See special Capitol Report in this week’s print edition of the Catholic Herald.
MADISON — On Tuesday, March 31, 2009, Catholics from around the state will meet at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison for Catholics at the Capitol 2009.
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) in cooperation with numerous Catholic organizations, this biennial event is a day of education, advocacy, and fellowship.
The theme for this year’s event, “Hope in Action,” is evident through the day’s events, which feature breakout sessions on a variety of issues, including unemployment assistance, abortion, environmental justice, bioethics, payday lending, health care reform, and more.
Experts from around the state and beyond will be on hand to examine issues that advance the common good, and offer suggestions on how to engage in effective advocacy.
Bishop Paul J. Swain of Sioux Falls, S.D., will provide the keynote address and speak on engaging in faithful citizenship through advocacy.
This year’s event also features a popular session first seen at the 2007 Catholics at the Capitol. During the afternoon general session, a panel of bishops and public servants will discuss how faith interacts with government and the public square.
“Catholics at the Capitol allows Catholics to actively engage state officials and see firsthand representative government at work,” said WCC Executive Director John Huebscher. “The day provides a unique opportunity for Catholics to experience fellowship, learn about key policy issues, and directly engage their 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 3:30 p.m., participants are encouraged to walk over to the Capitol and meet their legislators.
All interested persons are invited to join the WCC in celebrating its 40th anniversary by attending this event. Deadline for registrations is Thursday, March 12, 2009, and the registration fee is $33 for adults and $10 for students.
For more information, call the Wisconsin Catholic Conference at 608-257-0004 or visit the WCC’s Web site at www.wisconsincatholic.org Details on how to arrange meetings with legislators, directions, and parking information will be provided in the registration confirmation packet.