February 7, 2021 - "Catholic Advocacy Day 2021"

Even though there is much discussion about what is going in the U.S. Congress these days, I want to focus attention not on that legislative body but on the Maryland General Assembly.  I have admired the great work that the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) does year after year in highlighting priority issues for Catholics statewide.  This year the MCC invites us to participate in Catholic Advocacy Day on February 16, 2021.  Because of COVID-19 restrictions, this year this event will be virtual.  In 2021 the issues that the MCC wants to highlight are:  education, life, and human rights.
 
Before I entered the seminary I was the legislative captain for one of our local archdiocesan parishes.  I would regularly attend what was then called Lobby Night.  It proved to be a great way to become educated in those issues that were of concern to the Catholics in Maryland.  Since my ordination to the priesthood, I have tried to go as often as I can.   I want to invite you to participate in this year’s Catholic Advocacy Day.  The MCC will create the action alerts.  All you have to do in bringing our voice before the Maryland legislators is to click, sign, and send the alerts to our legislators (or make a personal call to their offices, if you prefer.  I also invite you to join the Catholic Advocacy Network to get advance notice and alerts sent right to you through text messages and/or email.
 
A number of people have asked the MCC staff some very good questions.  I want to copy two questions and repeat for your benefit the answer the MCC staff have provided.
 
1.  My legislator doesn’t agree with the church on these issues.  Why should I bother sending a message of calling?
As a Catholic, you are one of more than 1,000,000 Marylanders who share our faith.  Standing together, we are a strong voice worth listening to and legislators listen to their voters. Even if your senator or delegate does not personally agree with you, he or she still represents you and needs to know where you and other constituents stand on important issues like these.  We have seen the power of speaking up for change.

If your elected Senator or Delegate doesn’t agree with you, it might be helpful to remind them just how much of an impact Catholics like you are having [in] their district…
 
2. Why these issues?
As many as 3,000 bills can be introduced each session in Maryland.  The Maryland Catholic Conference works hard to identify, follow, and advocate on many issues.  Timing, need for direct action and other considerations guide what we need at different times during the session.  The issues we highlight are pending before the General Assembly and would have a significant impact on our faith and those we serve.  We do send issue-specific action alerts at other times during the session.  Sign up for the Catholic Advocacy Network to get those.

Finally, St. Paul reminds us in his first letter to Timothy 2:1-3 to pray for our government officials.  In following St. Paul’s advice, let me share with you in closing today this prayer for the General Assembly and Governor offered by the Maryland Catholic Conference.
 
God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through you, authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed.
 
Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude the lawmakers of the State of Maryland.
 
May they always seek the ways of righteousness and mercy.
 
Grant that they may be enabled your powerful protections to lead our State with honesty and integrity.  Amen.
 
Until next week,
Fr. John