Office for Social Concerns
Catholic Diocese of Columbus

"In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation." - U.S. Catholic Bishops, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

The Election is over.  Advocacy continues.

UPDATE:  Statement of the President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops at Fall 2008 meeting

Faithful Citizenship Resources

National

Faithful Citizenship Website   This resource developed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops provides a listing of U.S. Catholic Bishops statements and Vatican statements as well as resources for the following:

 - Parishes & Schools
 - Parish Social Concerns & Respect Life Committees
 - Religious Educators
 - Families
 - Adult Faith Formation & Small Faith Community Sharing
 - Youth

"Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship:  A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States"
Full Statement  | Bulletin Insert (abridged version)

Faithful Citizenship Video  This video is designed to prove a lively but brief overview of the bishops' statement for use by small groups and classrooms.  10 minues.  English, Spanish, Teen Version, and DVD order information.

Novena for Faithful Citizenship  Pray for justice, peace, and life with the Novena for Faithful Citizenship.  Download the Podcast and join Catholics throughout the United States in prayer.

Do's and Don'ts for Parishes  Political Responsibility Guidelines to Keep in Mind during Election Season (USCCB Faithful Citizenship) 

State

Catholic Conference of Ohio (CCO Faith & Politics webpage)
This site provides a comprehensive listing of state issues and voter questions.
CCO Election Resource Guide for Schools & Parishes
CCO's positions on State Ballot Issues

Local

Presentations  Office for Social Concerns staff are scheduled to give presentations around the diocese on Faithful Citizenship.

• October 21, 2008 - Social Concerns and Political Responsibility:  Not Just Every 4 Years by Jerry Freewalt, Theology and a Pub event, Gresso's, 961 S. High Street, Columbus.  Doors open at 6 p.m., talk begins at 7:30 p.m.  For more information, click here.
  
  
• St. Elizabeth Church Faithful Citizenship Presentation Series.  Four-part evening presentation series on the U.S. Bishops' statementment "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship."   St. Elizabeth Church, 6077 Sharon Woods Blvd., Columbus.  Program 7:00-8:30 p.m.  Open to all. For more information call (614) 891-0150.  For a copy of the flyer, click here.
  
  - Wednesday, September 17 - Faithful Citizenship:  An Introduction and Overview by Jerry Freewalt, Office for Social Concerns.
  - Wednesday, September 24 - Applying the Teachings of Faithful Citizenship:  Human Life and Family Life by Mark Huddy, Office for Social Concerns and Stephanie Jenemann, Family Life Office.
  - Wednesday, October 1 - Applying the teachings of Faithful Citizenship:  Social Justice and Global Solidarity by Erin Cordle, Office for Social Concerns.
  - Wednesday, October 8 - What's a Catholic to do?  Living out Faithful Citizenship by Jim Tobin, Catholic Conference of Ohio.
  

"Meet the Candidate" Forums  The Office for Social Concerns is part of the Franklin County Consortium for Good Government.  Non-partisan candidate forums are hosted by many local organizations and religious groups.

 - Sunday, October 5, St. Thomas More Newman Center at OSU, 64 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, 1:30 p.m. reception / 2 p.m. program.
 - Wednesday, October 15, Corpus Christi Church, 1111 E. Stewart Ave., Columbus, 6:30 p.m. reception / 7 p.m. program.
 - Wednesday, October 29, St. Joan of Arc Church, 10700 Liberty Road, Powell, 6:30 p.m. reception / 7 p.m. program.

For more information and additional locations, call (614) 241-2540 or go online at www.franklincountyconsortium.com. 


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