Also great that Bishops of NY and Mass. have issued guidance that emphasizes the importance of right to life and definition of marriage.

I’m the Catholic Vote!  Great commercial!

I support same-sex marriage, but believe in the Church’s teachings on the other four so called non-negotiables.

Unfortunately, Kevin is that 54% of “Catholics” who voted for Obama and his failed policies and the damage done to this country.

Kevin, you are the “cafeteria catholic” who picks and chooses what he wants to believe, but wants the Church for himself or family for the sacremants.  Please, Kevin, know the true Church posesses the truth on all these non-negotiable issues. Open yourself to God’s truth and graces!

What damage to the country?

The “Catholic” vote?  Gee, thanks a bunch.  Catholics have for years provided big time support for the likes of Pelsoi, Biden, Durban, Dodd, Cuomo, Arnold and a host of Kennedys up and down the east coast simply because they are .....Catholic?  They are Pro-Abortion Rights, some are Pro-Gay Marriage and continually vote to confirm liberal judges who rule against everything Catholics and Christians hold true to the faith.  It is a fact that Catholics vote for these people in droves year in and year out and then wonder why the cultural and moral tide keeps sinking.

@ Observer: those that support Pelosi, Biden, Durdan and the above mentioned are better known as the “cafeteria Catholics” that pick and choose what Catholic teaching to embrace. The “Catholic vote” crowd are those that embrace the teachings of the Catholic Faith and love the faith for all it is. That is why you saw such a great shift in this election, because the real “catholic vote” was out in force. And see what we elected? Marriage, pro-life, conservative officials running for office. “Catholic vote” does not mean that we vote for a candidate b/c they are catholic. The Catholic vote of today votes for a candidate that embraces the teachings that our faith holds so dear, regardless of whether the candidates are catholic or not.

Michelle, I appreciate all you have said and your comments should apply to all Christians and Evangelicals as well.  The problem, however, is far more complex and institutionalized.  Consider the damage that wayward Catholics caused during the healthcare debate when they undermined the Bishops’ demands for pro-life and conscience provisions.  A nun who heads the Catholic hospitals association was on the national news promoting the healthcare bill inspite of the abortion concern.

An influential group of 25 leading “theologians”—11 of them citing Catholic college credentials—lobbied Congress to reject concerns about the bill.  They gave Catholic legislators false cover to vote for the bill with a “clear conscience.”

And Father Theodore Hesburgh, president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame, reportedly helped House Speaker Nancy Pelosi convince a pro-life congressman to switch his vote in support of Obamacare.
Soon after the law was signed, Georgetown University welcomed “special guest” Nancy Pelosi to a celebration despite her firm opposition to pro-life compromises.

Average pew-sitting Catholics who may not be as “fully” engaged in the affairs of what is going on see Catholic universities welcoming and schmoozing with such people who hold views directly in opposition to Christianity.  This also speaks to a failed leadership and timidy among our bishops as well to take a stand for righteousness.  It is rare (if ever) to see a bishop speak out personally and take a stand regarding a moral wrong.  If they cannot lead—as is implied in their job description, then they should resign.

@Observer: We are in agreement 100%: Catholics (laymen as well as clergy and religious) who have voted and encouraged voting in opposition to what the Church teaches have done great harm. And will continue to do so. What I was trying to explain is that the “Catholic Vote” that helped these election results came from the Catholics that hold on to the teachings of the Church. Here is some insight into this whole situation: http://catholicvote.org/discuss/index.php?p=11236
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We do have many courageous Bishops and clergy that do stand up for the Truth, at the expense of great criticizm from those next to them. They did encourage their flock to support the legislatinos that support Church teachings. They are out there, and are in strong force. Even a tiny speck of light can dispel darkness. And those are the ones we should support and thank for their commitment. As Jesus said to his apostles, they have been sent out as sheep in the midst of wolves. They need our support and our prayers. Those are the ones we should follow. (PS: the credential from the theologian that came from a “catholic” university that does not adhere to the teachings of the church is just Catholic on paper. Worth nothing.) However, the Catholic Vote crowd is different, and of great stock. Strong in their beliefs and moral standing. This is a new movement.  And this is the movement that changed the election.