Making Connections — A Novena for the Electorate
The full text of the “Novena Prayer for the Electorate — Mercy, Respect, Civility” is included here
The act of voting is an expression of faith.
When we make our choices this Election Day, we are empowered in that moment to advocate for justice, uphold human dignity, and promote the values of the Gospel in society.
We can influence policies to better align with our faith and the teachings of Christ. Our collective voice as Catholic voters can help foster a community that more strongly reflects our ideals of charity and mercy.
Our Catechism makes it clear that engaging in the electoral process is not an option. Rather, voting is an obligation of our faith.
Thus, I urge all of you to make the most of this opportunity to live out our faith as we go to the polls on Nov. 5. To all our Catholic faithful: Please vote!
Yet, as the election draws near — and as we continue to study the issues and prepare our consciences — we must also acknowledge that we are living during a moment of extraordinary division in our nation.
As Christians, it is important that we respond to this challenge with an extraordinary moment of prayer.
Beginning this Sunday, and continuing for nine days, I invite everyone in the Diocese of Jefferson City to join me in the powerful act of praying a Novena.
Our Novena prayer will not focus on any candidate or party. We will not ask God to grant us the election results we desire.
Rather, we will pray for each other, and for ourselves, as we navigate this contentious political atmosphere — it is a Novena for the Electorate.
As Christians, let us use the gift of prayer to seek peace and unity. Let us ask God to grant us his grace as we encounter others in society. Let us work to be promoters of civility in public discourse.
We will pray for compassion, understanding, and respect for one another — especially when opinions differ.
Your opportunity to participate in this Novena begins at Mass. It will be prayed during every Mass offered in the Diocese of Jefferson City beginning this Sunday and lasting through Nov. 4.
However, I also invite you to make the Novena for the Electorate a part of your personal daily prayer life. It can be prayed at home, in your parish groups, by yourself or with your loved ones and friends.
In addition, there will be special opportunities to gather in prayer on the two Sundays during our Novena. Learn more about these on our website: diojeffcity.org/electorate-novena.
For your convenience, the entire text of the Novena is also included here.
Please join us, raise your voice and unite with us in prayer. Let us all ask for God’s grace and wisdom in these final days before the election.
I ask God’s blessing on all of us as we prepare to undertake this duty, both civic and holy, on Nov. 5.
Let us pray, and then, let us vote.
