A Catholic's Vote

07-26-2020Letter from the PastorFr. Don Kline, V.F.

You may have heard that we have in important election this year. Hopefully, as Catholics, we understand our role and responsibility to vote as citizens and as Catholics. The importance of our role as Catholic citizens of the United States of America cannot be emphasized enough. We are blessed to live in a great nation that allows us to celebrate our faith. We are also blessed to live in a nation that upholds our God given religious freedoms... at least for now. But as you know, freedom is not free. Catholics have a responsibility to care for the welfare of our citizens and our future.

Voting in elections is a great way for faithful Catholics to remain good stewards of the countless blessings God has given our nation. Voting is a way to make sure that our religious freedoms are recognized and protected by our government.

When it comes to voting, the Catholic Church is very clear about the great opportunity we have as faithful Catholics. As the Catechism states: It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom. The love and service of one's country follows from the duty of gratitude and belongs to the order of charity. Submission to legitimate authorities and service of the common good require citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community (CCC, 2239). The very next paragraph reminds us that: submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one's country (Rom. 13:7)... The Apostle exhorts us to offer prayers and thanksgiving for kings and all who exercise authority, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way" (1 Tim 2:2) (CCC, 2240).

Catholics actually have a duty and a privilege to make our voices heard in the public square. Our duty to vote is one way we show our love for God and our care for our brothers and sisters. Our vote is meant to help promote the common good. But voting for the common good of all citizens means we must be informed about the issues and the candidates.

Faithful Catholics are to vote with an informed conscience that always promotes the values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.., values enshrined in our Constitution and based on God and His Commandments. As Catholics, our conscience needs to be specifically informed as to the greatest moral principles, so that we may vote in a way that is pleasing to God.

Lastly, if you haven’t yet signed up for online giving for our parish. Please do so here: saintbernadette.weshareonline.org Your gifts are needed now more than ever so we can continue the mission of the Church of making more disciples. Thank you for all who have helped to keep our parish focus on Christ, Our Eucharistic King!

God Bless,

Fr. Don Kline, V.F.

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