It’s finally here. We’re down to the wire for this presidential election, and now it’s time to do your Catholic duty and vote. Why is it your Catholic duty, you ask? Because, in the simple action of going to cast your vote this year you are participating directly in the process that will select leaders. The choices of these leaders will have a direct effect on the practice of our Catholic Faith in the coming years. I have written a bit on the main topics that truly matter in relation to Catholic teachings for this election cycle and you will find those links below.
I recently came across this quote from Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia (who formerly presided as Archbishop of Denver):
“We are Catholics before we are Democrats, we are Catholics before we are Republicans. We are even Catholics before we are Americans.”
We have almost weathered a very difficult and contentious election year, and as we prepare ourselves to participate fully in the democratic process we will all do well to remember those words. Prayerfully weigh your decision as you select which candidates to support this election year, and be brave in advocating for morally upright and just laws. Speak firmly to educate undecided or misguided voters in your circle of friends. Give no quarter to those that would ask you to hand over the unalienable rights as provided in the Declaration of Independence: Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
Be a Catholic first as you enter the voting booth this year, and encourage others to do the same. It may be the most far-reaching way we can practice our Catholicity.
Since I already voted by mail-in ballot this year, I have the opportunity to spend part of election night at Eucharistic Adoration. I can think of no better way to let this election finally pass than to do it at the feet of our Lord that truly reigns over all. Regardless of the outcome, no matter the trials and tribulations that may come, it is comforting to know that He is truly there.
Further Reading
Below is a list of articles I wrote to provide a digest of Church teachings as it relates to important topics from this election year, and some commentary about the election process. I hope that recounting these articles here provide some insight to those just tuning in to the discussion:
- Five Facts: Abortion
- Five Facts: The Health and Human Services Mandate
- Five Facts: Homosexuality and Marriage
- Whatever happened to civil discourse?
- Get the Catholic Voting Guide App Now!
In closing: please vote. Encourage your friends to vote. Vote for candidates that support or uphold moral laws that align with our Catholic Faith and allow the ability to freely practice our Faith without concession. Finally, support our leaders with prayer, regardless of party or affiliation. They need it every bit as much as the rest of us do.