Pat Truman and I are longtime friends. We lived next door to each other 40 years ago when I first moved to Hallowell. Her children babysat for my children. We attend Mass together, go to bean suppers together, pray for each others families together. I am writing this op-ed from a hospital bed in Boston where I treasure a lovely letter of support and prayers Pat sent. This means something, because God listens to Pat Truman’s prayers.

Pat and I are Catholics first, Democrats or Republicans second. But how can we find way to unite behind a Christian vision for our society?

On Saturday morning, Sept. 28, St. Michael’s Parish Social Justice Commission is sponsoring a regional event entitled “Politics aside, the conversation we need to have.” It will be opened with a prayer by Bishop James Ruggieri, and will feature prominent Catholic ethicists such as Dr. Brian Corbin of Catholic Charities USA and Suzanne Lafreniere, the director of Public Affairs for the Diocese of Portland.

The program will run 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Michael’s gym, 56 Sewall St., Augusta. The program is free to all.  All are welcome to attend: Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, lapsed Catholics — anyone interested in developing a higher level of public dialogue. Just call 623-8823 to register.

I won’t be able to go, but if you see Pat or Michelle Truman there, say hi to them for me.