-
The U.S. bishops remind us that "in the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral ligation''
The most important place to share and reflect on this message of faithful citizenship is in our families. A summary of the document can be found in the Parish Center and Narthex or you can find the full document on the USCC/NCCB website: http://www.usccb.org/faithfulcitizenship/
Key points of the document: Life and Dignity of the Human Person, Call to Family, Community, and Participation, Rights and Responsibilities, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers, Solidarity, Care for God's Creation.
Moral Priorities for Public Life: Protecting Human Life, Promoting Family Life, Pursuing Social Justice, Preaching Global Solidarity,
Some Do's and Don'ts
Do show your children that you are concerned about the issues and questions raised in the statement. Express your opinions or beliefs about these issues, and share questions you have about issues or candidates. Look for opportunities to state where you stand on a certain issue or why you favor a certain candidate. Don't push your children to adopt your stance or to support your candidate. Don't preach.
Do ask for their opinions, questions, or concerns. Be genuine with your interest, and really listen to whatever they have to say. If they disagree with you, talk it through! Find out where they are coming from and offer other suggestions for them to think about from Catholic teaching and Scripture. The most important thing is that your children are aware and concerned and that they are thinking about the issues in moral terms.
Do show that you truly respect different points of view on the issues or candidates - that good people can disagree without rancor.
Do get involved yourself. If you believe strongly in an issue or candidate - and - hopefully you do - take an active role. It's a cliche, but actions do speak much louder than words, especially to our children. Do look for activities that your children or your whole family could get involved in with your (e.g., pro-life marches, environmental cleanup projects, letter writing to elected officials). Don't coerce or shame them into involvement, but invite and encourage it, leaving them free to participate or not.
Do vote and let your children know that you see voting as a priority. Bring your children with you to the polls.
aed fro and reprinted with permission of United States Catholic Conference, Inc. Washington, D.C.
