Podcasts about faithful citizenship

In this video, we delve into the complex intersection of Catholicism and politics, exploring the key issues shaping the election and the implications for people of faith. From abortion to religious freedom, we examine the candidates' stances and what they mean for Catholics who want to make informed decisions at the ballot box. - No One Gets to Heaven on Accident - Links: Rosary for America: https://thecatholiccrusade.com/patriotic-rosary-rosary-for-america/ Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/forming-consciences-for-faithful-citizenship-title

Archbishop William E. Lori, Vice President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, discusses the importance of political participation in Catholic teaching. The bishops' teaching document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility and related materials are available online at www.FaithfulCitizenship.org.

In episode 41, Gillian chats with Holly Grant from the Coalition to Protect Kids-NY. They discuss what Proposal 1 is, why parents should be concerned about it, and why a State Constitutional amendment is such a big deal. Read the Bishops Statement on Proposal One: https://www.nyscatholic.org/posts/proposal-1-wolf-sheeps-clothing Learn more about the Coalition to Protect Kids-NY: https://www.protectkidsny.com/ Board of Elections Abstract and Complete Language for Proposal One Constitutional Amendment: https://elections.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/08/amended-proposal-one-certification-2024_1.pdf --- Follow us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyscatholicconferenceX (formerly known as Twitter): https://twitter.com/NYSCatholicConfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyscatholicconf/

Real Presence Live - 10.15.24 Promoting human dignity from the beginning to the end of life: How your vote affects more than just the presidency

No folks, we're not endorsing any candidates. We're not even talking candidates. Instead, we try to thread the narrowest needle ever threaded by discussing why elections do and don't matter, what Catholics need to consider every time we head to the polls, how to fund common ground with those who disagree with us, and what matters most the day after Election Day … all without talking about the actual people running in 2024. Do we succeed? You'll have to listen to find out. Show Notes:First, as promised, here is Emily's more succinct and clear answer to one of the questions we discussed on the podcast: Is it a sin to vote for someone who is pro-abortion?The Church's answer is, “It depends.” If you vote for someone who is pro-abortion because they are pro-abortion, yes, it is a sin. The U.S. Catholic Bishops explain:“A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who favors a policy promoting an intrinsically evil act, such as abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, deliberately subjecting workers or the poor to subhuman living conditions, redefining marriage in ways that violate its essential meaning, or racist behavior, if the voter's intent is to support that position. In such cases, a Catholic would be guilty of formal cooperation in grave evil,”(Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship—Part 1, 34).On the other hand, if both candidates are pro-abortion, and you vote for the candidate who seems best on other issues, that is not a sin. Your vote wouldn't have made any difference in abortion policy, so other aspects of a candidate's platform can become the deciding factor. Alternately, if the prospect of voting for either candidate violates your conscience, you can make the decision to not vote for either.If, however, one candidate is pro-abortion and one candidate is pro-life, it gets more complicated.In general, under most circumstances, the Church teaches that Catholics should not vote for a politician who supports abortion if they have a pro-life option. But if the candidate who is against abortion is for other policies that are grave moral evils—say, launching a pogrom against the Jewish people or reinstituting Jim Crowe laws—Catholic voters who prudently and prayerfully weigh the moral evils supported by both candidates can decide the pro-abortion candidate is the less horrible option and vote that way in good conscience. They also can take into consideration whether they believe the anti-abortion candidate is sincere in his commitment to oppose abortion and capable of doing anything to effect change in that area. Again, from the U.S. Catholic Bishops:There may be times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate's unacceptable position even on policies promoting an intrinsically evil act may reasonably decide to vote for that candidate for other morally grave reasons. Voting in this way would be permissible only for truly grave moral reasons, not to advance narrow interests or partisan preferences or to ignore a fundamental moral evil (Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship—Part 1, 35).Note: Your reasons for choosing a pro-abortion candidate over an anti-abortion candidate must be rooted in the anti-abortion candidate's support for other truly grave moral evils that together equal or outweigh the evil of abortion. Not liking a candidate's personality, not liking the candidate's proposed changes to Medicare or student loan financing, not wanting to be associated with a certain candidate or party—none of that is sufficient. Grave moral evil on the level of the slaughter of the innocent in the womb is the measuring stick.Ultimately, though, unless you're supporting a pro-abortion candidate for their views on abortion, the Church trusts you to form your conscience in accord with Church teaching and make the best decision you can, given the knowledge you have. If you think you decided poorly, for the wrong reasons, with insufficient thought, or with disregard for Church teaching, Confession is the quickest way to rectify your situation.Other Important QuotesQuotes: [T]he Church's Magisterium does not wish to exercise political power or eliminate the freedom of opinion of Catholics regarding contingent questions. Instead, it intends—as is its proper function—to instruct and illuminate the consciences of the faithful, particularly those involved in political life, so that their actions may always serve the integral promotion of the human person and the common good (Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith, “The Participation of Catholics in Political Life,” 6).“When all candidates hold a position that promotes an intrinsically evil act, the conscientious voter faces a dilemma. The voter may decide to take the extraordinary step of not voting for any candidate or, after careful deliberation, may decide to vote for the candidate deemed less likely to advance such a morally flawed position and more likely to pursue other authentic human goods,”(United States Catholic Bishops Conference, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” 36)“Moral conscience, present at the heart of the person, enjoins him at the appropriate moment to do good and to avoid evil. It also judges particular choices, approving those that are good and denouncing those that are evil. It bears witness to the authority of truth in reference to the supreme Good to which the human person is drawn, and it welcomes the commandments. When he listens to his conscience, the prudent man can hear God speaking,” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1777).“Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act that he is going to perform, is in the process of performing, or has already completed. In all he says and does, man is obliged to follow faithfully what he knows to be just and right. It is by the judgment of his conscience that man perceives and recognizes the prescriptions of the divine law,” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1778). “The threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks our most vulnerable and voiceless brothers and sisters and destroys more than a million lives per year in our country," (United States Catholic Bishops, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” Introduction, Revised November 2023). Also Mentioned:“The Way Forward After Dobbs,” by Ryan Anderson“Stupid Is As Stupid Does: Politics, Prudence, and Priorities,” by Emily Chapman Get full access to Visitation Sessions at visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

Join Archbishop Alexander Sample as he discusses why Catholics have a responsibility to bring our moral and social teaching and tradition to our modern culture. In addressing what Pope Francis considers the greatest danger facing humanity today - "the total rejection of God", the Archbishop discusses how to approach faith and politics from the heart and mind of Christ and encourages the faithful to prayerfully read "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" written by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.Subscribe to the Voice of the Shepherd on your favorite podcast platform.Learn more about the Archdiocese of Portland.Find this show on the free Hail Mary Media App, along with a radio live-stream, prayers, news, and more.Look through past episodes or support this podcast.The Voice of the Shepherd is produced by Mater Dei Radio in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Portland.

With the Nov. 5 election fast approaching, Archbishop Vigneron gives advice to Catholics trying to navigate election season in an increasingly polarized society. He and our hosts draw from the wisdom of the Church and guidance from the U.S. bishops in their discussion about forming consciences, responding to divisiveness, and trusting that “whatever direction the history of the United States takes, ultimately, the Lord is in charge.”(0:24) Hosts Mike Chamberland and Mary Wilkerson welcome Archbishop Vigneron to another episode of Eyes on Jesus. As they discuss the summer coming to an end, Archbishop Vigneron shares about the joys of leading the annual summer seminar for Detroit seminarians and celebrating a Jubilee Mass for men and women in religious life who are celebrating milestone years in their life of service to the Church. (5:43) Mary introduces today's topic of faithful citizenship, an important topic for Catholics to consider ahead of the Nov. 5 general election. Archbishop Vigneron defines a faithful citizen as someone who participates in the political order in light of the teachings of Christ and the Church. The group then discusses Pope Francis' call for a better kind of politics, one truly at the service of the common good. (12:07) Mike asks how Catholics should respond to the polarization in our society, especially surrounding a contentious election. Archbishop Vigneron mentions the “Civilize It” initiative by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, an effort promoting charity, clarity, and creativity in political discourse. He also explains why the Church supports certain ballot initiatives while refraining from endorsing any political candidates. (20:48) Archbishop Vigneron lists some of the issues Catholics can think about when discerning which candidates to support and explains why abortion is considered the “preeminent” issue for consideration. (26:30) Archbishop Vigneron is asked how parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit can approach this election season. He points out the irony of St. Peter and St. Paul telling the faithful to pray for the emperor “at a time when the emperor was no particular friend for Christians.” Following this example, he encourages Catholics to recognize that our leaders are God's stewards, whether or not they realize it, and it's our responsibility to pray for God's plan to work through their lives. He also gives advice to people struggling with polarization in their communities and even families, reminding listeners that “whatever direction the history of the United States takes, ultimately, the Lord is in charge.” (34:48) Mike invites listeners to visit aod.org/election to access resources on faithful citizenship, including the materials discussed during the episode. Archbishop Vigneron offers the “rule of thumb” of considering every initiative and candidate in light of what most advances the family and affirms participation in politics as part of the priesthood of the faithful. (39:54) Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about agreeing with the Pope, saints he's close to, and why Catholic weddings take place inside churches. He then closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Join Archbishop Alexander Sample as he discusses concrete ways Catholics in America can have an effect on the culture and on society as faithful citizens. Referring to the document, "Faithful Citizenship" written by the US Bishops, the Archbishop explains why and how the laity and all Catholics can be leaven to the world and in the Church.Subscribe to the Voice of the Shepherd on your favorite podcast platform.Learn more about the Archdiocese of Portland.Find this show on the free Hail Mary Media App, along with a radio live-stream, prayers, news, and more.Look through past episodes or support this podcast.The Voice of the Shepherd is produced by Mater Dei Radio in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Portland.

A weekly program produced by the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa.   Candid Catholic Convos 3.10.24   SHOW DESCRIPTION:    Election season is around the corner. Here to help us wade through the waters of indecision is Eric Failing, Executive Director of the PA Catholic Conference and host of the "Faith, Elections and Citizenship; Forming Consciences of Faithful Citizenship, a call to political responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States" event happening April 8th at the Diocesan Center. Today we're discussing whether or not our votes actually count, educating ourselves as Catholics on how we are called to participate in politics, and tactful ways to navigate differences of opinion during these divided times.  

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:   - Recaps the USCCB plenary assembly and what he found most memorable from hearing about his brother bishops' participation in the Synod - Entrusts the removal of Bishop Strickland as bishop of Tyler, Texas to the Holy Spirit and invites us to pray for him - Explains why the threat of abortion remains the "preeminent" priority of the United States bishops (see "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," p. 6)  - Reacts to the recently announced theme of the January 19, 2024 March for Life: With Every Woman, For Every Child  Join thousands at Life is VERY Good events on January 18 and 19, 2024    - Describes what Solemn Vespers is and previews what is in store at the November 26 event inaugurating the diocesan Golden Jubilee year   - Offers clarity on the recent Vatican document discussing sacraments and gender dysphoria   Read or listen to Bishop Burbidge's pastoral document on Gender Ideology - Affirms why catechists are essential teachers of the Faith, second to parents - Talks about his Thanksgiving plans and reminds us of what this holiday is all about 

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - With the National Eucharistic Congress just eight months away, the US bishops announced that scholarships and single-day and weekend passes will be available to make it possible for more Catholics to attend the event to be held next July in Indianapolis. As many as 80,000 Catholics are expected to attend the event from July 17–21, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts. Almost 30,000 tickets have been sold for the full five-day congress, which has just released an updated schedule of events. A complete and detailed schedule will be available in January. The congress is the climax of the bishops' three-year National Eucharistic Revival initiative, which was launched in part because of a Pew Research poll that suggested only one-third of adult Catholics in the US believe in the Church's teaching on the Blessed Sacrament. Visit catholic news agency dot com for more information. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256033/national-eucharistic-congress-releases-schedule-offers-scholarships-and-weekend-passes The US bishops will continue to highlight the threat of abortion as a “preeminent priority” in the introduction to a guide they'll disseminate to Catholic voters ahead of the 2024 election. That designation, the source of debate among some bishops in recent years, was retained when the bishops voted overwhelmingly, 225-11, with seven abstentions, to approve a revised introduction to the guide, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” at their annual fall assembly Wednesday in Baltimore. The new introduction also lists euthanasia, gun violence, terrorism, the death penalty, and human trafficking as “other grave threats to life and dignity of the human person.” In a press conference after the vote, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, vice president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said that while many issues are important, “not all issues are equal.” “We are called to stand in radical solidarity with women in difficult pregnancies and their unborn children and to provide them with the kind of support and services and public policies that they need,” he explained. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256025/us-bishops-approve-voting-guide-that-calls-abortion-preeminent-priority Catholic Relief Services (CRS) this week called for an “immediate cessation of violence” in the Gaza Strip so that the humanitarian organization and other groups can deliver sorely needed supplies to civilians in the region. CRS does not have staff at Al-Shifa Hospital, where fighting has been taking place. But CRS is “supporting four churches in Gaza … which are serving as temporary shelter locations for thousands of people.” “There needs to be an immediate cessation of violence so that CRS and other groups can really bring in and establish a humanitarian operation for, really, the entire 2.4 million people in Gaza,” a CRS executive said this week. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256028/catholic-relief-services-calls-for-immediate-cessation-of-violence-in-gaza-to-allow-aid Today, the Church celebrates Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, a medieval noblewoman who responded to personal tragedy by embracing Saint Francis' ideals of poverty and service. A patron of secular Franciscans, she is especially beloved to Germans, as well as the faithful of her native Hungary. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-elizabeth-of-hungary-56 The Church also celebrates Saint Gregory Thaumaturgus, who was elected bishop of Neocaesarea in present-day Turkey around 238. He was a much-sought-after arbiter for his wisdom and legal knowledge and ability. He is invoked against floods and earthquakes. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-gregory-thaumaturgus-692

Faithful Citizenship | Pastor Will Cover

As election season heats up, the Virginia Catholic Conference is reminding the commonwealth's Catholics that they have an obligation to participate in political life. “We have an obligation to help shape the moral character of society for the common good,” said Jeff Caruso, executive director of the VCC, the legislative advocacy arm of both Virginia bishops — Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Richmond Bishop Barry C. Knestout.  

Thoughts On Faithful Citizenship In Our Country

Thoughts On Faithful Citizenship In Our Country

Thoughts On Faithful Citizenship In Our Country

Thoughts On Faithful Citizenship In Our Country

Thoughts On Faithful Citizenship In Our Country

Join Archbishop Alexander Sample as he reflects upon highlights from the November USCCB plenary assembly in Baltimore. Among the topics discussed: updates to the Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship document pertaining to Catholic civic responsibility, an update on the war in Ukraine, and WYD 2023 and Eucharistic Revival celebrations. For more visit: https://www.usccb.org/resources/forming-consciences-faithful-citizenship-pdf, https://archdpdx.org/eucharistSubscribe to the Voice of the Shepherd on your favorite podcast platform.Learn more about the Archdiocese of Portland.Find this show on the free Hail Mary Media App, along with a radio live-stream, prayers, news, and more.Look through past episodes or support this podcast.The Voice of the Shepherd is produced by Mater Dei Radio in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Portland.

Romans 13:1-7 Message Notes Support The JourneyThe Gospel Applied - Romans 12-14

Romans 13:1-7 Message Notes Support The JourneyThe Gospel Applied - Romans 12-14

In Let's Talk About This, Father discusses the interplay between faithful Christians and government, and reads selections from his newly released book from Ignatius Press, Christendom Lost and Found: Meditations for a Post Post-Christian Era. Christendom Lost and Found: Meditations for a Post Post-Christian Era The Judgment of the Nations - Christopher Dawson Christians at the End of the Pax Americana: From A Warfare State to A Welfare State We Need To Be Clear About Who Rules the World Questions? Comments? Feedback? Ask Father!

With U.S. midterm elections just a week away, we know a lot of people in the U.S. might be wanting a break from politics, a break from excessive political ads and tense discussions with loved ones. But as Pope Francis says, good Catholics meddle in politics. In fact, political engagement can be a positive manifestation of our faith. A way to promote the common good for all people. And that work doesn't stop with Election Day—it's a yearlong job. So, on this special Election Week episode, MegAnne Liebsch talks with professional, full-time advocate and our colleague, Thomas Mulloy. Tom is the government relations director for the Jesuit Office of Justice and Ecology—or OJE as we call it. OJE is the advocacy arm of the Jesuits, and through Tom, we advocate with the federal government on various social and environmental justice issues. On this episode, we talk about why the Jesuits are involved in federal advocacy, what regular citizens can teach Congress and how faithful citizenship extends beyond Election Day. Stay up to date with the Jesuits advocacy efforts through our email newsletter: jesuits.org/advocate To learn more about faithful citizenship, check out our guide: jesuits.org/civic-engagement

What is Faithful Citizenship? Why does the Church not endorse specific candidates before an election? What resources does the Church offer for faithful participation in politics? We'll answer these questions and more in the latest episode of our ICAN Podcast.

In episode 23, Gillian chats with Bishop Douglas Lucia from the Diocese of Syracuse. We discuss Catholicism, politics, and our moral and civic duty to be active in the political arena. Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/ , or texting 'CAN' to 50457.--- Follow us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyscatholicconferenceTwitter: https://twitter.com/NYSCatholicConfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyscatholicconf/

Opening Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Reading Is 32:15-18 Todays Reflection: How do I recognize the Spirit’s involvement in my life in the community Todays prayer Spirit of God, fill our hearts with peace so that we may bring peac

Bishop Shawn McKnight (Diocese of Jefferson City) discusses  how Catholics can form their consciences in order to answer the Church's call to faithful citizenship. 

Can a ruler be both powerful and pious?  This combination may be rare in our political leaders today. But the life of Blessed Karl of Austria teaches us that the answer to this question can indeed be a resounding “yes.” With April 1, 2022 marking the 100-year anniversary of his death, in this episode we examine the legacy and witness of the last emperor of one of Europe's most long-standing Catholic dynasties. Proving that a deep faith in God was not at odds with service in the highest imperial office, Blessed Karl strove for a peaceful resolution to the First World War and ultimately died in exile after only two short years on the throne. Karl's life represents a compelling example of Church-State cooperation in an authentic pursuit of the spiritual and temporal welfare of the people - and serves as a contrast to the corrupt entanglement of altar and throne in modern-day Russia.Joining us to explore these themes is Father Raymond de Souza. One of North America's most well-known Catholic commentators, he is a regular columnist for the National Post and the National Catholic Register. Father de Souza is a Senior Fellow at Cardus, Canada's leading Christian think tank. He also serves as a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Kingston, Ontario.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting Crown and Crozier with a tax-deductible donation here:  DONATE  Documents/Websites referenced Father Raymond de Souza (biography)@fatherdesouzaBlessed Karl of Austria (Vatican biography)Blessed Karl of Austria - Cause for Canonization USA / Canada K.V. Turley, “Blessed are the peacemakers: Lessons from the life and legacy of Blessed Karl”, National Catholic Register (October 21, 2020)“Caesaropapism” (CatholicCulture.org)“Josephinism” (CatholicCulture.org)Father Raymond de Souza, “The Kirill Question”, National Catholic Register (March 9, 2022)Father Raymond de Souza, “Putin is using a ‘spiritual' lie to further his imperialist aims”, National Post (February 26, 2022)www.crownandcrozier.comtwitter.com/crownandcrozierfacebook.com/crownandcrozierhttps://www.instagram.com/crownandcrozier/Please note that this podcast has been edited for length and clarity.Support the show (http://missionoftheredeemer.com/crownandcrozier/)

Welcome to season 2 of our podcast! In this episode we talked with Greg Schleppenbach, Associate Director of Pro-Life Activities for the United States Conference  of Catholic Bishops. We discussed the Hyde Amendment, the Mississippi SCOTUS case, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, Walking with Moms in Need, and how Greg ended up in this position

Produced by St Gabriel Catholic Radio

Welcome to Crown and Crozier!It's time to dig into the relationship between the Church and the State – and what it means for us as citizens and disciples, and for the flourishing of society.Come learn what our program is all about and join us as we kick-off our inaugural season by examining government restrictions on worship during COVID, a White House that's occupied by a self-professed Catholic, interactions between bishops and politicians in capital cities, and countless other issues at the intersection of Church and State.Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts and be the first listen on May 1!Support the show (http://missionoftheredeemer.com/crownandcrozier/)

This week on Practicing Catholic, Archbishop Hebda is back for his monthly Bishops' Segment! In the spirit of St. Valentine's Day, we've got Bridget Busacker reminding us of the effectiveness and joys of NFP; lastly, Joe Masek on the Cana Family Institute and the role of the family in imitating Christ's love.

Fr. Branson and Deacon Paul Nacey discuss how to live as faithful Catholics amidst the 2020 election and current political scene. They answer students' questions and reference the USCCB's document "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" found here: gtcc.co/FormingConsciences

In this program, Jim Grant. Retired Director and current Bishop's Liaison for Social Justice Ministry for the Diocese of Fresno shares some personal reflections on the upcoming national election. Recorded on October 28, they reveal some ideas and thoughts that will hopefully still be worth listening to no matter who is elected on November 3. Topics Jim covered included the Faithful Citizenship videos produced by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the zoom session that Fr. Paul Keller would be offering on that resource. Admitting he identifies with the 66% of the U.S. population feeling stress and frustration throughout this exhausting election cycle, he sees the problem best illustrated in the failure to work toward consensus because of the "battleground" mindset established by the uniquely American concept of the electoral college, and not the popular vote across the country, determining who will be our president. 

Catholic Conference Hour host Bob Gilligan and his guests talks about what the Clean Energy Jobs Act will look like after incorporating Gov. J.B. Pritzker's principles for clean energy legislation. They also discuss the historically-low refugee cap of 15,000 set by the federal government for the new federal fiscal year that started October 1 Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi took some time to chat with Fr. Michael Bradley. With the Chicago Marathon cancelled this year because of Covid-19, Fr. Mike ran a marathon of his own on Sunday, October 11th through the streets of Edgewater where he lives at St. Gertrude Parish. Fr. Greg and Mark also spent some time with Fr. Lou Cameli. They talked about the concept of Faithful Citizenship and the role it plays in the voting process.

We reflect on the Bishop's teaching in "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" and today's Gospel, where Jesus reminds us of the greatest commandment.

Election day this year has turned into election season. Millions of Americans, taking COVID-19 precautions, have already voted by mail or in person. It’s not uncommon to find waits of 45 minutes or more at early voting stations. Father Lou Cameli, based at Holy Name Cathedral recently wrote some reflections on the concept of Faithful Citizenship, and the role it plays in the voting process. You can hear his complete reflections on our YouTube channel, Catholic Chicago. Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi.

On Wednesday, September 30, host Pam Marvin talked with James Adams, Theology teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bryan, Tx. In the first part of the show, they had an interesting discussion about the archangels. Did you know there are 7? Tune in to hear more! In the second half of the show, James and Pam talked about the USCCB’s document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. James and Pam talked about the importance of voting as Catholic citizens. When American Catholics vote, they must do so with a conscience formed by the teachings of the Church, especially in regards to those political debates revolving around intrinsically evil acts. As the bishops urge us in the document, “Catholics must never abandon the moral requirement to seek full protection for all human life from the moment of conception until natural death [#32].” This responsibility needs to be taken with great seriousness because, as the bishops note, “Responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation [#13].” Voting is only the most obvious way we fulfill this obligation. Listen to this great conversation to prepare you to vote ! You can read the full document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship here.

DIRECTORY ON THE MINISTRY AND LIFE OF PRIESTS Authorized and approved by Pope John Paul II (Holy Thursday - 1994) 33. Political and Social Obligation • The priest, as servant of the universal Church, cannot tie himself to any historical contingency, and therefore must be above any political party. He cannot take an active role in political parties or labor unions, unless, according to the judgement of the ecclesiastical authority, the rights of the Church and the defense of common good require it. In fact, even if these are good things in themselves, they are nevertheless foreign to the clerical state since they can constitute a grave danger of division in the ecclesial communion. • Like Jesus (John 6:15 ff.), the priest ought to refrain from actively engaging himself in politics, as it often happens, in order to be a central point of spiritual fraternity. All the faithful, therefore, must always be able to approach the priest without feeling inhibited for any reason. • The priest will remember that it does not fall on the shoulders of the Pastors of the Church to intervene directly in political activities and in social organizations. This task, in fact, forms part of the lay faithful vocation, in which they work by their own initiative together with their fellow citizens. Nevertheless, [the priest] will not be absent in the effort to form in them an upright conscience. • The reduction of his mission to temporal tasks, of a purely social or political nature, is foreign to his ministry, and does not constitute a triumph but rather a grave loss to the Church's evangelical fruitfulness. Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship Catholic Bishops of the United States 92. Catholic teaching challenges voters and candidates, citizens and elected officials, to consider the moral and ethical dimensions of public policy issues. In light of ethical principles, we bishops offer the following policy goals that we hope will guide Catholics as they form their consciences and reflect on the moral dimensions of their public choices. Not all issues are equal; these ten goals address matters of different moral weight and urgency. Some involve intrinsically evil acts, which can never be approved. Others involve affirmative obligations to seek the common good. 1) Address the preeminent requirement to protect the weakest in our midst—innocent unborn children—by restricting and bringing to an end the destruction of unborn children through abortion and providing women in crisis pregnancies the supports they need to make a decision for life. 2) Keep our nation from turning to violence to address fundamental problems—a million abortions each year to deal with unwanted pregnancies, euthanasia and assisted suicide to deal with the burdens of illness and disability, the destruction of human embryos in the name of research, the use of the death penalty to combat crime, and imprudent resort to war to address international disputes. 3) Protect the fundamental understanding of marriage as the life-long and faithful union of one man and one woman and as the central institution of society; promote the complementarity of the sexes and reject false "gender" ideologies; and provide better support for family life morally, socially, and economically, so that our nation helps parents raise their children with respect for life, sound moral values, and an ethic of stewardship and responsibility. 4) Achieve comprehensive immigration reform that offers a path to citizenship, treats immigrant workers fairly, prevents the separation of families, maintains the integrity of our borders, respects the rule of law, and addresses the factors that compel people to leave their own countries. 5) Help families and children overcome poverty: ensuring access to and choice in education, as well as decent work at fair, living wages and adequate assistance for the vulnerable in our nation, while also helping to overcome widespread hunger and poverty around the world, especially in the areas of development assistance, debt relief, and international trade. 6) Provide health care while respecting human life, human dignity, and religious freedom in our health care system. 7) Continue to oppose policies that reflect prejudice, hostility toward immigrants, religious bigotry, and other forms of unjust discrimination. 8) Encourage families, community groups, economic structures, and government to work together to overcome poverty, pursue the common good, and care for creation, with full respect for individuals and groups and their right to address social needs in accord with their basic moral and religious convictions. 9) Establish and comply with moral limits on the use of military force—examining for what purposes it may be used, under what authority, and at what human cost—with a special view to seeking a responsible and effective response for ending the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East and other parts of the world. 10) Join with others around the world to pursue peace, protect human life. Summary points “A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who favors a policy promoting an intrinsically evil act, such as abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, deliberately subjecting workers or the poor to subhuman living conditions, redefining marriage in ways that violate its essential meaning, or racist behavior, if the voter's intent is to support that position. In such cases, a Catholic would be guilty of formal cooperation in grave evil.” -Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (34) “There may be times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate's unacceptable position even on policies promoting an intrinsically evil act may reasonably decide to vote for that candidate for other morally grave reasons. Voting in this way would be permissible only for truly grave moral reasons, not to advance narrow interests or partisan preferences or to ignore a fundamental moral evil.” -FCFC (35) “The Church is involved in the political process but is not partisan. The Church cannot champion any candidate or party. Our cause is the defense of human life and dignity and the protection of the weak and vulnerable.” -FCFC (58)

As some of you may be aware, there is an election happening in a few weeks. In this episode, we look at the USCCB document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. What are the principles that we should be voting with? The United States Conference of Bishops speaks clearly and forcefully in this document, and we talk about it so you don't have to read it. Announcements this week Holy Hour on October 23rd at St. Mary/St. Joseph in Durand. The Diocese of Lansing podcast. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/flintcatholic/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/flintcatholic/support

With the election being held this week, we take time to study the Scriptures to explore how we can best play our part and pray for our country.

“For Catholics, the life and dignity of human person is not a ” narrow cause” but a way of life. For this reason, no Catholic should vote for a political program or law that would contradict the fundamental principles of our faith. In sharing our social w

On this Fourth of July weekend, we take time to explore what it means to be part of our larger community.