Meetings ready Catholics for Capitol forum

Meetings to be held in five different parishes will soon give these concerned Catholics the background they need to make their voices heard at the March 9 forum. But according to Sister Karen Marcil, RSM, of diocesan Catholic Charities, anyone concerned with public policy issues is welcome to attend.

"The approach we're trying to take is that advocacy is a life-long stance," she told The Evangelist. "Advocacy and justice are a part of the Gospels. It's our baptismal call to be part of this kind of activity."

The upcoming meetings will concentrate on eight issues targeted by the New York State Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the state's bishops:

* prohibition of partial-birth abortion;

* enactment of an investment tax credit to stimulate private donations to public and non-public schools and programs;

* expansion of supports for working families and those moving from welfare to work, including child care, transportation, healthcare coverage, the state earned income tax credit and public/private job creation;

* opposition to legislation threatening Catholic health care;

* protection for the conscience of Catholic healthcare providers, and adequate access to and funding of healthcare services;

* opposition to physician-assisted suicide;

* preservation of essential services for the poor and ill; and

* opposition to casino gambling.

In addition to those issues, Sister Karen said, the meetings will explain Church social teachings on why Catholics need to be advocates. She noted that since many of those who attend one Public Policy Forum decide to return the following year, "there has been some definite leadership development in parishes."

Anyone who wants to voice an opinion on the above issues is welcome to attend a meeting, Sister Karen said, even if they do not plan to attend the forum. Concerned Catholics could also use what they learn in calling or writing to their legislators.

(Meetings to prepare for the diocesan Public Policy Forum will be held Jan. 28 at Annunciation Church, Queensbury; Feb. 2 at St. Mary's, Oneonta; Feb. 3 at St. Pius X, Loudonville; Feb. 11 at St. James, Fort Plain; and Feb. 22 at St. Mary's, Hudson, all at 7 p.m. For information, call the above parishes or Catholic Charities at 453-6650.)

(01-14-99) [[In-content Ad]]