|
|
A Year of Courage, Conscience, and the Common Good, |
|
As we look back on the past year, Catholics of good will in the United States have witnessed a moment that will echo through Church history: the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope. His elevation was more than a historic milestone—it was a profound affirmation that the lived experience of the American Church, shaped by diversity, migration, struggle, and hope, belongs at the heart of the global Catholic conversation.
From the beginning of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV has called Catholics to reclaim the moral courage of the Gospel and to center the dignity of the human person in every aspect of public life. His leadership has been a source of clarity and consolation during a year that has tested our consciences as social justice Catholics in the United States.
That test has been especially acute in the face of the Trump administration’s draconian and chaotic immigration policies. As we have written in our recent op-eds, these policies have inflicted real harm on families seeking safety, destabilized communities, and violated core principles of Catholic social teaching: the preferential option for the poor, the sanctity of family, and the inherent dignity of every human being. For many Catholics, this year has been a moment of awakening—a recognition that faith demands more than quiet disagreement. It demands public witness.
Catholics Vote Common Good has been proud to stand with bishops, religious leaders, advocates, and everyday Catholics who have refused to accept cruelty masquerading as policy. We have lifted our voices in defense of migrants and asylum seekers not because it is politically convenient, but because it is morally necessary. This work has reminded us that being a faithful Catholic in public life is not about partisan loyalty—it is about Gospel fidelity.
Now, we must look ahead.
The coming midterm elections will be pivotal. More than 40 congressional seats are expected to be fiercely contested, and the outcome will shape not only legislative priorities, but the moral direction of our country. Progressive Catholics—grounded in faith, motivated by justice, and committed to the common good—have a critical role to play.
This is the moment to deepen our engagement: to organize in parishes and dioceses, to have courageous conversations with fellow Catholics, to support candidates who reflect our values, and to ensure that Catholic voices for justice are heard clearly and consistently. Our faith calls us not to withdraw from public life, but to transform it.
We encourage you to get involved—whether by volunteering, educating voters, amplifying our message, or helping Catholics Vote Common Good reach new communities. The work ahead is demanding, but we do not do it alone. We do it together, sustained by faith and guided by conscience. We close with prayer.
Loving God, We give thanks for all Catholics of good will who labor for justice, compassion, and peace. Amen. |
|
Pope Leo XIV Speaks on Importance of church social Doctrine: 'there is a widespread thirst for justice' |
|
|
“In our day, there is a widespread thirst for justice, a desire for authentic fatherhood and motherhood, a profound longing for spirituality, especially among young people and the marginalized, who do not always find effective means of making their needs known,” Pope Leo had said to them during the conclusion of the address. “There is a growing demand for the Church’s social doctrine, to which we need to respond.” |
|
Reuters: Pope Leo Replaces New York's Cardinal Dolan in Shake-Up of US Church |
|
|
Catholics Vote Common Good applauds Pope Leo XIV’s recent decision to replace Cardinal Timothy Dolan as Archbishop of New York. Coming after years in which Cardinal Dolan publicly endorsed Donald Trump and prayed at his inauguration, this leadership change is a welcome step forward and a hopeful moment for the U.S. Catholic Church’s witness to the Gospel and the common good. |
|
Professor John Kenneth White for The Hill: MAGA Declares War on the Catholic Church |
|
|
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s brutal treatment of racial minorities, mostly of Hispanic heritage, caused Pope Leo XIV to call upon Catholic leadership to issue a forceful statement condemning such actions. Obeying the pope, the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops issued their first special message in 12 years at this month’s plenary assembly. |
|
Answering the Call Together |
|
This moment calls for more than reflection—it calls for action. Catholics Vote Common Good is mobilizing progressive Catholics across the country to meet this critical hour, and we need you with us. Your engagement—whether by volunteering, organizing, sharing our message, or contributing financially—makes this work possible. Financial support sustains our organizing, messaging, and outreach in key communities and critical congressional districts. Every penny raised goes toward our mission.
Together, grounded in faith and committed to justice, we can help shape a political future that reflects the Gospel’s call to dignity, compassion, and the common good. |
|
Donate today. Help us continue to spread the good word:
|
|
May God Bless You, Denise Murphy McGraw, National Co-Chair Catholics Vote Common Good |
|
|
|
Thank you |
|
|
|
© 2025 Catholics Vote Common Good https://www.votecommongood.com/catholics-vote-common-good/ Our mailing address is: 1177 Rosehill Blvd Schenectady, NY 12309-4626 USA |
|
You are receiving this email because you opted in on our website or at an event, if you feel you have gotten this email in error we would hate to see you go but you can change your subscription status by clicking the link below to update your preferences. |