Voting Has Started

I had a post a few weeks back concerning CI-128. I spoke about my experience when dealing with women who have had abortions. While abortion is often portrayed as such, it is neither an easy answer, nor a painless answer.

I'd like to speak to a few thing in relationship to CI-128 in particular. (My friends and family in South Dakota may find similar concerns about South Dakota Amendment G.)

• Voting "no" will not end abortion in Montana.
• Voting "yes" will take away a parent's right to be involved in the health care decisions of their children.
• This also opens the door to an increase in child sexual abuse.
• It could also lead to more human trafficking in Montana
• Voting "yes" will introduce vague language into the constitution that will be litigated for many years and will cost taxpayers.
• Voting "yes" will eliminate reasonable protections built into current law to protect women.
• Voting "yes" will open the door for unsavory healthcare professionals to offer services.
• "Healthcare professionals" does not equal Medical Doctors

Listen to the Lawyer's perspective. 

Thoughts for the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

 A letter I included in the parish bulletin this weekend. 

Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi 2024

 

Dear Members of Saint Patrick Co-Cathedral,

Today we are celebrating the feast day of the great saint, Saint Francis of Assisi. When we look at his life, we see one who had much but gave it all up to the service of God. He heard the call of Christ to “Go, rebuild my church which is falling down.”  Saint Francis thought he was talking about the small church of San Damiano which was in ruins. After rebuilding the small church and a few others he came to the realization that God meant the Church. 

While He is not so blunt with us, Christ wants each of us to “Go, rebuild my church which is falling down.” Christ wants us to do what we can to evangelize the world. God wants us to make a difference in what is happening in our community, in our country and in the world.

As we approach election day, it is important for us to ask ourselves if we are voting in a way that promotes the greater glory of God or are we voting in a way that promotes our own glory. Francis gave up fame and fortune to follow Christ. He realized that when Jesus told his disciples that they would have to pick up their crosses and follow him it would not be an easy task. Sometimes we must take on a little sacrifice for ourselves in order for God’s will to be done. Let us ask Saint Francis to pray for us today as we get ready to make important decisions for our community, state and nation.

Yours in Christ,

 

 

Father Leo McDowell

Pastor