As the Presidential Election in the United States approaches, Catholic voters are called to navigate their choices with both faith and discernment. This is more than just a political decision; it’s a moral imperative grounded in the teachings of the Church.
Unfortunately, as history has taught us, no US presidential candidate will ever fit with every single tenet of the Catholic Church. Still, voting is a basic and paramount right to shape how we want our society to look. And as I delve deeper into the topic, I remind myself of Jesus’s words, “ Give Ceasar what’s Ceasar’s and God what’s God’s,” and while we are not of “this world,” we must live in this world.
Become An Educated Catholic Voter
All Catholics are responsible for educating themselves before heading to the voting polls. Research is necessary. Don’t just rely on the opinions of others. Make time to conduct your own thorough investigation, including a variety of non-biased news outlets, looking into how each candidate voted and what they supported in their previous government positions, and what Catholic leaders have to say about the candidates.
Form Your Catholic Conscience
What does it mean to form your Catholic Conscience?
“The formation of conscience includes several elements.
Faithful Citizenship
There is a desire to embrace goodness and truth. For
Catholics this begins with a willingness and openness to
seek the truth and what is right by studying Sacred
Scripture and the teaching of the Church as contained in
the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In addition,
prayerful reflection is essential to discern the will of
God. Catholics must also understand that if they fail to
form their consciences they can make erroneous
judgments.”
As Catholics, we commit to prayer, receiving the sacraments, and understanding Catholic Social Teaching before we cast our vote. There are four key principles we must focus on as we form our conscience: the Dignity of the Human Person, Subsidiarity, The Common Good, and Solidarity. Find more information on forming a Catholic conscience HERE and on Catholic Social Teaching HERE.
Prayer, Discernment, Acceptance
Prayer, discernment, and acceptance is a must in these troubling times for our country, prayers for a peaceful election season, discernment so that God may grant wisdom as we approach the ballot box or as we fill out the ballot in our homes, and acceptance that no matter who is sworn in on January 20th, Jesus is still king.
Do Not Be Discouraged
Let us not be discouraged, let us be joyful about the opportunities our country has to offer, let us reflect on the challenges of the past, and let us look forward to a future we can be proud of and as you vote this November, let us be loud and proud and allow the dogma to live loudly within us.
Catholic Prayers Before Voting On Election Day
Prayer Before An Election (USCCB)
Lord God, as the election approaches,
we seek to better understand 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.
Voting Wisdom From The Saints And Catholic Church Teaching
“It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom. The love and service of one’s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity. Submission to legitimate authorities and service of the common good require citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community.
Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one’s country…”
“Moral principles do not depend on a majority vote. Wrong is wrong, even if everybody is wrong. Right is right, even if nobody is right.”
― Fulton J. Sheen
“A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of himself, so that those who govern can govern.”
– Pope Francis
“We must stand up for the right of our neighbor who is suffering from injustice. We must defend them all the more vigorously because we see Jesus present in them. Surely this is our duty because of our love for others, for His sake. We have no right to be ‘sleeping watchmen’ or dumb watch dogs. Whenever we see evil we must sound the alarm.”
– St.. Charles de Foucauld
“[A] well-formed Christian conscience does not permit one to vote for a political program or an individual law which contradicts the fundamental contents of faith and morals” (n.4).
–Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
“To be actively pro-life is to contribute to the renewal of society through the promotion of the common good. It’s impossible to further the common good without acknowledging and defending the right to life, upon which all the other inalienable rights of individuals are founded and from which they develop.”
-St. John Paul II
“We encourage all citizens, particularly Catholics, to embrace their citizenship not merely as a duty and privilege, but as an opportunity meaningfully to participate in building the culture of life. Every voice matters in the public forum. Every vote counts. Every act of responsible citizenship is an exercise of significant individual power. We must exercise that power in ways that defend human life, especially those of God’s children who are unborn, disabled or otherwise vulnerable. We get the public officials we deserve. Their virtue — or lack thereof — is a judgment not only on them, but on us. Because of this, we urge our fellow citizens to see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically, and to choose their political leaders according to principle, not party affiliation or mere self-interest.”
– USCCB
“We must recover and reinvigorate authentic political wisdom;
–Pope Benedict XVI
make discerning use of the research of the human sciences;
face reality in all its aspects, going beyond any kind of ideological reductionism or utopian dream;
show we are open to true dialogue and collaboration;
bear in mind that politics is also a complex art of equilibrium between ideals and interests;
never forget that the contribution of Christians can be effective only if knowledge of faith becomes knowledge of reality
be demanding in what concerns our own sphere of competency.”
More Catholic Resources To Help You Vote
Who Should You Vote For?
Voting Catholic In America
The Catholic View On Voting And Politics
