A Message from Fr. John
Dear parishioners,
Very recently we published a message called Faithful Citizenship: Pro-Life. Please take a moment to read this important message as it forms the background to this message. It contains excerpts from the US Bishops document on Faithful Citizenship which goes into more detail as to what issues determine if a person is truly pro-life. As the bishops stated , “ We strongly encourage you to know the candidates and their positions on abortion, Euthanasia. The death penalty, and the range of fully and truly prolife topics.”
At the end of my message to you, you will find a message from the Virginia Catholic Conference, and a side-by-side comparison on where the candidates for Governor stand on the issues. As you read the comparisons, please note that as to their stand on abortion, McAuliff is not against abortion. Younghin is against abortion, but not in all cases. No candidate is fully pro-life as the Church and our bishops define it.
In addition some “actions are so deeply flawed that they are always opposed to the authentic good of persons. These are called ‘intrinsically evil’ actions. They must always be rejected and opposed and must never be supported or condoned. A prime example is the intentional taking of innocent human life, as in abortion and euthanasia.” (Faithful Citizenship, #22: quoting John Paul II’s Gospel of Life; emphasis added). The side-by-side comparison does not address euthanasia, but we believe both candidates support the current legislation before the Virginia legislation to allow doctor-assisted suicide.
We join with the US Conference of Catholic Bishops who stated, “We strongly encourage you to know the candidates and their positions on abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, and the range of fully and truly prolife topics.”
pax et bonum
Fr. John
A letter from Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Richmond Bishop Barry Knestout
Election Day is November 2, and early voting has already begun. Virginia voters will elect a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and all 100 members of the Virginia House of Delegates. Much is at stake, and it is our sacred duty to form our consciences and vote. May we join with Catholics across the commonwealth in voting for leaders committed to policy positions that uphold the truth reflected in our Catholic beliefs, most notably the protection of all human life, especially those in greatest need. We begin this process with prayer and reflection, standing upon the fundamental teachings of our Catholic Faith.
May we join with Catholics across the commonwealth in voting for leaders committed to policy positions that uphold the truth reflected in our Catholic beliefs, most notably the protection of all human life, especially those in greatest need. We begin this process with prayer and reflection, standing upon the fundamental teachings of our Catholic Faith.
These three foundational principles must guide how we vote:
- Many issues are important.
- Not all issues have equal moral weight.
- Protecting life is paramount.
As Catholics, we must protect the sacredness of all human life. The right to life is “the fundamental right that makes all other rights possible” (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, no. 49). It must be “defended with maximum determination” (Saint John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, no. 38). In the United States, the tragically pervasive acceptance of abortion underscores the urgency of this message. There have been more than 62 million abortions since Roe v. Wade. Still, elected officials in Washington and here in Virginia are working to advance an even more radical abortion-driven agenda. Protecting life to the fullest extent possible is of the utmost importance and must be our highest priority.
For side-by-side comparisons of the policy positions of the major-party candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general on issues of importance to Catholics (in their own words), visit www.vacatholic.org.
We are blessed to live in a country where we have the freedom to elect our leaders. At the same time, we know that politics have become more divisive and destructive in our communities and even, at times, within our families. Our unity and peace must be founded in and inspired by the healing power of Jesus Christ. May we bring his truth, peace and unity with us to the ballot box in this election, and always.
Prayer Before An Election
Lord God, as the election approaches,
we seek to understand better the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country,
and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness
so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters,
one and equal in dignity,
especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned,
Men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.
We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word,
live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth
as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles
and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.