March 6, 2008

An Invitation to Catholic Day on the Hill

By Paul Gray

Parish Administrator, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

For years I wondered why hundreds of people would take the day off work, board chartered buses before dawn, ride for over three hours to Nashville, spend most of the day attending legislative sessions, meet individually with state senators and representatives, and then return home very tired from the day's activities. Civics class had always seemed dull to me, and I couldn't imagine that going to visit the legislators would be much different. It just didn't seem like something I would find meaningful.

But then I tried it. A few years ago, I went along to Catholic Day on the Hill, and found the whole day exciting. Sure, I was exhausted at the end of the day, but that was a small price to pay for what I had experienced and learned. Civics class just never was able to convey the process!

I was intrigued by the work and commitment of the legislators and their staffs. I was most impressed that so many of them would take time out to talk in their respective offices to these visiting citizens.

Seeing so many other Catholics from across the state gathered in the Capitol Building moved me. I'm sure it has to impress the members of our state government, from the governor to the legislators to the interns and clerical workers. All three Bishops of Tennessee were there briefing us, encouraging us, leading us in both this civic effort and then in the celebration of the Liturgy.

Throughout the day I repeatedly experienced feeling proud of our own Bishop, and his brother Bishops from Nashville and Knoxville.

Meeting and having the chance to talk to other Catholics from other regions was enlightening. Formed by Catholic Social Teaching, we were united in our societal concerns, if not in our origin, nor race, nor ethnicity, nor gender, nor economic status, nor political affiliation. Being Catholic provided all the unity we needed.

Catholic Day on the Hill is sponsored by the Tennessee Catholic Public Policy Commission which has been in existence since 1983. Affirming the unique role that the Church has to play in the political life of society, the Commission takes positions that reflect Gospel values on public policies and programs affecting all the citizens of the state. Catholic Day on the Hill gives the opportunity for Catholics to come together for a day of prayer, advocacy, and education on the issues in the areas of human services, healthcare, and social justice.

The Catholic Bishops of the United States reminded us that one of our greatest blessings is our right and responsibility to participate in civic life (The Challenge of Faithful Citizenship _ A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility).

This year, Catholic Day on the Hill will be April 9 in Nashville. All Catholic are invited and encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact Darrell Harden at Catholic Charities at 901- 722-4794 or email to Darrell.harden@acc.cdom.org