We've come a long way in just four years.

For me, the 2004 election cycle was a painful experience. As a Catholic, I was deeply frustrated by the way partisan political operatives reduced my church's rich and diverse social tradition to a small set of so-called "non-negotiable" issues.

This year feels much different thanks in large part to events like this weekend's Convention for the Common Good in Philadelphia.

I was blessed to have been part of this gathering of over 800 Catholic activists committed to reclaiming their role as faithful citizens.

I could go on and on about my experience at the Convention--which was led by NETWORK (disclosure: I sit on the board of the NETWORK Education Program) and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good--but what struck me most was the spirit of hope and empowerment that permeated the entire weekend.

As we affirmed the Platform for the Common Good (itself the product of months of preparation and community engagement) I lost any last doubts I still might have had that this year would be different, better. Being with that community this weekend and participating in the rituals of faith-filled democracy had an almost sacramental quality. I know that this year, Catholic voters will find the grace to stand up for the fullness of our faith tradition against those who would confine it to a simple partisan agenda.

Of course, being Catholic, we know that it takes more than a great document to make real change. It also takes works, er, work.

With this in mind, the Convention for the Common Good birthed votethecommongood.com, an online hub for organizing around the platform complete with a form to endorse it and many other ways to take action.