On Wednesday, March 4 the Catholic Conference of Illinois, in association with the bishops of Illinois, is hosting a day for community called Catholics at the Capitol at the Capitol Building in Springfield.

This one-day event is an opportunity for Cardinal Francis E. George, bishops, clergy and the laity to meet with their elected officials in order to "enhance the inclusion of our Gospel values in the public square," said Robert Gilligan, executive director of CCI. Pastors in Illinois have been asked to attend or to appoint a representative to go in their place.

"Catholics at the Capitol is an ideal way to participate in the political process as faithful citizens," Gilligan said. The event follows the U.S. Bishops directives of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship that states - "responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation."

It is also being held in the Jubilee Year of St. Paul when Catholics are called by Pope Benedict XVI to be apostles of Christ in spreading the Word of God.

The day has a set itinerary that includes time for attendees to meet with their state representative and state senator on issues concerning Catholic social teaching.

At 10 a.m., CCI staff will present "Advocacy at the Capitol." At 11 a.m., there will be a Catholic schools rally in the Capitol Rotunda. Individuals will meet with legislators at noon. A lunch will conclude the day.  

"We want to show legislators all the services that the church provides the state," said Zach Wichmann, CCI's associate director for education, who works in Springfield. "We've done the school rally before, but this is the first time we're tying this all together." Close to 100 schools are expected to send representatives.

The list of parishes that will be represented is growing and representatives from the statewide Council of Catholic Women will participate as well, Wichmann said.

People who are interested in participating should contact their parish pastor. "For general participation, we're asking that pastors appoint their representatives," Wichmann said. "We're very excited about the day and think that it will have a strong impact."

 For more information on the event, look online at www.catholicconferenceofillinois.org.