by John Bookser Feister

In honor of Independence Day we're changing our format a little for this installment of Friar Jack's Espirations. I've worked closely with the real Friar Jack for the past 15 years, 10 of them as managing editor of our popular educational project, Catholic Update. I'd like to devote this issue of Friar Jack's E-spirations to a look at some of the themes in a recent Udpate that Friar Jack and I worked on together.

Q U I C K S C A N

Now, more than ever!
Some issues to consider

Readers reflect on Friar Jack's musings

Now, more than ever!

Now, more than ever, say the bishops, Catholics need to pay attention to what is going on in the political world and be sure that our Catholic moral vision remains part of the fabric of American society. How can our scandal-ridden bishops' conference say such things? "A renewed commitment to faithful citizenship can help heal the wounds of our nation, world and Church," write the bishops. "What we have endured has changed many things, but it has not changed the fundamental mission and message of Catholics in public life."

Abortion politics and the war in Iraq may well be the hottest issues in a very close upcoming presidential election. Our Catholic vision has much to say about both of these situations. A few bishops notwithstanding, our Church doesn't tell us to vote for one candidate or the other. It's the responsibility of each voter to measure each candidate, each platform against the whole of Catholic ethics and come to an informed, faithful decision about who will lead our country. These same standards should be applied to any candidate or political issue.

Some issues to consider

Our bishops put forward some key themes that we should be considering with special importance as we move forward. First is protecting human life. "Laws that legitimize abortion, assisted suicide and euthanasia are profoundly unjust and immoral," note the bishops. But we must protect life through ethical health-care and war decisions, too, say the bishops.

Second is promoting family life. Our society's erosion of family protections is a key social theme that Catholics need to care about and act to stop. Marriage needs to be protected as the lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. Children are to be protected, which has all sorts of implications in our social planning. Parents are the primary educators of their children, and ought to be free to choose religious schools if they best suit the needs of their children. Our media outlets ought to be regulated in a way that supports, not harms, families, say the bishops.

Another key issue for the bishops is pursuing social justice. Unemployment should be combatted and just wages are essential, along with equal opportunity. Catholic social teachings support the right of workers to join or form unions, we are reminded. Families need adequate and affordable housing. Those who need welfare should participate in programs that help them become independent. Health care must be affordable for everyone. The list continues through just treatment of agricultural workers, help for rural communities, educational opportunity and combatting racial discrimination. Not least among the issues is respect for the earth, a "moral issue," in the words of Pope John Paul II.

Finally we are reminded of our duty toward global solidarity, which didn't go away with the terrorism of September 11.

Our bishops urge all eligible Catholics to register and vote, to become more involved in public life. "As an institution, the Church is called to be political but not partisan. Our cause is the protection of the weak and vulnerable and defense of human life and dignity, not a particular party or candidate." As we pause to celebrate our indepedence, we are called to ponder deeply our responsibilities as a free people.

You can read a condensed version of the bishops' letter at our website, or read the letter in its entirety at the bishops' web site.

Friar Jack's Inbox

Readers respond to Friar Jack's musings on "St. Anthony of Padua: More Than Finder of Lost Things."

Dear Friar Jack: Thank you for writing about St. Anthony as more than a Saint for lost and found. Personally I have been blessed by God to have St. Anthony as the Saint who watches over me and inspires me.  Each year I pray the 13 Tuesdays before St. Anthony Feast Day and ask favors of St. Anthony to be brought to our Lord.  Each year every prayer is answered.  I had a very spiritual experience in the Basilica in Padua.  I was being prayed over and the person praying over me knew exactly what I needed praying for.  I was so moved with tears and filled with the Holy Spirit.  Truly these moments are gifts from God. St. Anthony is much more than a "finder" of things.....he is a "finder" of our inner holiness and brings it out for us to know God more and to evangelize. Pace e bene! Donna

Dear Friar Jack: Thank you for your inspiring article about St. Anthony. My recent story clearly shows the powerful intercession of this Saint. My two sons ages 24 & 25 were both looking for and needing employment. My many prayers to St. Anthony were answered when both sons were hired on the same day to two different major corporations. Thank you, St. Anthony! Harold

Dear Friar Jack: Thanks for the enlightening article on St. Anthony, who is known around our house as St. Tony and is frequently invoked by my wife. I absolutely agree that we need to take our love for the saints to an adult level. I have found some excellent materials available from americancatholic.org that have helped me to do it. Yet, it is comforting to know that the God who numbers every sparrow and hair on our head allows his great Saints to help us in the mundane reality of every day living. God bless you and keep you. Phil, SFO

Dear Friar Jack: You mentioned in your story that you "lost contact" with your reporter friend Tony. Perhaps a prayer to St. Anthony might help you find him! Also, in the story of the lost and found baseball glove I believe it was the seventh commandment that was broken not the fifth. God bless you. Deacon Tim

Friar Jack responds: You were not the only reader to find Friar Jack "sleeping" or out on a limb when he indicated that the fellow seminarian who tried to steal his baseball glove was acting against the fifth commandment. Of course, I meant the seventh commandment! I hope this doesn't make you lose faith in Friar Jack's Catechism Quiz! You, and all of my readers, are in my prayers. Friar Jack

A Message From Friar Jack

Welcome! I hope you'll enjoy all of the news about what's happening at AmericanCatholic.org, as well as my "musings." By the way, I am a real Franciscan friar. You can find out more about me here.

Tour the new National Shrine of St. Anthony Web site for daily Catholic prayer, a biography and pictures of St. Anthony, e-cards, prayer requests and to help Franciscan ministries.
Learn more here.

What's a "Catholic SAMPler?"

Sample book chapters, audio clips and video clips before purchasing items from St. Anthony Messenger Press. Click here to find new and best-selling items for summer retreats.

Rotzetter weaves personal impressions with stories of this remarkable saint's life and ministry.
Click here for details.

Go on a "virtual retreat" with the beloved patron of all things lost.
Click here for details.

A new free monthly e-newsletter for catechetical leaders. The focus is parish catechesis beyond textbooks and classrooms. Click here to find the latest issue.

Contemporary and traditional prayers help you celebrate the great feasts of the Church year.
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St. Anthony of Padua Greetings: Click here for a beautiful assortment of free e-greetings.

This little book details the origins of many of the popular devotions and legends around St. Anthony. Click here for more details.

Everything you always wanted to know about St. Anthony of Padua, patron of lost things, and many others. Click here for details.

Make a Pledge for Peace

People of good will around the globe are turning to prayerful, peaceful, positive responses to violence—people who believe that all of us are called to be peacemakers, especially at this critical moment in human history. Do your part to bring about 1,000 Years of Peace.
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