Work by Sandra Kszczot

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatian 3:28

At St Joseph’s we show solidarity in all we do. We stand side-by-side with our sisters and brothers, especially those living in poverty. Solidarity begins with the idea that all of us, created in the image and likeness of God, are part of one family. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church we are reminded that; “The Eucharist commits us to the poor. To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognize Christ in the poorest, his brethren.”

It is clear in the Gospel that loving your neighbour, especially the ‘least of your brethren’ becomes an act of solidarity towards God. Solidarity is an act of love. Just as there is solidarity between individuals we also aim for solidarity between and within institutions and nations

In practice, signs that show our solidarity with others are the way we love and serve each other, by the way we are involved in social issues like the treatment of refugees and the homeless, by the way we show respect for, and engage in dialogue with, those from other cultures, races, religions

In our world today over 1.3 billion people live below the agreed UN poverty line, Pope Francis reminds us that “The many situations of inequality, poverty and injustice, are signs not only of a profound lack of fraternity, but also of the absence of a culture of solidarity”

Where is it seen at St Joseph’s?

The Catholic Social Teaching principle of solidarity is integrated across various subjects, emphasizing unity and collaboration among people. In R.E., students explore Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s teachings on solidarity, focusing on Christian moral action and the church's duty to stand with others, especially the oppressed. The study of Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism fosters respect for different beliefs and practices, highlighting the importance of understanding and engaging with others. History lessons cover topics like the Civil Rights Movement and the collapse of the Soviet Union, underscoring the importance of solidarity in overcoming injustice. Geography lessons promote global solidarity through discussions on international governance and cultural acceptance. In languages like French and Spanish, students explore community projects, immigration, and the coexistence of different cultures, reinforcing solidarity and peace. PSHE addresses global issues like climate change and free speech, encouraging solidarity in tackling societal challenges. In P.E., teamwork is emphasized, teaching students to collaborate toward common goals. Drama, Technology, and Art promote collective problem-solving and cultural understanding, while Music encourages expression and connection through diverse genres. Law and Sociology examine solidarity in social structures, justice, and law, while Psychology and Sociology explore group dynamics and the importance of unity. Together, these subjects help students embody the values of solidarity in personal and global contexts.

In our Pastoral care Solidarity as a school community is seen on a daily basis. Firstly by coming together each week in assemblies as a year group, through our House System where all students come together each half term in our House Assemblies and once a year to celebrate the House Feast Day. St Joseph’s come together throughout the year through liturgies such as our Remembrance service and through whole school Masses. We come together to ‘Unlock belief in All and stands we our brothers and sisters in society.