Faithful Citizenship 2024

Dear Parishioners,

Today is "Super Tuesday" in the world of governmental politics. This reminds me to offer some guidance before things get hyperbolic and heated. So, it is best to prepare now before the political advertisements pepper our TV's, smart phones, and computers.

Every year we vote for people who help lead our country, and every four years it involves the presidency. In November, we will be heading to the polls. This is the greatest signs of our country. But between now and then, there's potential for a civilized conversation to become uncivilized, ruining friendships and families. So, before the political barometer rises, I want to urge us all to begin praying and discerning how we will comport ourselves as Catholic Christians. It is most certain that parishioners will not agree with each other. And while our decisions we make in voting will differ, there is still a higher calling beyond at all: to love one another. This was not a suggestion by Jesus nor a recommendation, but a commandment. So, be mindful that people of goodwill will differ and their choices. Additionally, there is no perfect candidate. We are all sinners. Jesus is not running for any public office. So that means our votes will always involve some kind of compromise. Therefore, I cannot recommend highly enough to meditate on Romans 12:1:

I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters... do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

In addition to meditating on this Scripture, I urge you to form your consciences as faithful Catholics and not simply as partisan ideologues. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are being called to be part of public life by voting, getting involved in our community, serving those in need, and advocating. And all of these are done as a response to the Gospel of Christ.

For more thorough discernment, I highly recommend you read the U.S. Bishops' document, "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship." This can be found at this link: CLICK HERE

In the end, it's not enough to say that I did my duty as a U.S. citizen, for it is more important to be able to stand before the Judgement Seat of God and make an accounting of our choices as disciples of Jesus. May each of us be examples of respect, civility, care, compassion, listening, and love for God and our neighbors.

Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor
Holy Trinity Catholic Parish
Beaverton, Oregon

Vote With An Informed Conscience

Dear Parishioners,

It is that time again to do our part in the process of democracy: vote. Today like no other time, we are pressed to make an effort to vote. Here in Oregon, voting by mail couldn't be easier. Hopefully, you have all received your Voter's Pamphlet in the mail from which you can begin to understand some of the issues. It is a time for us all to remember that our nation was founded on "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Some, however, have pursued one's own well-being over that of others, especially the most vulnerable. As such, we need to keep the needs of the poor in the forefront of our hearts and minds.

The voting season has also marked an increase in mailings to my office from various political action committees or candidates. The Church does not endorse any persons or parties, but she certainly can make a stand about issues. Each of these mailings try to convince me of their particular issue or candidate. Some literature has even come across my desk as either "The Catholic Vote" or "The Pro-Life Vote," often failing to do both in a full way. So, what are we to do? I point you to the bishop's document called "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" which outlines the ethical and moral principals by which we are to consider when participating in our political process. The bishop's outline four major themes. They are as follows:

1. Human Life: The right to life of every human person from conception to natural death, must be protected.
2. Family Life: Marriage between a man and woman is not just a sacred good but a social good that government needs to recognize, encourage and protect.
3. Social Justice: The Catholic consistent life ethic “extends from the vulnerable inside the womb to the vulnerable outside the womb.”
4. Global Solidarity: Natural resources are God-given and “we are all responsible for protecting them.”

The bishop's go on to warn us about two tendencies:

"The first is a moral equivalence that makes no ethical distinctions between different kinds of issues involving human life and dignity. The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death is always wrong and is not just one issue among many. It must always be opposed.

"The second is the misuse of these necessary moral distinctions as a way of dismissing or ignoring other serious threats to human life and dignity. Racism and other unjust discrimination, the use of the death penalty, resorting to unjust war, the use of torture,4 war crimes, the failure to respond to those who are suffering from hunger or a lack of health care, or an unjust immigration policy are all serious moral issues that challenge our consciences and require us to act. These are not optional concerns which can be dismissed.

I urge you to read this document in its entirety as well as the Archbishop's Oct. 6th reflection on voting. Here are links related to these writings:

http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org http://www.catholicsentinel.org

Blessings,

Fr. William Holtzinger

Pastor