Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

The 2024 election season is well underway, with general election voting beginning in October before Election Day on November 5.  Let’s remember the importance of participating in the public life of our country with a well-informed conscience.  Take a moment to read the attached the article below with the new Introductory Note for “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.”

Each of us is a precious creation in the image and likeness of God; each one of us possesses innate and inviolable human dignity.  This dignity is present in each person from the moment of his/her conception and throughout their lives.  We offer this article on “Human Life and Dignity” not to tell you how to vote but to help you form your conscience in accordance with God’s truth as you approach this often-challenging decision. 

Human Life & Dignity

We also encourage you to watch the video “Catholics Protect Human Life and Dignity” from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 

Watch Here

Solidarity is a cornerstone of Catholic social teaching.  We invite you to dive into this article on solidarity to help deepen your understanding. )  Pope Francis places solidarity at the center of what it means to cultivate social friendship as one family. He says, “Solidarity means much more than engaging in sporadic acts of generosity. It means thinking and acting in terms of community.” 

Read Here

We also ask you to watch the video “Catholics Love Their Neighbors” from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Protecting the “common good” is an important role for our government. Please explore this article on the common good.  Find out how every human being has a right to life, a right to religious freedom, and a right to have access to those things required for a decent living.  

Promoting the Common Good

We also encourage you to watch the video, “Catholics Promote the Common Good” from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The principle of subsidiarity reminds us of the importance of local institutions and community bonds.  Larger institutions in society (such as the government) should not overwhelm or interfere with smaller or local institutions (such as the family, local schools, or the Church community).  Yet larger institutions have essential responsibilities when local institutions cannot adequately protect human dignity, meet human needs, or advance the common good.  Please look over the following article on subsidiarity, and watch the video, “Faithful Catholics Work with Christ as He Builds His Kingdom” from the US Bishops.