Catholics convene at State Capitol to share concerns with elected officials

St. Paul, MN - March was a busy one for Catholics at the Capitol in St. Paul, seeing Catholic leaders and laity alike sharing concerns with elected officials. On Tuesday, March 11, the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) hosted the inaugural Catholic Legislative Advocacy Day- a pilot project intended to provide legislative advocacy training and resources.

The event brought together dozens of Catholics for presentations on good lobbying practices, legisla-tive resources and briefings on the MCC’s Life, Education and Social Concerns agendas. Bishop Bernard Harrington of the Diocese of Winona welcomed attendees and offered an opening prayer. Bishop Harrington noted that the gathering was, " a good first effort to build on and grow in the future."

The MCC represents the Catholic Church in Minnesota on Public Policy matters. MCC staff works to identify and promote public policy objectives that build the common good in accordance with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. The MCC works in the areas of life, health, education, welfare, human and civil rights.

On hand to share an inside perspective on the legislative session with participants, were Senator Bob Kierlin (R-Winona) and Representative Mary Ellen Otremba (DFL- Long Prairie), both Catholic legislators. Following the presentations and briefings, participants met with their legislators to discuss issues of concern to Catholics.

On Wednesday, March 12, the Bishops’ met with elected officials. The day began with an early morning gathering in the State Office Building where 47 legislators convened to meet the Bishops. The Bishops took this opportunity to reiterate MCC positions on pending legislation and discuss issues facing people in their dioceses. The Bishops of Minnesota serve as the Board of Directors of the MCC.

Capping the day were meetings with Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon) and Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Discussion touched on pending life legislation, educational choice initiatives, agricultural concerns and the needs of the poor and vulnerable across the state. Both leaders indicated general agreement with the Bishops’ positions on life and educational choice.

"The presence of the Bishops and Catholic lay leaders at the Capitol sends a strong message," said MCC Executive Director, Chris Leifeld. "It shows our elected leaders that the Church is engaged and active in promoting public policies that serve the needs of the most vulnerable and build the common good."