Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

On Election Day, Catholics across the United States are engaging in prayer before and after casting their votes. Many parishes and dioceses have organized Holy Hours to mark the occasion.

St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill in Washington is dedicating a full day to Eucharistic adoration and prayer for the nation. Father William H. Gurnee III, pastor of St. Joseph’s, emphasized the importance of incorporating faith into all aspects of life, including voting: “Our first loyalty is to God. Everything is to God,” he said.

The initiative for a day of adoration during the election was suggested by parishioners, which Father Gurnee found encouraging. “One of the parish staffers said, ‘Hey, Father, could we have adoration on Election Day?’” he recounted.

In Arizona, seven Christian denominations held a joint prayer vigil at Sun City Christian Church on November 4th for "election peace" and neighborly love. The Diocese of Phoenix participated in this event.

Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh asked parishes to offer exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Election Day in Pennsylvania, another swing state. In an October 24 letter, Bishop Zubik encouraged Catholics to engage in spiritual practices without directing them toward specific candidates: “I sincerely hope that you can take advantage of this rich spiritual practice that day,” he wrote.

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia released a video featuring the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ “Prayer Before an Election.” His Cathedral Basilica hosted a Holy Hour on November 3rd.

Concerns over potential election-related violence have heightened prayers' intensity this year. Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak addressed these concerns in June with a letter urging Christians to avoid political violence: “America can do so much better," he wrote.

Father Gurnee acknowledged his parishioners' concerns about safety: "That's made some people here in the neighborhood on edge," referencing increased security measures following past incidents like January 6th's attack on the U.S Capitol.

Despite these challenges, Father Gurnee stressed ongoing prayer's significance: “Prayer matters,” he stated, citing scriptural encouragement for praying for leaders due to their significant responsibilities.

St. Joseph’s offers weekly Eucharistic adoration sessions that began several years ago and continue beyond Election Day as part of their regular practice: "Daily prayer is not just one time, for one day," Father Gurnee noted.