Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This coming Tuesday is election day. It is one of the great blessings of living in a democratic society that citizens can cast their vote for the candidates that they think will bring the greatest good to life in this country. The act of voting is not simply a civic action, but in a very real way, a moral action because we are voting for candidates who can affect great change in the country that we live in. So, in that sense, casting a vote is a very serious thing and requires much thought and prayer.
Of course, this year there is also the presidential election. There is no doubt that this year’s lead up to the election has been one of the most divisive in history and I have had many conversations with parishioners who are agonizing over who to cast their vote for. As Catholics, we have a responsibility to vote for candidates who will promote values and laws in accord with our Church’s teaching on liberty and justice for the human person. I would like to remind you of the dominant themes in our Catholic Social teaching.
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person - All People are Sacred, Made in the Image and Likeness of God.
- Call to Family, Community and Participation - The Human Person is Both Sacred and Social - When One Suffers, We All Suffer.
- Rights and Responsibilities - People Have a Fundamental Right to Life, Food, Shelter, Health Care, Education, and Employment.
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable - The Moral Test of a Society is How It Treats Its Most Vulnerable.
- The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers - The Economy Exists to Serve People, Not the Other Way Around.
- Solidarity - We are Called to Work Globally for Justice.
- Care for God’s Creation - The Earth is the Lord’s - Love, Protect, and Respect It.
It is incumbent upon all who are Catholic to vote in accord with these fundamental truths of humanity and faith. As you prepare to cast your vote on Nov. 8, I am asking all of you to pray earnestly for wisdom and guidance and to vote in accord with your conscience. Inserted in the bulletin this week is an excellent article written by Bishop Cozzens for the Catholic Spirit. Please take time to read and reflect on it.
God bless,
Fr. Tony