“PRAY… REFLECT… DECIDE…”

Dear Brothers and sisters, as you all know its election time. Though I am not a US Citizen yet since I have been here in the USA for the last 7 years and most importantly being the parish priest of our cluster parishes I feel that it is my responsibility to write to you this and share my thoughts on the upcoming election. I would like to remind you what Pope Francis once recommended to voters in Argentina “Pray. Reflect. Decide.” Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington said “Those who are running for public office probably will not satisfy each and every issue that lies before you,” so Catholics must decide which issues are most important to them and then “rank them, learn about them, pray about them, make a conscientious decision.” This would be the best approach I believe. Choose someone who can stand up for what we believe – God, Faith and God/Church’s teachings, who can respect and promote the sanctity and dignity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death, who respects our traditions and history and promise and work for better future for our country and for the next generations. “Pray. Reflect. Decide.” I also would like to ask and encourage everyone to take advantage of the right to vote. Bishops often remind us that Catholic social teaching strongly promotes active citizenship. Through our opportunities as citizens, we can help shape a world more committed to protecting human life and dignity and promoting justice and peace. In their statement Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the bishops state, “In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation” (No. 13). May God Bless America! Other Resources that may help us to form our consciences… https://www.wisconsincatholic.org/parish-resources/faithful-citizenship/ https://catholicconscience.org/usa/2024election/