Pastor's Pen - February 28, 2016

Since many of us have tuned into the political debates over the last few months and some caucuses and other preliminary votes have already taken place in order to identify delegates in different States, I thought it might be a good time to reflect a little bit on the issue of “faithful citizenship.”

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops makes it clear that it is illegal and unethical for any Catholic to speak for or against any particular candidate in Church affiliated programs, on Church property (pulpit, fliers, posters, etc.), or in Church publications. However, once the candidates have been moved out of the picture, the issues affecting public policy need to be studied, reflected on and moral choices need to be made about them. Essential is the need to have a formed conscience as a guide. That means that “everyone is obligated to follow faithfully what he or she knows to be just and right” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1778). Each person is to form their conscience in accord with human reason and truth, enlightened by the teachings of Christ and the Scriptures (The Word of God). Many times it is necessary to deliberate over available alternatives and to determine what is most fitting in a specific context. To clarify things for ourselves is most often not easy. Thus we need the treasure of an “informed” conscience to help us decide and act properly and rightly.

As Christians we have much to bring to the table on moral choices. There are many right choices that are called for relating to war, human trafficking, race, immigration, affluence, poverty, health care, just wages, terrorism, environment, family, human rights, marriage, employment, the right to life, etc. We are called by our Catholic and Christian vocation to make choices that lead to what is good, and fight against what is evil. It is from this foundation that we then go forth to study who the candidates are and what they stand for and uphold that is right.

Be a Faithful Citizen! Prepare yourself, so you can vote responsibly!

Fr. Ralph