September 27 – Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
A sacred event is coming up. Sacred in the sense of our duty as Catholic Christians and citizens of the United States. That sacred duty is to vote in the general election on November 2, 2020. As Election Day draws near it is important for everyone to know what is permitted and what is not permitted regarding the Church’s involvement in politics and the election. What IS permitted: Educating Catholics and others on the teachings of the Church as they relate to social policies. Analyzing and measuring policies against the values of the Gospel. Speaking out on issues, such as those involving the life and dignity of the human person, social justice, the promotion of the common good, and the life of the Church in society. Encouraging voters to participate fully in the political process. What IS NOT permitted: Endorsing a candidate or political party. The Church donating money or other resources to a candidate or political party. Exclusively offering the parish or church organization’s facilities to a candidate or political party. Campaign materials or other materials produced by candidates or political parties are not to be distributed on Church property including cars parked in the church parking lot or signs in the parkway. (Information from the Illinois Catholic Conference brochure: “Guidelines on Political Activities for Parishes and Catholic Church Organizations” www.ilcatholic.org
In a bulletin article or homily, there is not enough time or space to go into depth about the teachings of the Church. Regarding all the issues that one must consider in forming ones conscience the basic Catholic Social teaching includes the following major themes:
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Protection of and Participation in the Family and Community
Rights of the Human Person be Protected
Care for the Poor and Vulnerable
Dignity of work and the rights of Workers
Solidarity as One Human Family
Care for God’s Creation
To study more in depth the teachings of the Church in forming your conscience to vote this November, please go to the following links:
Have a blessed week!
Father Don