Radio program teaches Catholics importance of ‘Faithful Citizenship’

Jesus encouraged his followers to be light for the world, reminding them that “No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, where it gives light for all who are in the house (Mt 5:15).

And Catholics have an obligation to shine their light in the world, including in society and politics.

That’s the message of a new show on Spirit Catholic Radio entitled “Faithful Citizenship in the Midlands,” airing every Thursday morning (except Sept. 24) at 7:10 a.m. through the Nov. 3 election.

“The Church’s obligation to participate in shaping the moral character of society is a requirement of our faith and rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and bear Chrisitan witness in all we do,” said Deacon Tim McNeil, chancellor for the Omaha archdiocese.

The program’s goals are to teach Catholics about the fundamental moral principles that help form their consciences correctly, provide guidance on the moral dimensions of public decisions and encourage the faithful to carry out their responsibilities in political life, he said.

Spirit Catholic Radio co-hosts Jen Brown and Bruce McGregor discuss these topics with Deacon McNeil and fellow guest Tom Venzor, executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, which represents the political interests of the three Nebraska Catholic dioceses.

“Many Catholics may feel that no party and too few candidates fully share the Church’s commitment to important moral principles and the dignity of human life from conception to natural death,” Venzor said. “This is not the time for Catholics to stand on the sidelines and disengage from political life. Rather, it is time for renewed and vigorous engagement.”

The duty among Catholics to participate in political life is more critical than ever in today’s political environment, he said.

The program, which began Sept. 10, will conclude after the election, on Nov. 5. It airs on all Spirit Catholic Radio stations throughout Nebraska (check the radio network’s website, spiritcatholicradio.com, for a list of stations). People also can listen on the website or on the free Spirit Catholic Radio smartphone app.