For those who missed it, last week we published three online articles looking at Catholic political activity under a new president.

In "A Change in Tone,"Thomas A. Shannon looks back at the "fairly harsh and strident" rhetoric employed by some U.S. bishops prior to the November election, and calls for a change of tone as Catholics seek to establish a respected place in the public square.

In "A Failure to See,"Gerald Coleman, S.S., considers the much-talked about Freedom of Choice Act, or FOCA, which Barack Obama has pledged to sign if it reaches his desk. That legislation would vastly expand the rights of women to obtain an abortion, and threatens the independence of Catholic hospitals, Coleman writes, but ultimately he concludes that FOCA has little chance of passing. A far more pressing issue, and one that Catholics would do well to pay more attention to, is the distressing fact that close to 60 percent of young Catholics approve of the legality of abortion.

Finally, in "A Catholic’s Political Duty,"Cornelius F. Murphy. Jr., takes another look at Faithful Citizenship, the 2007 document authored by the bishops on the responsibility of the Catholic voter, and finds much in it worth preserving and reflecting upon as Catholics attempt to work with Barack Obama’s new administration.

These articles, and all Web-only content, are free to all.

Tim Reidy