Hello my family of the Church of the Most Holy Trinity.
Even though I am not an American Citizen yet (I hope to become a citizen in a couple of years), I understand that this period of election is chaotic and stressful for some people. Some parishioners have come to me and expressed their concerns for these coming elections and the referendum that is on the general ballot for this coming November. I do not know anything about American politics. It is not my job to talk to you about politics or if some elements of this referendum are correct or not, or who is the best presidential candidate for the future of the United States of America. However, my position is the same position that the Lord Jesus took when He got a political question, and He answered, “repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” (cf. Mt. 22:21). In other words, we need to be good citizens and good Catholics.
We need to know what is happening in our country. We need to think about the future of our nation and state. We need to realize how, from my Catholic perspective, I can help in the construction of a better society and world. Therefore, I invite you to read this message given to us by the Diocese of Rochester through Mrs. Elizabeth M. Johnson, Coordinator of Life Issues & Cultural Ministries.
Remember, “The Parish that we dream is the parish that I help to build.” God bless you, and may the Blessed Virgin Mary be with you always!
Fr. Jorge Ramirez
“As you may be aware, a referendum that is on the general election ballot for this November is asking voters to approve or reject what is known as an Equal Rights Amendment to the New York State Constitution. While some of the language of the proposed amendment is unobjectionable, the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the Bishops of New York State in public policy matters, strongly opposes the referendum for important reasons. LifeRoc.org (the website for the Diocese of Rochester Office of Life Issues) has a page dedicated to information for education and awareness about the severe consequences the approval of this Ballot Proposal could mean to our families, our children, our parents, and our church’s religious freedoms as a whole. Please visit and share far and wide this information via the communication networks that are available to you. The page will be updated regularly with information to help our communities and beyond vote with their Christian formed consciences. If there are any questions, please feel free to reach out.”
Peace and prayers,
Elizabeth M. Johnston
Coordinator of Life Issues & Cultural Ministries
