Dear Parishioners:
In their statement on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the U.S. Catholic bishops remind us about the call to participate in political life. "In the Catholic tradition," they teach, "responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation."
Often when facing a tough decision, it is tempting to look for the comfort of having someone else tell us what to do. Some people have suggested that I should be endorsing certain candidates and telling Catholics for whom to vote. However, it is clear that no Catholic bishops, priests, deacons, or religious can endorse individual candidates or political parties, nor should they. Instead, the primary responsibility of pastors is to hand on the Church's clear and authentic moral and social teaching and teach the fundamental ethical principles that help Catholics form their own consciences correctly. In other words, proclaiming the truth of Church teaching not personal or partisan opinions. Fundamental moral principles, not politics is what is to be preached.
Indeed, every Catholic, clergy or laity, have a right and responsibility to vote with a well-formed conscience. It must be formed under the Holy Spirit's guidance through prayer, scripture, and reflecting and informing oneself about the Catholic Church's moral teachings. Pope Francis states that the call to holiness requires a "firm and passionate defense of the innocent unborn." At the same time, he also describes as "equally sacred" "the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned and the underprivileged, the vulnerable infirm and elderly exposed to covert euthanasia, the victims of human trafficking, new forms of slavery, and every form of rejection."
The first temptation of many Catholics is to miss the ethical distinctions between different issues. As the bishops teach: "The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life from the moment of conception to natural death is always wrong and is not just one issue among many. It must always be opposed." But there is also a second temptation, namely to misuse this distinction as an excuse for ignoring other threats to human life and dignity, like poverty, injustice, and racism. These, and several other crucially important issues, "are not optional concerns which can be dismissed."
“In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation.”
As Catholics, we must develop the virtue of prudence, "the charioteer of the virtues." For it helps us to discern how clear moral principles apply in particular circumstances, as well as how to evaluate "a candidate's commitments, character, integrity, and ability to influence a given issue." However, in any political consideration, the priority must always be given to protect the sanctity of human life from natural conception until natural death. Life is the most fundamental good. Therefore, our opposition to abortion and euthanasia are preeminent issues in our political considerations.
Human life that faces grave and direct threats, as do the unborn and the terminally ill, is the preeminent concern in our political considerations. This preeminence does not mean we dismiss or ignore other threats to human life and dignity or caring for the vulnerable among us. As Catholics with well-formed consciences, we must stand firm on issues that directly attack life itself, the most fundamental good. Abortion and euthanasia are preeminent issues in the moral order and our political decisions.
We mustn't sit on the sidelines and fail to participate in the political process. Political decisions are very challenging, especially today. However, if Catholics fail to get involved, as challenging as it is, we forsake our sacred duty as both citizens and Catholic disciples. Pray. Form a correct conscience. Learn candidate positions on issues. Pray again. Then vote as a Catholic.
Sincere congratulations to our Conformandi! Pray for these 70 young men and women confirmed in their Catholic Faith this weekend. May they grow in faith, hope, and love of Christ and His Church.
Also prayers and best wishes to OLM parishioner and newly ordained Permanent Deacon Steven Valliere. Ad multos annos!
Stay safe. Be Well. Do Good! God Bless. Go Pats!!!!