“The integration of Catholics more deeply into U.S. society – especially during the last half-century – is the object of much study, with some concluding that Catholics have been too much assimilated and not enough an instrument of change. ”

 

More and more assimilation has occurred to correspond with the growth of more and more government. Since the 1960’s, our nation has become one of big government—state, and Federal—much is said due to social care of its citizens. One could question that, for once we were the richest nation in the world now it seems we are owned by other nations in the world, is the quality of life keeping up with the cost to live such lives. While our political debates over domestic issues have become more intense—we spend more on wars than on domestic needs—over 1 trillion dollars so far for Iraq and Afghanistan; then there are all the bailouts, along with increased Federal and state spending on prisons and less on education. These previous statements are not a political bias, but facts easily verified. 

 

"One of the gravest errors of our time is the dichotomy between the faith which many profess and the practice of their daily lives." Morality, spirituality, and how they are lived out loud in daily life is to be apparent in all that we do as Christians.

 

Yet, separation of church and state has grown to mean almost becoming silent. I hear people say that they do not want to be “…lumped with Christian right wing fundamentalists.” Nor labeled as a “ Bible beater”. Since when does speaking from a base of morality and ethics formed by the teachings of Jesus Christ clash with our identity as Americans? The First Amendment to the US Constitution is based on freedom of religion.

 

The virtues that we practice sustain us in living the Gospel of Life and in becoming living witnesses to the society we seek to change. “Despair and its false solutions are supplanted by a rugged hope in what can be. As John Paul II challenges us:

 

 

Please join our parish Respect Life Committee—contact Howard Haupt through our rectory office: 707-226-9379; or let Fr. Francisco or me know if you are interested. There are so many ways to help live out our freedom as disciples in this blessed nation. Stay informed --and inform others. Please live as disciples in Christ—OUT LOUD! We encourage you to visit www.cacatholic.org to read about important issues in California and the nation. God Bless America and help us live to value all life, Blessings, Fr. Gordon

 

Part II to follow 

Major references included in: Political Responsibility, The Virtue of Rugged Hope, by Michael A. Taylor, S.T.D.; executive director of the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment in Washington, D.C. Catholic and other organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code are prohibited from participating or intervening in political campaigns on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for office, though this prohibition, of course, does not apply to persons in their individual capacities. Office of General Counsel, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, available at: www.usccb.org