Like me, many of you may be feeling many things about this election year. As Catholic’s we are called to be faithful. The United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops, has a document out about Faithful Citizenship (I announced a few weeks back that there is a link to it
on our parish website). In the next few weeks you will be receiving a two part “The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful
Citizenship”. I wanted to let you know, since they both look very much alike, they are different. Both of these are, in part, summaries of
the larger document. We will have a few copies of the larger document in book form for you to read and then bring back to share with
others if you could. We will have a few other things available for you as well.

These are guides to help form your conscience in this election year. As Catholic we should always be respectful of life issues. I would
like to encourage you to take some time with these and other Catholic aids, to help you in forming your conscience before walking into
the voting booth.

I am also asking for your prayers this coming week. I will be leaving Sunday afternoon to go to King’s House for a week long workshop.
This is a part of the Archdiocese office of on going clergy formation. We are never done learning. This workshop is for priests who were
named pastors in the last 6 years (I am year six). I am praying that the workshop will be one that will help me grow in many ways. I
have read through the book they sent in preparation and believe this will be a nice mix of spiritual and pastoral. It will be a retreat as
well as informational.

The last I heard there were 21 priests signed up to be there. This is a program that has run nationwide, However, this time is the first
time they have offered it for just one diocese. It will be a wonderful opportunity to have some priestly fellowship and reflection. Please
pray for us, I will be keeping St Luke’s in my prayers throughout the week.

I am so thankful for Fr Ray for being willing to cover our daily Masses. Sometimes I think retired priests are just as busy as before
retirement. They are a real gift to those of us who may not be able to offer Mass when we have to be gone, or not be able to go. Please
express your gratitude to all the help Fr Ray is for us here at St Luke’s.

Blessing and Prayers,
Fr Backer