Legislative day:
Connects state Catholics to policymaking process

		Eye on the  Capitol  John Huebscher

On April 4, the Wisconsin Catholic Conference will host its fourth Legislative Day.

What began in 1999 as an experiment is now an important part of our ongoing effort to connect Wisconsin's Catholics to the public policy making process.

Catholics at the Capitol 2005 will offer up a blend of new features as well as retaining the more important aspects of the first three gatherings.

New this year

Among the "firsts" for the event:

Archbishop Dolan is our keynote speaker. While he and now retired Madison Bishop Bullock have been present at past Legislative Days, this marks the first time that one of our bishops will give the principle address at the conference. Bishop Morlino of Madison will debut as host bishop, officiating at the opening prayer service and offering a welcome to the group.

2005 also features the debut of "on site" coverage by Relevant Radio. In past years secular media have dropped by to interview our keynote speaker (and the diocesan press has covered this event). This time reporters from the state's Catholic radio network will be present for most of the day.

We are also growing our list of co-sponsors as St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Wisconsin Council of Catholic Women join past sponsors such as the state's Catholic Charities agencies, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the Diocesan Councils of Catholic Women, and the Catholic Health Association of Wisconsin.

Sessions, workshops

At the same time, some of the best features of our past events will again be part of our program.

A session on Catholic social teaching is always very popular with our participants. The strong attendance at these "formational" programs suggests just how eager Catholics are to learn more about the foundations of our faith.

We will continue to offer an array of subject-oriented workshops. Sessions on biotechnology, respect life, health care, education, poverty, criminal justice, and more will prepare participants to effectively engage these critical public policy concerns.

As they have in past years, the presenters and panelists in our workshops will showcase the rich pool of talent available within our Catholic institutions and diocesan and parish leadership.

The day will culminate in legislative meetings as Catholics from across the state meet with their elected representatives and actively engage as faithful citizens.

Voice for others

Legislative days like this are common for interest groups. Often these groups come to press an issue or an agenda that benefits their own economic or institutional interest.

Those who come to Catholics at the Capitol come, not for self-interest, but for others. As Catholics we gather for those who have no voice or powerful interest. Whether it is the unborn child, the immigrants from other lands, the poor and needy, or the next generation, Catholics are advocating for those whose voices are otherwise silent.

April 4, 2005 will be a day of witness for the life and dignity of all people. Not a bad day's work for an "Easter People."

John Huebscher is executive director of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference.