Catholic Citizenship » Conscience and Your Vote

Conscience and Your Vote

Bishop Peter A. Libasci developed a document, “Conscience and Your Vote,” to assist others in understanding the nature of conscience and the moral obligation to vote and to outline Catholic social teaching on some of today’s pressing issues.The document is based on the shared faith and human understanding we possess as Catholics. This document is not a “voter guide.” The Diocese of Manchester does not in any way endorse a particular candidate, political party, or political action committee. This resource was developed to assist others in understanding the nature of conscience and the moral obligation to vote and to outline Catholic social teaching on some of today’s pressing issues.

• Read Conscience and Your Vote (pdf)
• Read Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics
• Joint statement of Cardinal Rigali and Bishop Murphy on voting and the abortion issue (pdf)
• Visit www.faithfulcitizenship.org for more resources and information, including videos and podcasts, for parish and school leaders, community leaders, families, youth, and all Catholics.
  
• Subscribe to Catholic Citizenship News, the e-mail newsletter published by the Diocese of Manchester, to stay informed on current issues of concern to Catholics in New Hampshire.
  

Voting in New Hampshire

• Important dates:
  • September 4, 2012 – Last day to register to vote before State Primary Election Day
  • September 11, 2012 – State Primary Election Day
  • October 27, 2012 – Last day to register to vote before General Election Day
  • November 6, 2012 – General Election Day
• Register to Vote
• Voting as a College Student
• New: Voter ID Law (pdf)

Resources for Parishes

• Faithful Citizenship Recorded Presentation - the USCCB has created a recorded presentation on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (FCFC) that may be used at any event or gathering where there is an Internet connection. It provides an overview of FCFC and makes practical suggestions about how Catholics can live out the call to faithful citizenship year-round. The recording suggests registering for your state legislative action network, and here in New Hampshire, you can to keep up-to-date by subscribing to Catholic Citizenship News by CLICKING HERE.
• Homily Tips:
  • July 1 - Responsible Patriotism (pdf)
  • September 2 – Conscience Formation for Citizens (pdf)
  • September 30 – Civil Dialogue (pdf)
  • November 4 – Our Commitment to Faithful Citizenship (pdf)
• Dos and Don’ts – Political Activity Guidelines
• Prayer and Reflection Resources, including intercessory prayers and music suggestions
• Novena for Faithful Citizenship
• Questions for Reflection and Discussion
• Bulletin Announcements
• Bulletin Inserts:
  • Conscience Formation (pdf)
  • Civil Dialogue (pdf)

Resources for Catechetical Leaders, Schools, and Youth Ministers

• Recommendations for Catholic School Principals and Teachers
• Elementary Lesson Plans
• Lesson Plans for Junior High and High School Students
• High School Discussion and Learning Activities
• For Youth Ministers
• Activities for Youth Ministry Programs
• “Color the World with Justice” – a coloring book developed by a former Catholic Campaign for Human Development intern in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and designed to introduce youth to the seven key themes of Catholic social teaching highlighted in Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship:
  • Activity Instructions and Answer Key
  • Seven Themes Overview
  • Coloring Pages

Resources for Campuses and Young Adults

Visit the USCCB website for resources for campuses and young adults, including:

• Coffee Discussion Guide
• Recommendations for Campus Ministers
• Ideas for Ministry to Young Adults