My sisters and brothers, grace and peace to all in our Lord, Jesus Christ. As we approach our general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, we stand on the cusp of one of the most important responsibilities we have as Americans - the right to vote. Whether we cast our ballots in person or by absentee, voting is not only a civic duty but also a powerful opportunity to shape the future of our country.

It is a profound exercise of our rights as citizens that enables us to participate in and shape the common good of our nation, state, and local communities in their executive, legislative, and judicial functions. The act of voting is not just about selecting leaders. It's about voicing our hopes, our concerns, and our values for the future.

Whenever we choose to vote, we refuse to let others make decisions on our behalf. Instead, we take responsibility for the direction of our republic. As Americans, we must never take that privilege for granted. The decision to vote allows us to engage in the process to be an effective participant in shaping policies, laws, and reinforce the principles by which we are governed.

Moreover, as Catholics and people of faith, we bring a unique perspective to this responsibility. Our faith teaches us to think not only of ourselves but of the broader community in which we live, especially about issues of life, justice, and the most vulnerable among us. Catholic social teaching encourages us to reflect on key principles, such as the dignity of every human person, the common good, solidarity with those who suffer, the stewardship of God's creation, and cherishing the right to life from conception until natural death.

These are values that should guide us as we evaluate the choices before us in the voting booth. Now, it is true that no candidate is perfect. We struggle with the reality that candidates can have moral flaws or positions that do not align completely with our religious beliefs. Nevertheless, we are called to think critically and actively participate in the electoral process.

While many Christians contemplate sitting out the election, we should not let others make decisions that will affect our future. Overall, Christians and Catholics are a significant voting bloc. Indeed, our faith encourages us to make informed and conscientious decisions, seeking the greater good, even when the choices are imperfect.

The U. S. Bishops remind us that responsible citizenship is a virtue and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This means we do not withdraw or remain silent because of imperfections; rather, we continue our work within an imperfect system, lobbying our representatives to promote a just and peaceful society, respecting the dignity of all. 

To vote, therefore, is not to endorse every stance of a candidate, but to weigh the options before us carefully, considering which path best promotes the common good, best protects life from conception to natural death, best respects the dignity of all humans and the most vulnerable among us.

By voting, we are making a positive contribution to the society in which we live. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that participation in political life is a duty in the pursuit of the common good. By voting, we live out this duty in a tangible way. So, whether we vote by absentee ballot or in person at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5, let us approach this election with prayerful discernment and a sense of duty to our fellow citizens and nation.

The choices we make will affect not only our own lives but the lives of millions of others. Your vote matters. Your participation witnesses the values we hold dear in both Americans and the people of faith. I invite you to embrace this responsibility with hope, courage, and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for listening, and may God bless you all.