From the Pastor:
First, this weekend two of our parishes are having social events with great food, entertainment, games, and raffles. St Peter's will be Saturday evening at their athletic complex and St Mary's will be Sunday afternoon on their parish property. Both are serving chicken slow roasted over an open charcoal pit. Even the best restaurants don't serve chicken that delicious! Everyone is welcome to attend both events. We priests are looking forward to seeing you there!
Second, in a few weeks, students will begin returning to school. Some are eager to be with their friends again and others will miss the freedom of summer. Both of our parish schools, St Mary and St Peter, have additional room for students. Recent legislation signed by Governor Dewine now makes it possible for every family who attends a private school to receive a State scholarship. The amount will vary for each family depending on their educational and financial needs. Please call the school offices for more information or to register a student to attend.
Third, please take time this week to vote in the special election. As I stated last week, Pope Francis reminds us that "good Catholics immerse themselves in politics" and "offer their prayers" to assist leaders and the governing process. He also reminded us that instead of complaining and speaking critically of political leaders we should pray for them. Pope Francis directs us to St. Paul's First letter to Timothy where we are instructed to pray for the conversion and strong leadership of those in authority.
It is especially important for us Catholics to be involved in the political process because God has revealed to us, through his Church, knowledge of the social and spiritual dimensions of the human person. Understanding these is the foundation for establishing a just and peaceful society. Catholic morality provides the answer for surviving our own prosperity that has been the downfall of many before us. Even today Christ on the cross speaks to us, telling us that we need to sacrifice our own wants and wishes out of love for God and love for our neighbor. President Kennedy famously spoke of this when he addressed the nation in saying "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country!"
There are many political debates in which to be involved but the most fundamental of all these is the right to life. The most vulnerable people in our society today are those without a voice: The elderly, disabled, and those still in their mother's womb. Caring for and loving these people does at times require sacrifice of our comfort and even our future plans. What kind of society do we become when we end people's lives because they are inconvenient or burdensome to us? St Teresa of Calcutta said: "Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want." If speaking today, I'm sure she would include euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Responsible citizenship for us means knowing the Catholic Faith and being involved in the political process. God’s teachings and commandments affect how we vote.
In God we Trust!
Fr. Miller