Dear Community of Saint Joseph’s;

 

I have a friend who never reads or watches the news because it is too depressing.  Sometimes I share that view.  This is one of those times.  Politicians bickering, propositions haggled over and now dire predictions regarding the economy.  All that noise makes me feel overwhelmed and anxious.

 

The American Bishop’s have attempted to assist us in considering the moral and spiritual concerns in their document “Faithful Citizenship.”  Sister Marie wrote an excellent outline of the document in our summer bulletin, which you can review, online at the Saint Joseph’s website: www.stjoscap.org. Just click on the “Father Matt’s letter” icon and go to 6.29.08 and 7.13.08 to reread.  I am also making available in next week’s bulletin a Catholic Update entitled “Faithful Citizenship – The Challenge of Forming Consciences.” 

 

I hope you will read this material that is balanced in helping us as Catholics to consider our political choices.  Faithful Citizenship is not telling us who to vote for, the document attempts to provide us with the moral and spiritual tools to enable us to discern the choices we will ultimately make.  Maybe reading theological documents is not your preference, consequently I would like to invite you to an evening in which the “Faithful Citizenship” document will be presented by Sheilah Lynch who is the Director of Family Life and Ministry for the Diocese of Monterey.  Sheilah will be here at Saint Joseph’s on Monday evening October 13 at 7:00 p.m.

 

This will be an evening of prayer and reflection as well as education.  Please take advantage of all the opportunities and materials available at Saint Joseph’s to assist in making future decisions that reflect the well being of all people. 

 

Father Matt Pennington

Pastor