Dear St. Joseph Parish Family,

I’m sure you haven’t missed the fact that an election is coming in a few months. Parishioners have asked me about prayers for the election so you’ll find a prayer from the U.S. Bishops’ Conference below. I encourage you to pray it every day as we head toward the election. Pray especially for unity in our nation– that we can join together despite the deep divisions in our politics. Let us pray together for wise political leadership and the healing of divisions during this fraught election.

We must support the dignity of everyone and try to be peacemakers in a world that drives people apart. We must be models of Christ’s love for everyone, even enemies, and we must seek to bring the Kingdom of God into this fallen world, to be the salt and light of the earth. That means loving and praying for everyone, even those with whom politically we passionately disagree.

On a personal note, now is my last chance for a vacation this year, so I’m headed out to see my family this week. I’ll return on September 4^th. Fr. Pier Giorgio is back from his trip and will be in charge while I’m away. I’ll see you when I return!

Lord God, as the election approaches,
 we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city, state, and country,
 and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
 We ask for eyes that are free from blindness
 so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters,
 one and equal in dignity,
 especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
 We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned,
 Men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
 We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.

We pray for discernment
 so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word,
 live your love,
 and keep in the ways of your truth
 as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles
 and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.

We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
 Amen.