For the last several years now, Catholics at the Capitol has boasted a sell-out crowd, so let’s keep it going (watch out Memorial Stadium, here we come)! Visit www.NEcatholic.org to register now, as seats are limited.
But, Tom, you’re getting ahead of yourself. What is Catholics at the Capitol? And why should I attend?
I’m glad you asked!
Catholics at the Capitol is our annual legislative advocacy day in Lincoln.
You’ll learn about the key legislative bills that matter most to us as Catholics from state senators, other key elected officials (in the past, we have had the Governor, Lt. Gov., Attorney General, you name it), the Bishops, and Nebraska Catholic Conference staff.
You’ll gather together with Catholic from all across the state, to unify our voices in defense of human dignity and the common good.
You’ll sit in on the live action of the Nebraska Legislature and get to hear our State Senators debate the issues of the day.
You’ll get the chance to advocate alongside of fellow Catholic constituents and talk with your State Senator, to let them know what bills matter to you and why.
Most importantly, you’ll pray for our elected officials and the state of Nebraska, that “thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.”
As we come off the historic victories just several months ago at the ballot on Initiatives 434 and 439, we must continue the momentum going forward. If we want to continue to make important strides in building up our politics and culture, we must show up. As State Auditor Mike Foley often says: “Those who show up, win.” Or, as Bishop Hanefeldt says: “There’s strength in numbers.”
Cultivating generational wins, like we did at the ballot and as we have in previous legislative sessions, do not happen over night and they do not happen on their own—it takes our hard work and presence. In the words of one of the inscriptions on the north side of the state capitol building: “The salvation of the state is watchfulness in the citizen.”
This year’s event takes place on Wednesday, April 9, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the lower level (across the street from our gorgeous State Capitol building). Registration costs are always minimal and basically help us to cover the cost of providing lunch. But, of course, more details can be found at www.NEcatholic.org where you can go and register now for the event!
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to our website and get registered before it’s too late.
And while you are there, be sure to join our advocacy network. Every week we have been sending out a “Capitol Update” e-mail, which is about a 5-10 minute read. This update covers all highlights that took place that week at the Nebraska Legislature and in the broader world of state and federal politics. By joining our advocacy network, you will always stay up-to-date on the latest action alerts to make sure you are advocating on key legislative priorities that matter most to us as Catholics.
As always, never hesitate to contact us at the Nebraska Catholic Conference (phone: 402.477.7517; e-mail: nebrcc@necatholic.org) if you have any questions about Catholics at the Capitol or what is going on this legislative session.
God bless your efforts to bear the light of Christ in the public square!
