The Spirituality of Voting
The Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation work diligently to distribute resources and educate about the spirituality of voting within the framework of The Catholic Church, Catholic Social Teaching and from SND perspectives
The Call to Put Faith Before Politics by USCCB
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated that by prioritizing faith over politics, Catholics can bring the Gospel’s light into our communities and promote a just and merciful world. In times of political division, many Christians are tempted to place their political allegiance above their faith.
However, Jesus rejected such temptations, choosing to stay faithful to God (Luke 4:5-8). Christian discipleship means actively engaging in civic responsibility while centering our faith in our actions as citizens.
Instead of blindly following a political party, we are called to bring the truths of our Catholic faith to improve the groups we belong to and ensure the dignity and well-being of all people.
As Pope Leo said, Catholic Social Teaching helps guide us in promoting the dignity of individuals and the common good. We must keep the sacred dignity of every person at the core of our public life, linking our love for God with our love for our neighbor.
Whose Story Do I Carry With Me to the Polls?
“Whose Story Do I Carry With Me to the Polls?” is the SND Office of Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation video series that will be updated throughout the 2026 voting season with sisters’ testimonials. Check back or follow along on our social media platforms.
"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." –Vincent van Gogh
Did you know that a Pixel is the smallest building block of a digital image or screen? I consider myself a mere pixel in the huge picture of the American election.
Ever since can remember, I have taken my right and its corresponding responsibility to vote seriously. When I study my ballot, I don't only think of how a particular person or issue will affect me. I think of the children growing up in our country as well as elsewhere in our world. How will they be affected both now and in their future lives?
Just one example: Consider the crazy weather that's been happening and its horrific effects in the different parts of our world: have you had to deal with flooding or wild fires or earthquakes or tornadoes and the damage they've caused? Can you count on our city, state or federal government to financially help out those in need? Who will be in charge to make sure everyone who faces the consequences of these natural disasters will get financial help to deal with the destruction?
Each one of our ONE votes has many consequences if we take seriously the words of Jesus: "Whatsoever you do to the least, you do to Me." Think of the persons that will be affected by each of our ONE votes both now and in the future.
I say again, "Great things are done by a series of small things brought together!"
Recently, I was driving on the Ohio Turnpike. I stopped at the toll booth to pay the toll. I greeted the woman attendant and thanked her for serving on such a blistering hot day. She paused and said, "It never crossed my mind that at 75 I would have to return to work! Everything is so expensive; food, utilities, gas, healthcare."
We looked at each other. I said, “I understand, mid-term elections are coming – I will remember your story when I cast my vote.”
My vote is my voice for the Common Good.
Follow our pages to see the latest reflections:
Preparing for the November Election
Educate yourself on candidates at all levels: local, state and federal.
Remember that Medicaid/Medicare access, food assistance, housing and other human rights issues are legislated at the state level. Continually form your conscience.
For more information, read The Role of the Church in American Political Life from the USCCB.
Double-Check Your Voting Information
Visit the National Association of Secretaries of State Can I Vote resources to check voter registration, polling location, voting hours and what identification is needed to vote.
Make a Plan
Decide if you want to vote early by mail/absentee ballot, vote early in person or vote on Election Day.
Share information with others.
We can all play a part in helping our country get better at voting.
Let friends and family know your voting plan and encourage them to make one of their own, too.
Pray!
Pray for the election, those voting, those seeking election and those working the polls.
See the Prayer for Civility and Election Day Prayer below.
Ohio Sisters Vote
Watch the videos below to see why Srs. Rose Falorio, Rosemary Koesel, and Eileen Quinlan vote.
Prayerful Reflection
LCWR Election Novena
Election Day Prayer
Let us pray that the elections may truly reflect the will of God, who wants good for all peoples.
From coercion, intimidation, violence, terrorism
Deliver us, Lord.
From dishonesty, lies and all distortion of truth
Deliver us, Lord.
From threats, intimidation and perverse language
Deliver us, Lord.
That conscience may always be our ultimate norm
Hear us, Lord.
That the common good may always be our highest goal
Hear us, Lord.
That human dignity may be respected all the time
Hear us, Lord.
That the poor and the weak may always have the priority
Hear us, Lord.
That care for creation may never be ignored
Hear us, Lord.
That solidarity may guide the path of peace and development
Hear us, Lord.
That love of God and love of neighbors may guide those who seek public office
Hear us, Lord.
Good and merciful Lord, politics is your gift to us, a call to serve others and grow in holiness. Guide our politics as you guide our lives. May our political engagement for voters and candidates help us grow in holiness, compassion and love forever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer for Civility
Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace from USCCB
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where uncivil words prevail, show me how to model love.
Help me remember the God-given dignity of all and invite others to do the same.
Show me how to build bridges and not walls
and see first what unites us rather than how we diverge.
Let me seek to understand before asking to be understood.
Give me a listening heart filled with empathy and compassion.
May I be clear in sharing my own position
and respectful and civil in describing those of others.
Let me never tolerate hateful ideas.
May I invite all to charity and love.
Lord, help me to imitate your compassion and mercy.
Make me an instrument of your peace.
Amen.
Additional Resources
Catholics have a moral duty to be faithful citizens by engaging in politics, communicating with elected officials, and participating in organizations that promote justice and the common good. This page provides resources to help you form your conscience according to Catholic teaching and stay informed on key issues.
Advocate with the Sisters of Notre Dame to local and national legislators within the framework of Catholic Social Teaching and the teachings of the Church by signing up for SND Voter Voice.
Learn more about the work of the Sisters of Notre Dame in Justice and Peace by visiting the JPIC website