October 8th, 2004

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

As we journey through October, a month in which we honor the Blessed Mother and renew our resolve to protect all human life, I am sharing my thoughts with you in hopes of facilitating the on-going formation of your Catholic Conscience, and to reiterate the importance of living that conscience beyond the walls of worship into the streets of life. 

Christ said:  "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  No one will come to the Father except through me."      
                                                                        John 14:6 (The Last Discourse)

This simple declaration is not only a wonderful meditative guide to how Catholics can find their way to eternal life, but also as to how Catholics should live their lives while in the world, how Catholics should view the world, and how Catholics should participate in the world of politics.  "Catholics who bring their moral convictions into public life do not threaten democracy or pluralism but enrich them and the nation.  The separation of Church and State does not require division between belief and public action, between moral principles and political choices, but protects the right of believers and religious groups to practice their faith and act on their values in public life."  (Catholics in Political Life, USCCB, June 2004.)

My own reflections on I Am The Way, the Truth and the Life are enhanced by excerpts from "Faithful Citizenship", a document compiled by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops which offers wise guidance and insights on using our Catholic-formed consciences in the practice of faithful citizenship.  I hope you will find the time to read this pastoral letter which will appear in the October 22nd issueof the Vermont Catholic Tribune.  Copies are also available through your parish, on the Diocesan website, or by telephoning the Bishop Brady Center.

 I especially hope you find these works informative and helpful in strengthening the formation of your Catholic conscience.