Faithful Citizenship

"What faith teaches about the dignity of the human person, about the sacredness of every human life, and about humanity’s strengths and weaknesses helps us see more clearly the same truths that also come to us through the gift of human reason. At the center of these truths is respect for the dignity of every person. This is the core of Catholic moral and social teaching. Because we are people of both faith and reason, it is appropriate and necessary for us to bring this essential truth about human life and dignity to the public square. We are called to practice Christ’s commandment to “love one another” (Jn 13:34). We are also called to promote the well-being of all, to share our blessings with those most in need, to defend marriage, and to protect the lives and dignity of all, especially the weak, the vulnerable, the voiceless." 
                                                                                           ~ USCCB, Forming Conscinces for Fatihful Citizenship, n. 10

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RESOURCES TO HELP FORM CONSCIENCES
FOR FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP :

Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 1730-1802)

Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) - St. John Paul II

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship - U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Participation of Catholics in Political Life - Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics - USCCB

NEW!  Priorities at the Polls by Archbishop Joseph Naumann, USCCB Respect Life Program "Live the Gospel of Life"   This article makes an excellent bulletin insert, an educational piece for personal reflection or group discussion, and shared with others. Click the link to see the article in a variety of formats.

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“…we are facing an enormous and dramatic clash between good and evil, death and life, the culture of death and the culture of life. We find ourselves not only faced with but necessarily in the midst of this conflict: we are all involved and we all share in it, with the inescapable responsibility of choosing to be unconditionally pro-life."         
        
        ~ St. John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, n. 28

Click the video above to watch this engaging presentation by Bishop McManus (originally recorded in 2016) and learn more about the importance of developing a rightly formed conscience so that we can be truly faithful citizens dedicated to upholding the dignity of human person and serving Christ by promoting the common good.