Josephites urge Catholics to defend civic participation of marginalized communities

The superior general of the Baltimore-based St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart is urging Catholics to defend the right of all eligible Americans to participate in the nation’s democratic process, expressing concern about public rhetoric that questions the civic participation of vulnerable and historically marginalized communities.

In an Oct. 30 statement, Josephite Father Ray Bomberger said the Josephites are particularly concerned about discourse that questions or prematurely invalidates the participation of older adults, people living with illness or disabilities, military families serving away from home and historically marginalized Black and Hispanic communities.

“Such rhetoric risks undermining confidence in democratic participation and can discourage those whose voices have too often been overlooked throughout our nation’s history,” Father Bomberger said.

The Josephites, whose religious community has ministered to Black communities for more than 150 years, said their commitment to human dignity, justice and reconciliation extends beyond the Church’s sacramental life to the everyday realities of people’s homes, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces and civic institutions.

Father Bomberger former longtime pastor of St. Peter Claver/St. Pius V in West Baltimore, cited the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which teaches that “it is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good.”

He said Catholics have a moral responsibility to participate in public life and support policies and practices that uphold human dignity, protect vulnerable people and advance justice and peace.

The statement also pointed to the historical struggle for equal participation in American democracy, particularly among African Americans and other communities that have faced legal and structural barriers to civic engagement.

“As Priests and Brothers who have accompanied Black communities through generations of segregation, disenfranchisement, and the ongoing pursuit of justice, we recognize that protecting meaningful participation in public life remains an essential expression of respect for human dignity,” Father Bomberger said.

The Josephites emphasized that their position is not rooted in support for any political party or ideology but in Catholic teaching and the Gospel.

“The Catholic tradition does not ask us to place our hope in political parties or ideologies,” Father Bomberger said. “Rather, it calls us to place our hope in Christ while bringing the light of the Gospel into every dimension of society.”

He encouraged Catholics to engage in voting, community organizing, public dialogue, advocacy and service, guided by prayer, well-formed consciences, charity, truth and a commitment to the common good.

The statement also called on parishes, schools, ministries and Catholic organizations to continue forming consciences and encouraging nonpartisan civic participation.

“Exercising our right to vote is one important way we fulfill our responsibility to participate in public life and promote the common good, answering the Catechism’s call for citizens to contribute to the good of society,” Father Bomberger said.

He said the Josephites’ commitment reflects the example of Jesus, who stood alongside people whose voices were ignored and whose dignity was denied.

“Inspired by the Sacred Heart of Jesus and strengthened by the example of Saint Joseph, we recommit ourselves to accompanying the people we serve, promoting justice rooted in charity, and helping build a society where every person is welcomed as a child of God and every voice is treated with the respect owed to human dignity,” he said.

Father Bomberger was elected superior general of the Josephites this year following the death of Bishop John Ricard.

Also see: Josephites elect new superior general

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