"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." - Matthew 5:3-9

The following is a message from Dr. Patrick Whelan, president of Catholic Democrats:

Dear Friends,

There is a palpable enthusiasm for our message this week running all through the Democratic Convention. On Sunday I had a chance to speak at the two-hour Interfaith Prayer Service that opened the festivities here, which also featured a truly inspired address by Sr Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking, and a sung reading from Isaiah by Msgr Ray East.

Catholic Democrats volunteers distributed hundreds of our flyers outside the convention hall (see below for image of the handout) pitching "The Catholic Case for Obama." One of them was Sissy Farenthold, the legendary former Texas legislator whose name was brought to a vote as the vice-presidential nominee for George McGovern at the 1972 Democratic Convention. Deborah Langhoff, president of our Louisiana group and a delegate from New Orleans is sporting our stylish new "Catholic Democrats" royal blue T-shirt.

Steve Krueger, our national director, has spearheaded outreach efforts to the delegates. Among our new 'recruits' sporting our Catholic Democrat buttons are: former Rep Tim Roemer, from Indiana, John DiIulio (former director of the Bush office of faith-based initiatives) and Gray Davis (former governor of California). (see below for image of buttons)

We have been interviewed by a dozen reporters so far and many are interested in the presence of a Catholic on the ticket for vice president. Rep. Roemer gave a powerful speech Tuesday afternoon in support of finding constructive common ground on reproductive issues. Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania was another convention speaker and spoke eloquently on behalf of working men and women and families in need and why the Democrats will best help the middle class. Convention delegates, reporters and observers at this convention are enthusiastic about hearing our message as we make the Catholic case for Barack Obama for President.

Sincerely,

Patrick

PS Please forward this e-mail to friends and family who are interested in helping make the "Catholic Case for Obama." Ask them to join us.