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Article 143 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 1949-1974 We are all familiar with the motto on our coins, “In God We Trust,” and we witness this same faith in God incorporated into presidential speeches. Such public profession of our faith in God goes back to the earliest days of American history. The early pilgrims, for example, who were saved from starvation that first terrible winter of 1620-1621, set aside a day of thanksgiving to God for their survival. This spirit of religious faith was evident everywhere in the early colonies. When we became an independent nation, this same dependence on God was included in our Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States. To this day, our nation recognizes God and his rights over us. Americans realize that we have to give to God what belongs to him. We understand that religion is a debt which we must, in strict justice, pay to our loving Creator.

(Editor's note: below is a summary of  Catholic social teaching from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. The depth and richness of this tradition can be understood best through a direct reading of these documents. In these brief reflections, several of the key themes that are at the heart of Catholic social tradition are highlighted.

I met a man in his 50s who openly acknowledged that he has never voted in a presidential election in his life. According to this individual, he has always done alright by the outcome. Personally, if I were he, I would not brag about my complacency. Is it that demanding to take a few minutes and select the candidates one wants to serve in federal, state or local positions of leadership? When the framers of the Constitution of the United States drafted their amendments and articles, one of the first things they did was emphasize each citizen’s right to vote. Unfortunately, at the time, this only applied to white males. With the 19th  Amendment, women were granted and guaranteed the right to vote. Now, all citizens of every gender, race or ethnic background has not only the right but a civic duty to cast votes on Election Day, which is always the first Tuesday of the month of November.

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, ​​​​​​​In the midst of our presidential election’s contentious campaign, many of our faithful have been telling me about their concern for the future of our country. I, as your bishop, and all of our clergy, too, are being asked to help Catholics form their consciences in accordance with God’s truth.