Dear Parishioners:

As our Elections take place this week, Catholics are called to participate in promoting the common good and, as far as possible, to take an active part in public life. Indeed, “by fulfilling their civic duties, guided by a Christian conscience, in conformity with its values, the lay faithful exercise their proper task of infusing the temporal order with Christian values.” (Gaudium et Spes, #36)

“The consequence of this fundamental teaching of the Second Vatican Council is that the lay faithful are never to relinquish their participation in public life.” (Doctrinal Note on Some Questions Regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life, #1)

To fulfill this calling, Catholics must be informed, active, and responsible participants in the political process. They must be knowledgeable about the political process and have a grasp of the moral dimensions of issues facing society. To do so, they need to understand the role of government in society, to be aware of their political rights as citizens, and to know how to influence public policy so that they may work within the political structure to effect change. They need to know about current social issues, to understand the Church’s teachings about their moral dimensions, to form their consciences in light of their faith, and to act out of their moral convictions.

There is a temptation to disengage, in this election, because the situation is such a mess. But let us name that for what it is: a temptation to despair. We are called to be a people of hope, and hope expresses itself in continued engagement. So, let us remember that the day after the election, Jesus will still be Lord. People will still need to hear the Good News of his saving love. Each of us will be called to take up our cross and follow Him, serving others and suffering for our convictions. That is how our faith has shaped culture in the past; that is how our faith will shape the culture in the future. In that sense, our mandate will not have changed, no matter the outcome of this election.  May the good Lord bless and guide you as you fulfill your civic duty to vote. (See material at church entrances and  the website archstl.org for more reflective material on the election, especially on prop. 3).