Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

We at Saint Bernadette Church were taken aback when yesterday we began to receive communications of complaint from some parishioners who had received “Dear Fellow Parishioners” postcards soliciting votes for a candidate in an upcoming election. It appears that the names and addresses of a great many members were culled from Saint Bernadette’s parish family directory for election campaign purposes. 

First, this was done without our knowledge or permission and in disregard of the printed admonition in the directory that the names and addresses of our members may not be used for any solicitation purposes. 

Second, since the recipients of this card are likely to presume that the parish permitted the use of their address, this voter solicitation strongly insinuates that Saint Bernadette supports a candidate for election. Though we address public issues in the light of Catholic teaching at election time, under no circumstances would we support or endorse any candidate in an election as it is against the strict policy of the Archdiocese of Louisville, indeed of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to do so.  

So, please accept our regret that your address in our parish directory was used this way.  Though someone beyond our control might disregard our concern for your privacy, please know that Saint Bernadette would never knowingly allow your personal information to be used inappropriately.

God bless your home with Christ’s presence and peace,

Fr. Pepper Elliott

Administrator Pro Tempore