Discernment in an Election Year
By S. Janet Gildea
In the journey of faith, discernment means inviting the Spirit of God to be with you and to guide you as you consider the big questions of your life. Discernment in the broad sense is sifting through the options that are presented, separating the “wheat from the chaff”. To use another image, discernment is like panning for gold, jiggling the sieve so that the sand falls away and surveying what remains for what is of greatest value.  

The election of our governmental leaders is a question worthy of serious discernment. Participation in our election process is not just a civic duty but a moral one. In their document “The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” the U.S. Catholic bishops state: “In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. As Catholics, we should be guided more by our moral convictions than by our attachment to any political party or interest group.” In the past two years our election process has appeared more like a reality TV show than a serious consideration of the qualifications for leadership and the critical national and global issues that confront us. It is easy to become discouraged or so disgusted that we would rather not vote at all. This is not an option for persons of faith.  

Discernment in an election year begins with a careful formation of conscience. The USCCB website has many resources for parish and individual use in order to apply the principles of Catholic Social Teachings to the positions of individual candidates and political parties ( http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/index.cfm).  Especially when neither candidate or political party is completely aligned with Gospel values and our Catholic beliefs, as is the case this election year, prayerful consideration is required to make the best possible choice. As in any discernment process it is essential to gather information from trusted sources. Have respectful conversations with others who are grappling with these important issues, not only those with whom you know you already agree. Sincerely ask for the light of the Spirit to guide your decision. And remember that your responsibility as a faithful citizen does not end when you cast your vote!
Future of Charity Blog
“To See the Face of God”
 

Novice Romina Sapinoso writes about the stories and faces of the people she encountered while on a three-week trip to Asia this past summer. To view Romina’s blog post, visit the Future of Charity Blog at http://futureofcharity.blogspot.com/2016/09/to-see-face-of-god.html.

Prayer for Our Election Process

Listen to what several of NETWORK’s ‘Nuns on the Bus’ say about “Why Your Vote Matters"
(https://networklobby.org/election2016/why-your-vote-matters/) and join the Sisters of Charity and Associates in prayer each day for our election process.


My Mentors
By S. Maureen Heverin

When I think about mentoring, I think of it in a different way - not necessarily the person who gave me the idea of a vocation in the first place, but what made me decide to enter the Sisters of Charity. I had Sisters of Mercy all through grade school at St. Cecilia. What drew me to the SCs was their interactions with each other, they enjoyed life, they were very kind, and they were excellent teachers. When I think about who mentored me, it was the people who lived in the convent at St. Mary’s, Hyde Park (Cincinnati) when I was a senior in high school. I first learned about the ministry of hospitality from them. They were always very welcoming and had a joyful spirit about them. We felt at home and comforted by them. They always had time for you, whatever the problem of the day was they would listen to your tale. It was their patience and their way of always being there for us. We also did a lot of volunteer work together; I volunteered at St. Joseph Home and at Santa Maria downtown. The Sisters were an inspiration in how they interacted with anyone who came to the door.


Calendar
Nov. 1, 2016
All Saints Day  

Nov. 4-6, 2016
Future of Charity Gathering, New Orleans, Louisiana 

Nov. 8, 2016
Election Day 

Nov. 14-17, 2016
Nuns Build, New Orleans, Louisiana

Nov. 27, 2016
First Sunday of Advent

Sisters of Charity joined together with people of faith, community members, friends and neighbors to call for comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform on
Sept. 18. S. Juana Mendez had a prominent role in the Journeying Together Immigration Rally /Juntos Caminando Marcha in Newport, Kentucky

E-vōc is the electronic newsletter from the Vocations Team of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati for single women wondering what new thing God is calling forth in their lives. 

If you are interested in learning more about life as a Sister of Charity, visit our website at
www.srcharitycinti.org or contact S. Monica Gundler at 513-504-5592.