The video 'Should Catholics Vote?' encourages Catholics to actively participate in elections at all levels of government, emphasizing the importance of considering specific moral and social issues when evaluating candidates. Voters are urged to prioritize candidates who will protect life from conception, respect religious liberty, defend free speech, and work for peace, fiscal responsibility, and just immigration policies at the federal level. At the state level, candidates should oppose assisted suicide, promote economic security for families, and support parental rights in education. At the local level, voters are encouraged to support candidates who advocate for public safety, protect victims, and keep harmful materials out of public libraries. The video acknowledges that no candidate will perfectly align with Catholic values but stresses that this should not deter Catholics from voting, as each candidate has the potential to impact the community and the future.
Journal and reflect on the following questions
Why is it important for Catholics to engage in the voting process, even if no candidate fully aligns with their values?
Reflect on the significance of voting and its impact on shaping communities.
How does protecting life from conception influence the way Catholics should evaluate political candidates?
Consider the importance of life issues in voting decisions and how they guide candidate selection.
What role should religious liberty and the right to practice faith play in the political decisions of Catholic voters?
Reflect on the importance of religious freedom and how it affects policy and governance.
Why is it essential for Catholics to consider economic policies, such as fiscal responsibility and economic security for families, when voting?
Think about how economic decisions affect families and society from a Catholic perspective.
How can Catholic voters balance the need for national security with compassionate immigration policies?
Reflect on the complexity of immigration issues and how faith guides decisions on this topic.
In what ways can local elections impact daily life, and why is it important for Catholics to be informed and involved at the local level?
Explore the influence of local governments on education, safety, and community well-being.
How can Catholics approach the reality that no candidate will perfectly align with all their values, and how should they make a final voting decision?
Consider strategies for prioritizing key issues when no candidate fully reflects Catholic teachings.
Discuss
Song - Lead Me
Closing prayer
Loving Father, we come before You with hearts open to Your wisdom and guidance as we seek to fulfill our duty as faithful citizens. Grant us discernment as we consider the choices before us, that we may vote with integrity and align our decisions with the values of justice, compassion, and respect for life. Help us to stand for what is right, even when it is difficult, and to act with love and humility in all we do. May Your will be done in our communities, our nation, and our world, as we strive to serve You and our neighbors faithfully. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
