Over 400 people from around the state attended the Texas Catholic Conference Charity and Justice Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on February 17.

Donning blue t-shirts that read "One Catholic Voice - Life, Charity, Justice," volunteers from around the state made visits to legislative offices to address the Immigration, Health and Human Services, and Criminal Justice public policy priorities of the Bishops of Texas.

"This is my first step in being politically involved and it's been a really exciting experience," said 18-year-old Rebecca Lowery, a volunteer from the Diocese of Dallas. "I didn't really know what to expect. I had reviewed the bills and really wanted to speak about them. I wasn't sure if I would get the chance and I did. I would definitely encourage greater involvement."

The day began with Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Austin.

"We do not go forward today promoting our message of charity and justice, but rather that of God," said Bishop Gregory Aymond of the Diocese of Austin.
Bishop Pena of Brownsville and Catholic Charities Directors are

honored in the Texas Senate

The message we bring to our lawmakers, he said, is "that human life is sacred, that it shares in the dignity of God, that no one is a stranger. We stand for the rights of the immigrants, we stand for the rights of the poor and the lonely, and for those who do not have medical care. No one is a stranger. And we stand strongly for the rights of all people, even criminals. They too, have the right to life and to conversion."

"And so as we got forth today, as we walk in and out of those offices and meet individually with different people, we represent our sisters and brothers in the state. But more importantly, we represent the values of Jesus. His charity, and His justice." After the celebration of Mass, advocates were recognized in the Texas House of Representatives and Senate. Brownsville Bishop Raymundo Peña said the opening prayer in the Senate.

"We ask your protection and guidance for all who devote themselves to the Common Good. We lift up all of our elected leaders and public servants, bestow upon our senators dedication and commitment to achieve liberty and justice for all residents of Texas and especially the most vulnerable in our midst," prayed Bishop Peña.                                                                                                           Students gather at the Capitol                       

"Catholic Charities is present in more than 20 locations in Texas and provides a variety of social support services benefitting more than 400,000 individuals in 2008," said Lucio. Lucio also recognized the importance of Catholic Criminal Justice ministry, stating "criminal justice ministries serve as chaplains in jails and prisons throughout the state, working to rehabilitate the convicted."

After recognition in the Chambers, volunteers grabbed a quick lunch and the Capitol Cafeteria and commenced their legislative visits. During the visits, volunteer groups talked with legislators or their staff about the Immigration, Health and Human Services, and Criminal Justice priorities of the Texas Bishops. Specific talking points included access to education and healthcare for immigrants, access to healthcare for all children in Texas, and legislation that would end the death penalty and support criminal justice programs that aided in rehabilitation and reintegration of those re-entering society. Several volunteers were able to provide personal stories of how these issues affected those in their communities.

Bishop Peña says the opening prayer in the Senate

"This is the first time that I organized advocacy day for our diocese," said Ginny Smith, Parish Social Ministry Coordinator of Catholic Charities Southeast Texas in the Diocese of Beaumont. "Everything turned our perfectly. It was a great experience."

Texas Catholic Conference Associate Director Jennifer Allmon echoed that sentiment. "Teams of advocates organized by their diocese met with every single office in the Capitol to bring the message of charity and justice and share the stories of client impacted by policy."

Participation in grassroots advocacy is an important component of the Catholic Call to Faithful Citizenship. The Charity and Justice Advocacy Day is one of two advocacy days hosted by the Texas Catholic Conference. The second advocacy day, Life and Family Life Day, will be held on March 31, 2009, and will focus on the Texas Bishops' Life and Education public policy priorities. In addition to advocacy days, the Texas Catholic Conference also sends out email Action Alerts and e-newsletters to keep Texas Catholics informed legislatively.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               Volunteers in the Senate Gallery