Yesterday, I received a phone call on behalf of a local candidate, running for Congress. Whenever I receive one of these calls, I don’t want to just listen to some scripted text, like: “Vote for Candidate X, because he is on your side, Candidate is the hope for the future of the world, vote for Candidate if you don’t want the devil to take over planet earth.” That is just a bunch of nonsense. I want to know where my candidates stand on the issues that are important to me. So, I turn the call into a two way conversation. When I received yesterday’s call, I asked two simple questions. First, “Is Candidate X pro-life or pro-abortion?” Secondly, “Is Candidate X for same-sex marriage or against it?” I was shocked that the young woman on the other end of the line did not have an answer to my question. I proceeded to question her. “Your telling me that you don’t know where candidate X stands and your making telephone calls for him?” “You may be working for Candidate X and he may be promoting something against your beliefs.”

This is the sad reality in our nation today. We are a nation of empty minds. Most voters just follow their friends and the biased media. I’m not condemning candidate X, I just want to know where he stands on all the issues. When I vote, I vote with a well informed Catholic conscience.

In the formation of conscience the Word of God is the light for our path, we must assimilate it in faith and prayer and put it into practice. We must also examine our conscience before the Lord’s Cross. We are assisted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, aided by the witness or advice of others and guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church. (Catechism  1785)

Immediately after the phone call, I wrote to candidate X.

“Dear Candidate X,

I received a call today while at my parent’s home. I wanted to know if your are pro-life or for traditional marriage and the person that called could not answer my questions. It would be really helpful for the upcoming election.

Sincerely,
Fr. Finelli

I did receive an answer, but I was even disappointed with the reply.

Dear Mr Finelli,

           I am pro life with the exceptions of rape,incest and life of the mother.The government should not fund abortions. I am for Traditional marriage, however I believe this is a state issue and I believe it should be determined by a full vote of the people in each state.

                                                               candidate x