On Tuesday, April 30, Catholics from around the state will meet at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison for Catholics at the Capitol 2019.
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Catholic Conference in cooperation with other Catholic organizations, this biennial event is a day of prayer, formation, and advocacy.
“This year’s event is special in that it marks the 50th anniversary of the WCC,” said WCC Executive Director Kim Vercauteren. “Founded in 1969, the WCC was one of several bishops’ conferences created following the Second Vatican Council. Both the advocacy and issues advanced by the WCC were limited then. Fifty years later, however, we advocate on a broad range of issues that touch on human life and dignity. With Catholics at the Capitol 2019, we aim to highlight the contributions of younger Catholics who will lead us into the next 50 years.”
The day begins with registration and continental breakfast, followed by a morning general session. The general session features a keynote address by Vincent Noth and Samantha Vosters of Milwaukee’s Riverwest Food Pantry. The two will reflect on the pantry’s mission to be a community of generosity that includes a mission house, daily prayer, corporal works of mercy, and attention to the structural causes of poverty.
After the general session, participants select one of five breakout sessions to attend. These sessions focus on various aspects of Church social teaching, including homelessness, immigration, pro-life health care, and criminal justice. Back by popular demand is an introduction to Catholic social teaching for those interested in gaining a better understanding of the principles that guide Catholic public policy engagement.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the morning general session will start at 9:30 a.m. Following lunch, participants will travel to the Capitol for an anniversary presentation and prayer service. All are encouraged to visit with their legislators at the Capitol until approximately 2 p.m., when the day’s events will conclude.
Advance registration deadline is Monday, April 22, with a cost of $40 for non-students and $12 for full-time students. After April 22, registration is $50 for non-students. For more information, visit www.wisconsincatholic.org or call the WCC at 608-257-0004. Details on how to arrange meetings with legislators, as well as other important information, will be provided in the registration confirmation packet.
