As our front-page story shows, there is a national battle over the definition of marriage that has reached a new critical point. Meanwhile, imminent Supreme Court retirements could mean that the mark the next president makes will last generations.

Pope Benedict XVI’s response is the best one. He prayed with the president and first lady in the White House for the institution of the family. The first thing we can do is follow his example — and his recent suggestion to pray the Rosary daily. The power of prayer always surprises.

A second thing to do, though, is suggested by Priests for Life.

At PriestsForLife.org, click on “Elections” for a lot of great materials on registering pro-life voters and spreading the Church’s guidance on voting.

The organization’s suggested Voter Registration Sundays for parishes start June 29 — so it’s important to start planning now.