Council elections and duty

AS CATHOLICS we are frequently told that we have a duty to get involved in "renewing the face of the earth" and are exhorted to play a full role in the political life of our community.
Some of us join political parties, many of us vote. I believe that as a Church we should be seeking to have a maximum impact on the decisions that are made by those in elected authority.
As individuals, in the coming weeks before the May 8 Council Elections there is a great opportunity to involve ourselves in the political process. Representatives of the political parties will soon be canvassing us for our votes. They will be very receptive to our views and equally willing to answer our questions.
There are many questions that arise at local level that we might wish to enquire about: the importance of free education for the young; the place of religion and worship in schools; the role of church schools; support for family life; support for the most disadvantaged.
One could go on and on — the list is endless. Christian insights need to be focused on these areas of concern. As Catholics we can help provide such a perspective: we can question canvassers when they knock at our doors. We can influence policies. We can influence the quality of decision makers in our area for the next four years by voting on May 8.
In my own parish (Hanwell, West London) we have decided to invite candidates from all three major political groupings to come along to a meeting organised by local Christian churches. There they will be made aware of our Christian concerns and we, hopefully, will learn more about their views. Could I suggest that other parishes do likewise?