Most of us are already weary of the political campaigns, yet we know that electing a president and other leaders has profound implications for our lives and the very life of the world.  So much is at stake in this year’s elections, that is different from other election years in recent memory.  The future of our state, our nation, and our planet hang in the balance.  It is imperative we vote with an informed conscience so that we better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city, state, and country.  Remember that participation in the political process is a moral obligation.
Vote on November 3!  This is America, the greatest country, formed by the blood and prayers of brave and holy men and women, this is our freedom, this is our Constitution.  God richly blessed America, and we will always continue to pray for His mercy and protection, whatever the outcome of this shaky election year.
         On a more personal level, let us see everyone as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit, and poverty.  Let us hear the cries of children unborn and murdered and those abandoned, and men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.  Let us vote for a leader committed to moral justice and a holy conscience that guides him in the ways of love, truth, justice, and peace.  That remains our call and challenge in 2020…and beyond!
 

Grand Knight Ray Lopez, Msgr. Henry O’Carroll Council 444, Knights of Columbus was proud to honor the Buda family as Family of the Month for September at Sacred Heart Church. 
Lorenzo and Filomena Buda were born in Italy and moved to the Hudson Valley, where they settled in Newburgh and have been parishioners at Sacred Heart over 35 years.  They attend the 10 a.m. Mass every Sunday which is in English and Italian.  Lorenzo is an Italian Lector for most of these masses. They also attend the daily mass every day and stay for the Rosary.
Lorenzo also was involved with the St. Anthony Italian Feast Procession, and he carried the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. They both volunteer at the Zeppole table where he does the frying, and Filomena is at the front serving them.
Filomena is a member of Catholic Daughters Court Patricia 195 for 27 years, and she also is a member of the Sacred Heart League for 11 years.
Every year they volunteer to make the palms for Sacred Heart Church.  Lorenzo does the cleaning of the palms and Filomena makes the palms.
Lorenzo was a cabinet maker, and Filomena worked at West Point making the Cadets’ uniforms. They have been married for 56 years and have one daughter, Luisa Romano, and two granddaughters, Ashley & Stephanie.
Luisa is a member and an officer for Catholic Daughters Court Patricia 195, and a member of Sacred Heart League.  She has been a leader for the Youth Group run by Sister Laura, and is a volunteer for the Deacon Jack Seymour Food Pantry.  Her parents were the ones that taught her faith when she was growing up, and she and her husband, John, share that faith with their children.  Congratulations to the Buda family for being fine role models for their faith and church.  
May you always have an angel at your side.