MADISON — On Wednesday, April 10, Catholics from around the state will meet at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison for “Catholics at the Capitol” 2013.
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) in cooperation with numerous Catholic organizations, this biennial event is a day of education, advocacy, and fellowship.
Reclaiming common good
The theme for this year’s event, “Reclaiming the Common Good in the Year of Faith,” focuses on how Catholic teaching enhances public policy debates.
The day features breakout sessions on Catholic social teaching, religious liberty, the dignity of life, end-of-life care, environmental stewardship, marriage and society, prison reform, parental choice, peace and non-violence in the Holy Land, health care, employment, and solidarity and subsidiarity.
Experts from around the state will be on hand to examine issues that advance the common good and will offer suggestions on how to engage in effective advocacy.
Bishop Peter F. Christensen of Superior, will provide a keynote address on reclaiming the common good in the Year of Faith. During the afternoon general session, a panel of bishops and lay faithful will discuss how Catholic values can advance the common good in a way that persuades citizens in a diverse society.
Impacting policy makers
“Catholics at the Capitol gives Catholics a unique opportunity to actively engage their elected officials and see firsthand the impact their advocacy has on policy makers,” said WCC Executive Director John Huebscher. “Catholics come together to pray, learn about key policy issues, and make personal contact with public officials and staff.”
Registration begins at 8:15 a.m., and the day’s events start with a prayer service at 9:15 a.m. After the afternoon general session adjourns at 3:25 p.m., participants are encouraged to walk over to the State Capitol to meet with their legislators.
Deadline for registration is Monday, April 1. For those who register in advance, the registration fee is $37 for non-students and $12 for full-time students. Same-day registration is $47 for all non-students.
For more information, call the WCC at 608-257-0004 or visit the WCC’s Web site at www.wisconsincatholic.org