25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Faithful Citizenship. Our guide to voting.

I try to daily watch the TV broadcast of the evening news.  It’s important to know what’s happening in our world, our state and in our city.  Lately I find myself avoiding the news. The world, country and state are in real turmoil.  I find myself a little “misty-eyed” at times with the sadness, the hate, the violence, the destruction, the lack of respect, etc.  Where have the Christians gone?  Yes, I know, they are on both sides of every fence.  Where is the correct position?

I encourage all of us to do our homework on making good moral and political choices.  For the last number of years, our church has helped guide us through publications, articles, and videos entitle “Faithful Citizenship.”  We need to be reminded of the long standing Social Teachings of the Catholic Church as we make good decisions in the forthcoming election.  It’s not as easy as some seem to think.  There are no candidates that totally embody these biblically sound teachings, but there are priorities that surface.  We cast our vote based on our “well-formed consciences” and listening to the candidates’ position.  Then we weigh the moral priorities.  I encourage you to do your homework on the web sites of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB.ORG) and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.(Archmil.org.)  If you search “Faithful Citizenship” under each site, you will find a wealth of information.

I encourage you to not allow anyone make your decisions for you.  God judges us on our decisions and the actions that flow from them.  It’s so important that we do our homework in forming good consciences.  We need to start now to do our research and bring this data to our prayer.

On a personal Note: I’m very excited to see the growing attendance in our CCWauk Churches.  We continue to do our best in proving save and heartfelt worship for our God.  Through all  this uncertainty and “coming back” we work to determine what the “new normal” will be.  I’m anticipating that it has to include community building and the people of God working together to be disciples and sharing the message.  We will work to resurrect our liturgical ministries and communicate welcome and true hospitality to those who return.  Welcome back to church!!  I am excited to see our offices open up again and our staff returning.  This talented and dedicated staff has been working hard doing many things, things often unseen.  We are grateful for each one of them for all they do in service to the Catholic Community of Waukesha.  “To new Beginnings!!”

Fr. Pat Heppe