Catholic women from throughout Illinois are invited to the biannual Legislative Action Days Conference March 3 and 4 in Springfield, according to Rebecca Woodhull, Province of Chicago director for the National Council of Catholic Women.

At the two-day conference, participants will be briefed on current issues of interest to Catholics through presentations, a briefing from the Catholic Conference of Illinois (CCI) and visits with legislators, Woodhull said. The event is coordinated with the CCI-sponsored rally Catholics at the Capitol, through the Chicago Province of the National Council of Catholic Women. All Catholic women are invited to participate in one or both days of the event.

On March 3, a luncheon with Catholic legislators and tour will be held at the Governor's Executive Mansion. Keynote speakers include Mary Louise Kurrie, director for Life Issues for the Archdiocese of Chicago; Senators Dan Cronin and Dave Luechtefeldt, well-known advocates for Catholic education; Catholic lobbyist Ralph Ramirez; and Sangamon County administrator Brian McFadden.

Msgr. John Ossola and province priest-moderators will concelebrate Mass at the Church of the Little Flower in Springfield, followed by a wine reception and dinner there.

On March 4, conference participants are invited to join the CCI briefing at the Capitol, have a group photo, participate in a tour of the Capitol and make individual visits with their local legislators.

A block of rooms at the Mansion View is reserved for $75. Cost of the conference is $50 and includes March 3 lunch, dinner and conference materials.

Over 1 million Catholic women in the state of Illinois are represented through their local parish women's councils, deaneries and the five diocesan and Chicago archdiocesan councils. For more information contact Woodhull at (217) 585-0664 (e-mail ) or register by contacting Bev Hoffman at .