Young People Embrace Faithful Citizenship

As both Catholics and citizens of the United States, the lay faithful are called to discipleship in the world of politics. Both Pope Francis and the U.S. Bishops have reminded us of this duty. As the U.S. Bishops write in their statement Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, “In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation.”

In recognizing the need to carry on our Church’s teachings among the younger generations, the young adult ministry of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in the Diocese of Orlando hosted a faithful citizenship presentation on November 8, 2015.

Twenty-three young people aged 18 to 25 gathered with Ingrid Delgado, associate for social concerns and respect life, to discover and explore both their roles as responsible Catholic citizens and the opportunities available to them as they discern the best ways to heed Christ’s call to serve the common good.

Inspired to put into action their call to political responsibility, those who were not registered to vote made a firm commitment to register. Additionally, to stay informed on policy and political issues of importance to the faithful, the young adults registered for the Florida Catholic Advocacy Network (FLCAN), and as further evidence of their youthful exuberance to fulfill their Catholic duties, the group intends to travel to Tallahassee February 16-17, 2016 for the annual Catholic Days at the Capitol event.