Both Catholic and American

Dear Newman Community,

I hope you all had a pleasant Fourth of July celebration! While it was likely a time for fireworks and cookouts with family, I'd like to invite us to consider it also as an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be both American and Catholic. As we get closer and closer to the November elections, the news seems to be ever more filled with stories about the candidates, polls and political pundits. For some of us this may be interesting and spark excitement at the idea of voting in November, for others of us it may be discouraging and bring a feeling of discontentment or hesitation about the entire process. So why, as Catholics, should we care about any of it? What's the connection to our Catholic faith?

"We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern."
​ - Pope Francis, 9/16/13  

Our U.S. Bishops highlight that it is very important for us to ask and explore this very question. They offer a resource for how to do this called, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility. In the coming months our parish will use Faithful Citizenship as a framework to reflect on our rights and duties in our democracy. Look for more info on how you can get involved in the bulletin and pulpit announcements at the end of Mass.

If you'd like to help plan learning and prayer opportunities related to Faithful Citizenship, email me at monastalbertnewmancenter.org.

Peace, 
​Mona