catholic advocacy day

Catholic Virginians Lobby a Broad Range of Issues

By Henrietta Gomes
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the Issue of 2/1/07)

RICHMOND — Members of the faithful are called to be the “light of the world and the salt of the earth,” said Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde to a group of nearly 250 from the Dioceses of Arlington and Richmond who gathered at St. Peter Church in the capital of the commonwealth on Monday to participate in Catholic Advocacy Day.
During a briefing before the lobbyists met with their legislators, the bishop reminded them, “We begin our work in the Lord’s presence. We need to make our voice heard and influence the common good. That is our call. By raising our voices, we are making our witness.”
Richmond Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo, who also addressed the group, noted that lobbying for issues supported by the Church, “isn’t easy when you have a culture which no longer supports the vision of the human person.” He encouraged the congregation and told them their efforts are not in vain.
“Legislation must support the dignity of the human person,” Bishop DiLorenzo said. “Laws cannot be brushed aside. It sets a tone on how we’re going to treat human beings. Laws are a guide for the present generation on how human beings must be treated.” One should not be intimidated by the views of the current pluralistic society, the bishop told the crowd. “We must never be discouraged or be brushed aside.”
During Monday’s lobbying efforts, sponsored by the Virginia Catholic Conference, members of both dioceses met with various legislators to speak with them about issues including embryonic stem-cell research, economic justice, abortion and justice for immigrants.
“We’re a voice speaking for those who don’t have a voice,” said Sister Mary Ann Grzeskowiak of the Diocese of Richmond. “If we don’t do it who will?” she asked. The bishops were also a part of the lobbying efforts as they met with Gov. Tim Kaine later that day to discuss the issues at hand.
During a meeting with Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis (R-Dist. 34), who consistently votes pro-life, Sister Connie Parcasio thanked her for voting for a death penalty moratorium, which did not pass. Sister Connie also spoke to her about raising the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.15. Sen. Devolites Davis argued that it was more important to have a nationwide increase opposed to a state increase in order for it to be beneficial for small business owners. “Then what would be a resolution for the poverty factor?” asked Patty Holley, parishioner of St. John Neumann in Reston, who also attended that meeting. Holley pushed for an increase of minimum wage throughout the state as many other states have done. “It’s been 10 years since the last increase,” she noted.
For most participants, regardless if they were able to persuade their legislators to vote differently, it was more important to be present as a witness to show their interest and genuine concern for public policy.
“As Catholics we have to go and say how we feel,” said Sally O’Dwyer, associate director of community service for Catholic Charities. “We can’t give up. This day is important because we go in large numbers and represent the Church.” As Catholics, she said, “this is what we’re supposed to be doing.”
The efforts of the lobbyists were successful, noted Jeff Caruso, executive director of the Virginia Catholic Conference. It was a day “for Catholics throughout Virginia’s two dioceses to stand in solidarity with their bishops on issues vital to human life, human dignity and the well-being of children and families,” Caruso said. “The large number of participants … many of whom traveled long distances to be a voice for the poorest and most vulnerable members of our society, certainly shows that the faithful citizenship is alive and well in our commonwealth.”

The Virginia Catholic Conference is supported by funds from the Bishop's Lenten Appeal.

Henrietta Gomes can be reached at hgomes@catholicherald.com.