"Remind[ing] the world that our Catholic faith comes first."

"Catholic liberalism didn’t go into eclipse because it failed to let the Vatican dictate every jot and tittle of its social agenda. Rather, it lost influence because it failed to articulate any kind of clear Catholic difference, within the bigger liberal tent, on issues like abortion, sex and marriage.

"Now the challenge for conservative Catholics is to do somewhat better in our turn, and to spend the Francis era not in opposition but seeking integration — meaning an economic vision that remains conservative, but in the details reminds the world that our Catholic faith comes first."

Douthat with what may as well be a mission statement for economically-conservative Catholics. Whoever has ears ought to hear.

The same template - listening for cues from Rome about infusing public policy with the heart of Catholic principles - could be applied to social battles as well. Using Pope Francis' message of compassion and mercy in battles of gay marriage and abortion may be a challenge for more combative members of the Catholic political vanguard, but articulating the "Catholic difference" in matters of economic, political and social welfare is a must to avoid being marginalized as the Republican party at prayer.