Priest to advise teens on lobbying

Rev. Paul Catena believes it's important for young people to participate in the New York State Catholic Conference's upcoming Public Policy Day -- even if they aren't old enough to vote.

"The primary reason youth should be involved is that it is a way to live out their faith," said the associate pastor of Christ the King parish in Westmere. "Political issues are moral issues. We have an obligation to participate in political life."

Public Policy Day, March 11, brings about 1,000 Catholics from around the state to Albany to lobby legislators on a slate of issues that range from abortion and the environment to health care and immigration.

Issues of concern

While many people are familiar with the Church's involvement in pro-life issues, Father Catena said, Catholics also need to link their faith with other issues.

For example, he continued, God created the earth and gave dominion over it to people. However, that doesn't mean people should abuse the earth, so Catholics need to advocate for policies that help care for the earth.

Prior to entering the seminary, Father Catena worked for the State Senate, giving him a unique perspective on lobbying. While working for three different senators, he saw the impact constituents had on the legislative process.

"Legislators understand numbers," he said.

Young voices

Some people might think that youth who aren't old enough to vote cannot have much of an impact on a lawmaker, but Father Catena disagrees.

Legislators understand that teens' positions are often shaped by their parents, who do vote, he explained.

Legislators also know that the youth will go home from the Public Policy Day and speak with their families. So, even though they might not be able to vote, their presence at the Capitol is important.

Workshop

To help teens who attend the event, Father Catena will lead a workshop. In addition to training youth on how to speak with legislators, he is looking forward to hearing which issues are of a particular importance to them.

"I'm sure they'll have great things to say," he said.

At Public Policy Day, "they'll get a greater understanding of the issues and why they are important. They'll also get a sense that they are not alone. You can build each other up. It gives confidence and hope."

(For more information about Public Policy Day, read the Feb. 28 issue of The Evangelist and go to www.nyscatholic.org.)

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