I urge you to reflect on the teaching of our bishops offered in last week's bulletin, The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. In that bulletin insert, we read about the strength and value of the virtue of prudence: the act of discerning our true good in every circumstance and choosing the right means of achieving it. How will your vote on Tuesday reflect the true good for our nation?
The bishops concluded their teaching on conscience with this summary statement: In light of Catholic teaching, as bishops we vigorously repeat our call for a renewed politics that focuses on moral principles, the defense of life, the needs of the weak and the pursuit of the common good.
In our beloved nation, we the people have the responsibility of choosing the men and women who seek positions of leadership in government. As a free people, the citizens of our nation are called to the polls this Tuesday, to choose the leaders that will govern us. How will your faith-life inform your vote on Tuesday? How will your belief in God's plan of salvation affect your decision? Do you allow the revelation of God to inform your "politics"?I urge you to reflect on the teaching of our bishops offered in last week's bulletin, The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. In that bulletin insert, we read about the strength and value of the virtue of prudence: the act of discerning our true good in every circumstance and choosing the right means of achieving it. How will your vote on Tuesday reflect the true good for our nation?
The bishops concluded their teaching on conscience with this summary statement: In light of Catholic teaching, as bishops we vigorously repeat our call for a renewed politics that focuses on moral principles, the defense of life, the needs of the weak and the pursuit of the common good.
In today's bulletin, I have offered all a document entitled Respect for Unborn Human Life: the Church's Constant Teaching. During this election season, some Catholic politicians have misstated the Church's teaching through their use of the press and mass-media. In the one-page document offered to you today, please read the consistent teaching of the Lord Jesus and his Church. Each and every human life has inherent dignity, and thus must be treated with the respect due to a human person.
As good citizens, as patriots, let us go to the polls and vote on Tuesday, asking God for the wisdom we need, to do what is right.
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In contrast to the campaigning we have witnessed over these last many months, those of you that may desire to serve on the soon-to-be established Pastoral Council of St. John Neumann will not need to spend lots of money or hire a fancy media consultant. In a week or two, I will make available applications for service on our Pastoral Council. The applications for service that are completed and received (with a 7 January 2009 dead-line) will be given to our deacons, and the deacons will interview each and every applicant, discussing with each the call to service, the call to ministry. After I have determined the basic eligibility of the candidates, the names of the eligible candidates will be placed together; and after calling upon the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, nine names will be selected in random fashion, asking for the Lord's guidance (cf. Acts 1.24-26).
Here are the eligibility requirements for membership on our Pastoral Council: (1) A registered parishioner or an active participant at SJN, as determined by the Pastor (2) Be at least 18 years old by the 4th of February 2009 (3) Demonstrate participation in and support of the parish's mission, through the giving in stewardship of time, talents and treasure, as determined by the Pastor (4) Conduct himself or herself in ways that are supportive of the precepts, teachings and positions of the Roman Catholic Church, as determined by the Pastor.
Please assist me in the re-establishment of the Pastoral Council at SJN. Do you know parishioners that would seem to be called to this kind of pastoral leadership? Ask them to consider completing an application for service (click here .) Do you yourself have an interest in placing your name as a candidate for this ministry? Please watch for more information and for the availability of the applications for service.
AMDG
Msgr. David Talley
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Contact Robin Osborn at cheergaa@gmail.com