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diocese to host seminar on 'faithful citizenship'

Story by RAFE MIDDEKE
Messenger staff

Catholic Political Responsibility: Being Formed and Informed is the topic of a seminar sponsored by the diocese’s Respect Life Ministry and Education offices and the Diocesan Continuing Formation of Priests committee.

The seminar will be directed by Dr. Stephen Colecchi, director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office of International Justice and Peace. It will be held 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 3 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Shiloh.

Dr. Colecchi’s presentations will focus on the key elements of the USCCB document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” in terms of the upcoming election.

After morning sessions by Dr. Colecchi on the “mission” and “message” of Faithful Citizenship, the seminar will key in on issues in small group discussions and a question and answer session.
Bishop Edward K. Braxton will give the concluding session address.

The keynote addresses by Dr. Colecchi and the seminar sessions are intended to engage participants in non-partisan, faith-based dialogue.

The day-long election-year dialogue will address questions such as the following:
• As a follower of Christ, have you ever wondered how you should prioritize your political choices in light of your faith?

• How can you better ensure that your political decisions are consistent with your moral beliefs and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

• How involved should you be in political life?

The seminar will qualify for 6.5 elective Catechist Certification hours.