October Newsletter 

The latest from CCO - Voting Information, EdChoice, Special Feature on Dignitas Infinita, and Prayer.

Learn more about CCO: View our brochure or visit our website.

Voting Information 

Participating in the November Election
"We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern."  - Pope Francis

Please refer to Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship and the new Introductory Note from the USCCB to faithfully prepare for casting your ballot. Consider praying the Prayer Before an Election.

Early voting is now open in Ohio! Visit VoteOhio.gov to find your early voting location or request an absentee ballot. Below are important voting details:

• TODAY: Tuesday, October 29 - Absentee ballot applications must be received by your board of elections by 8:30 pm.
• Sunday, November 3 - Last day for early in-person voting from 1-5 pm.
• Monday, November 4 - Absentee ballot postmark deadline.
• ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 5 - Polls open from 6:30 am - 7:30 pm (If not mailed, absentee ballots must be received by your board of elections by 7:30 pm). 

Ohio Ballot: 
Preview your general election ballot by accessing a sample ballot on voteohio.gov. Click your county, enter your voter information, and scroll to the bottom of the page to view your sample ballot.

State Issue 1
This November, Ohio voters will have an opportunity to cast a ballot on State Issue 1. The Catholic Conference of Ohio has no position on whether Catholics should vote yes or no. Catholics should exercise prudential judgment about the proposed changes to Ohio's Constitution by asking themselves:

• Is the amendment needed?
• Is the issue going to advance the common good?

Find out more about State Issue 1, including arguments for and against, on the Secretary of State's website here.

Ohio Supreme Court
Ohioans will be voting to fill three seats on the Ohio Supreme Court in the 2024 election. Current lawsuits in Ohio on issues related to the dignity of life and justice for families could be decided by those running for seats this year. Please research the candidates, weigh the issues, and vote your conscience. 

EdChoice 

A Catholic Education is Now More Affordable Thanks to EdChoice

Ohio’s Catholic schools serve over 111,000 students across 295 elementary schools (K-8) and 75 high schools. EdChoice Expansion Scholarships for up to $6,166 are available for students attending K-8 schools, and up to $8,408 for students in Catholic high schools. All students are eligible for a scholarship with the amount depending on a family's income. Scholarships for students with special needs range from $9,500 to $32,000.

Are you or someone you know considering enrolling a student in an Ohio Catholic school? 
Now is the time to start looking at schools! It is important to visit schools near you to see who has capacity and prepare for enrollment windows in January. Several open houses are going on now.  
Visit your local diocesan website to find a school near you: 

• Archdiocese of Cincinnati
• Diocese of Cleveland
• Diocese of Columbus
• Diocese of Steubenville
• Diocese of Toledo
• Diocese of Youngstown
   

About Ohio Catholic Schools
A Catholic education forms students in faith, virtue, and academic excellence within caring communities. Catholic schools in Ohio adhere to robust state operating standards, health, safety, and curriculum requirements, teacher and staff certifications and licenses, and accountability measures for all state and federally-funded programs. Our Catholic schools are continually growing in racial and ethnic diversity, making up nearly one-third of the student population, and Catholic and non-Catholic students alike learn about life in Christ.

Forming Faithful Citizens in Ohio Catholic Schools
The Catholic Conference of Ohio (CCO) invites Catholic school students in 7th through 12th grade to visit the CCO office in tandem with an Ohio Statehouse tour. Students can learn about the Church’s impact across Ohio and the CCO's role in the Church, and be introduced to Faithful Citizenship and Catholic social teaching. 

Brian Hickey, Executive Director, recently presented to an AP Government and Politics class at Bishop Watterson High School in Columbus, Ohio. 

Click Here to learn more and plan a Faithful Citizenship Field Trip > 

Special Feature

Dignitas Infinita, The Marginalization of People with Disabilities 

Dignitas Infinita ("Infinite Dignity") highlights several relevant grave violations of human dignity. This month of October, which is also National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Respect Life Month, we focus on the marginalization of people with disabilities.

In addressing the dignity of people with an impairment or disability, Dignitas Infinita shines a light on the need to dismantle the “throwaway culture” of our time. “To counter this trend, the condition of those experiencing physical or mental limitations warrants special attention and concern.” The Declaration continues, “the truth is that each human being, regardless of their vulnerabilities, receives his or her dignity from the sole fact of being willed and loved by God. Thus, every effort should be made to encourage the inclusion and active participation of those who are affected by frailty or disability in the life of society and of the Church.”

A primary factor in gauging virtue in a society is how the most vulnerable are treated. Sadly, our culture often marginalizes and oppresses those with disabilities. But Pope Francis reminds us that one of the aims of politics is the protection of the vulnerable. Dignitas Infinita reads, “this charity, which is the spiritual heart of politics, is always a preferential love shown to those in greatest need.” A society that respects all individuals, regardless of their abilities, must “inspire intense efforts to ensure that ‘everything be done to protect the status and dignity of the human person.’” 

Reflection: In the Gospels, Jesus consistently directed His care and attention to those cast aside by society—the blind, the lame, and the lepers. How do we encounter those with disabilities who cross along our path? Do we nervously look away, or do we see them with the eyes of Christ and witness the beauty they bring to our society? 
 

To see more reflections on Dignitas Infinita (on Human Dignity) visit: ohiocathconf.org/humandignity

Let Us Pray

Life and Dignity of the Human Person Prayer 
Source: USCCB

God of all life,

Help us to appreciate the great gift that is human life
formed in your image, a reflection of your holiness.

Help us to recognize you
in all whom you have created:
children not yet born,
families affected by poverty and war,
people of different abilities,
people from other lands, and
all who are victims of hatred and racism.

Help us to bear witness to the dignity of all whom you have created,
regardless of stage of life,
or wealth,
or ability,
or color, or creed,
for every person is fully equal in your loving eyes.

Share with us your holy knowledge
that we are all your children,
each bestowed with inherent dignity.

May your justice reign forever!

Amen.