By Laura Marreel, Dean of Students and Elly Benin, Theology Teacher

Catholics from across the state gathered on Feb. 19 in the spirit of faithful citizenship to learn more about key issues facing our state and to advocate for Life & Human Dignity.

Organized by the Minnesota Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota, Catholics at the Capitol provides Minnesota Catholics with the opportunity to learn about the key challenges facing the state, gain insights into effective advocacy, and have conversations with elected officials about the issues that matter.  This year Catholics participated from every legislative district in Minnesota.

“The Catholics at the Capitol event began in 2017. Previously, the MCC aligned the day as a day of lobbying. Catholics at the Capitol  provides an opportunity for all Catholics in Minnesota to build relationships with one another and their representatives,” said Superintendent of Catholic Schools Marsha Stenzel. “As the DOW-R moves toward renewed missionary discipleship, Catholics at the Capitol provides an alignment through faithful citizenship to make their voices heard.”

Attendees included individuals, parishes, as well as a number of Catholic schools from across the state. Representing Pacelli were six students, Academic Dean Mrs. Marreel, and theology teacher Ms. Benin.   

The day began at the Rivercentre in St. Paul.  Participants had the opportunity to attend an early Mass at a nearby parish, while registration, breakfast, and opportunities to visit with various Catholic vendors and organizations occurred at the conference center.

The morning consisted of formation on a number of Catholic issues given by the bishops of various dioceses in Minnesota including Bishop Quinn.  Featured guests and speakers including musician Danielle Rose from Duluth, actor Jim Caviezel who played Jesus in Passion of the Christ, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia, and Gloria Purvis from EWTN encouraged attendees to be courageous and defend those who do not have a voice by making one’s own voice heard through faithful and active citizenship.

Armed with the inspiration of the day’s speakers, and advocacy training, participants were bussed to the Capitol and had the opportunity to impact state legislators by voicing their concerns regarding various bills in afternoon meeting sessions.  Particular topics of interest this year included stopping the commercialization of surrogacy and increasing support and resources for mothers and children during the first 1000 days of the child’s life.  Constituents representing MN District 27 and even Bishop Quinn attended these meetings with Sen. Dan Sparks, Rep. Peggy Bennett, and Rep. Jeanne Poppe to ask for their support or opposition on the bills corresponded to these issues.

After the legislator meetings, participants had the opportunity to explore the Capitol building or to pray rosaries in the rotunda.

The day concluded in the rotunda with closing remarks from Lt. Gov. Peggy Flannigan and Auxiliary Bishop Cozzens of St. Paul-Minneapolis.

Catholics at the Capitol provided students and adults meaningful and informative experiences and opportunities to be active voices in the state of Minnesota.  Students learned that advocacy can be peaceful, positive, and cooperative even if legislators may not agree on some issues and that it is important to look for common ground in those areas.  Pacelli students particularly learned that their representatives knew who they were and followed them in their activities and sports! 

Yet most importantly, as evidenced by the surprise of Lt. Gov. Peggy Flannigan by how this event has grown over the years, they were able to learn that their voices count, and Catholic voices matter.

If you are interested in learning more about Pacelli Catholic School visit our website at www.pacellischools.org, email admin@pacellischools.org or call 507-437-3278.