul II (1920-2005)

“Respect the good reputation of your enemies.”  St. John Vianney  (1786-1859)

[1913-1917, 1926]

ARTICLE 2
PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE

III. RESPONSIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

1913 "Participation" is the voluntary and generous engagement of a person in social interchange. It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

1914 Participation is achieved first of all by taking charge of the areas for which one assumes personal responsibility: by the care taken for the education of his family, by conscientious work, and so forth, man participates in the good of others and of society.( Compare Centesimus Annus 43.)³¹ –CCC

1915 As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life. The manner of this participation may vary from one country or culture to another. "One must pay tribute to those nations whose systems permit the largest possible number of the citizens to take part in public life in a climate of genuine freedom."( Gaudium et Spes 31 § 3.)³² –CCC

1916 As with any ethical obligation, the participation of all in realizing the common good calls for a continually renewed conversion of the social partners. Fraud and other subterfuges, by which some people evade the constraints of the law and the prescriptions of societal obligation, must be firmly condemned because they are incompatible with the requirements of justice. Much care should be taken to promote institutions that improve the conditions of human life.( Compare Gaudium et Spes 30 § 1.)³³ –CCC

1917 It is incumbent on those who exercise authority to strengthen the values that inspire the confidence of the members of the group and encourage them to put themselves at the service of others. Participation begins with education and culture. "One is entitled to think that the future of humanity is in the hands of those who are capable of providing the generations to come with reasons for life and optimism."( Gaudium et Spes 31 § 3.)^{34 --CCC}

IN BRIEF

1926 The dignity of the human person requires the pursuit of the common good. Everyone should be concerned to create and support institutions that improve the conditions of human life. --CCC