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

Letter from the Archbishop Regarding Measure 106

October 10, 2018

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Praised be Jesus Christ!

With your help, Oregon voters were able to get an important, state-wide citizen initiative on the November ballot. Measure 106 is the Stop Taxpayer Funding for Abortion measure.

Through the Oregon Health Plan, Oregon taxpayers fund ten abortions every day. It is heartbreaking to know that our public taxes are used in a way that not only results in the death of a child in the womb, but also harms women and families.

Catholics have a special responsibility to be involved in political affairs. While the church is non-partisan, we do speak out on matters that impact the good of our neighbors and the larger community. Following the example of Jesus, we reach out especially to assist those who are struggling with life’s difficult burdens and protect those who are vulnerable.

In the case of abortion, the Church understands the difficult choice a woman may face if she has an unplanned pregnancy. Abortion can seem like an easy solution, but ending the life of a newly conceived child is a costly choice. Every child is a precious gift. In addition to killing a child in the womb, abortion causes devastating emotional, spiritual and physical harm to women, children and families.

Our public tax dollars should be used to truly support women and families in need and not to pay for the irreversible and harmful effects of abortion. Oregonians should no longer be forced to pay for elective, late-term and even sex-selective abortions. Please vote Yes on Measure 106.

We know that the majority of Americans oppose using taxpayer money for elective abortions. In fact, thirty-two states and the District of Columbia already prohibit the use of public funds for abortion. Oregon can join them by voting YES on Measure 106.

Voting YES on Measure 106 will not stop all taxpayer money from funding abortions, and it will not prevent women from continuing to choose abortion, but it will limit the use of public money that can be used to pay for abortions. By voting YES on Measure 106, we will let Oregon legislators know we do not want public funds used to pay for elective abortions.

Please vote YES on Measure 106. As Catholics, in good conscience, we have a responsibility to work through the legislative process to reduce and even eliminate abortions whenever possible. Measure 106 gives us that opportunity. Please join me in voting YES on Measure 106. May God bless you and your family.

Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Most Rev. Alexander K. Sample
Archbishop of Portland in Oregon