Understanding the Practice of Catholic Social Teaching: Towards an Integration to College Religious Education of Sta. Teresa College

Authors

  • Renniel Jayson Jacinto Rosales De La Salle University - School of Innovation and Sustainability Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63931/pasrj.v6i1.80

Keywords:

Catholic Church, Catholic Schools, Catholic Social Teaching, Religious Education

Abstract

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) constitutes one of the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church that guides the faithful in living according to Gospel values. This study seeks to examine the extent to which college students at Sta. Teresa College, Bauan, Batangas practice Catholic Social Teaching as articulated in the ten principles identified by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace. Using a quantitative descriptive research design, the study assessed the frequency of students’ practice of CST through the Alay Kapwa Spirituality Scale, a 100-item six-point Likert instrument. Stratified random sampling was employed to select 323 respondents across year levels who were enrolled in Religious Education courses. Data were analyzed using weighted mean to determine the level of practice of each principle. Findings revealed that students generally demonstrate a “frequent” level of practice of Catholic Social Teaching. However, several dimensions reflected comparatively lower levels of practice, indicating areas that require greater emphasis and formation. These results suggest the need for more focused educational and pastoral interventions to strengthen students’ understanding and lived application of CST within the context of Catholic higher education.

Author Biography

  • Renniel Jayson Jacinto Rosales, De La Salle University - School of Innovation and Sustainability

    Renniel Jayson Jacinto Rosales is a faculty member at De La Salle University’s School of Innovation and Sustainability. His research interests encompass a broad range of fields, including theology, spirituality, religious education, public health, culture, disaster management, and governance. He serves as the managing editor for several local and international academic journals and has published numerous articles spanning these diverse areas of study. Currently, he is working on his dissertation, which focuses on the development of Alay Kapwa Theology and Spirituality—a project that explores the intersection of faith, community service, and social responsibility. In addition to his academic work, he is actively involved in pastoral ministry within the Archdiocese of Lipa, particularly in the Ministry of Social Services and the Commission on Catechesis. Through his teaching, research, and pastoral work, Renniel is committed to integrating faith and social action to address the pressing needs of society.

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Published

2026-05-29

How to Cite

Rosales, R. J. (2026). Understanding the Practice of Catholic Social Teaching: Towards an Integration to College Religious Education of Sta. Teresa College. Philippine Association for the Sociology of Religion Journal, 6(1), 86-107. https://doi.org/10.63931/pasrj.v6i1.80