Dear Parishioners:
A parishioner recently told me he was tuning out all the politics that dominate the news, the mail, and even our phones. He is frustrated with the television and radio ads, the campaign pamphlets, literature in the mail and on the front porch, and the seemingly endless news coverage of all things political. In many ways, I share his frustration with the political process with its infinite advertising. However, we should not grow too cynical, or worse, apathetic about politics. Pope Francis reminds us that "a good Christian actively participates in politics and prays that politicians may love their people and serve them with humility."
The fundamental key to our participation in the political process is prayer. We must pray for our nation, state, and town as we approach the upcoming election. We should also pray for all candidates, regardless of their party or even if we do not support them. Consider praying the following prayer over the next weeks as we approach Election Day on November 3, 2020:
"Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to understand better the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit, and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned, Men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.
We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace. Amen."
If we begin with prayer, we can then start to form a conscience. It takes time to develop our consciences to make well-reasoned judgments about particular, real-life situations. The Church teaches that it is crucial to work continually on conscience formation to be prepared to make decisions whenever the opportunity arises. This is especially true as we face decisions about which candidates we cast our vote Election Day. The bishops teach in the USCCB document, Faithful Citizenship:
"Conscience is not something that allows us to justify doing whatever we want, nor is it a mere 'feeling' about what we should or should not do. Rather, conscience is the voice of God resounding in the human heart, revealing the truth to us and calling us to do what is good while shunning what is evil."
As you consider your vote on election day, please pray and form your conscience with the teachings of Christ and His Church on the crucial issues of our day: the sanctity of all human life especially the unborn, the dignity of the human person, the common good and solidarity, matters of peace and justice, the care of the poor, the immigrant, the sick, the dying and the elderly, religious freedom and liberty, children and education, healthcare and the environment. Next, seek to learn the position of each candidate on the fundamental issues of life, dignity, and liberty. Then pray to vote as a Catholic Citizen, not a partisan party member. Pray. Inform. Educate. Vote. The Catholic Way to the voting booth!
With joy, we announce that Parishioner Steven Valliere, who serves as a Lector and Adult Altar Server at OLM, is being ordained a Permanent Deacon next Saturday. Pray for him and the other men who are to be ordained by Bishop Tobin for service in our Diocese. The Ordination Mass will be live-streamed from the Cathedral as the seating is limited. We congratulate Steven and offer him our prayerful support. May God grant him a faithful and fruitful diaconal ministry.
Bishop Matano of Rochester.
Next Sunday at 5 pm, we celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation as 70 young adults from OLM receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We welcome Bishop Matano of Rochester, NY, to OLM, for the Confirmation Mass. Bishop Matano is a priest of Providence and I worked with him at St. Augustine Church in Providence over 20 years ago. Many of you may remember him as the late Msgr. Lolio’s dear friend and the homilist at Monsignor’s Funeral Mass. It’s always great to have him home in Rhode Island and back to OLM! The Mass is being live-streamed for family and friends as only the candidates, their sponsors and parents are able to attend. Please pray for these candidates, may they grow in faith, hope, and charity!
Join us at Devotions on Monday with guest preacher, Dominican Fr. Jordan Zajac, OP! Fr. Jordan will lead our devotions and offer a reflection entitled, "The Only Bad Rosary." Fr. Jordan and fellow Friar, Fr. Edmund McCullough, OP, the Chaplain at Brown University, will also be hearing Confessions on Monday, October 19th beginning at 6:00 PM.
Stay safe. Be Well. Do Good! God Bless. Go Pats!!!!
Father Healey