January 2009                                       

IN THIS ISSUE:

> Conference Celebrates 40 Years of Service

> 2009 Public Policy Issues

> Florida Legislature: Special Budget Session

> 2009 Catholic Days at the Capitol and Red Mass

> Bishops' Statement on 36th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

> Federal Life Legislation

> Bishops' 2009 Catholic Schools Week Statement

> Faithful Citizenship Beyond the Election
 

Archdiocese of Miami
Diocese of St. Augustine
Diocese of St. Petersburg
Diocese of Orlando
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
Diocese of Palm Beach
Diocese of Venice

Florida
Catholic
Conference
201 W. Park Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32301-7760
Phone: (850) 222-3803
Fax: (850) 681-9548
Website: www.flacathconf.org

1969 - 2009

Florida Catholic Conference Celebrates
40 years of Advocating Life, Dignity and the Common Good

     The Florida Catholic Conference was established on February 1, 1969 to serve as the nonpartisan, public policy voice of the Catholic Bishops of Florida.  Since then, the Conference has represented the Church on policy issues of concern and served as liaison to the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

     The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of his Church  guide the work of the Conference.  With particular concern for those who are most vulnerable and defense of the common good, the Conference analyzes the moral dimension of public policies, proclaims the sanctity of life and dignity of the human person and encourages lawmakers to reach just solutions. Additionally, the Conference provides opportunities for the faithful in Florida to carry out their responsibility to participate in political life. 

    The Conference has participated in many policy areas over the last 40 years and actively continues to do so today.  These areas include: social concerns and welfare matters such as immigrants, affordable housing, health care, criminal justice reform; educational matters including parochial and public schools; right to life issues including abortion, assisted suicide and the death penalty; and matters affecting human sexuality, marriage and the family unit. 

     Conference founders were Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll, Bishop Paul F. Tanner, Bishop William D. Borders, Bishop Charles B. McLaughlin, and Bishop John J. Fitzpatrick.  Presently, the board of directors consists of the archbishop and bishops of the seven (arch)dioceses in Florida and includes: Archbishop John C. Favalora, President; Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, Vice President; Bishop Robert N. Lynch, Secretary; Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, Treasurer; Bishop Victor Galeone; Bishop Thomas G. Wenski; Bishop Frank J. Dewane; Bishop Felipe J. Estévez and Bishop John G. Noonan.  Executive Director Emeritus Thomas A. Horkan, Jr. served the Conference from its founding until January 1995 when D. Michael McCarron assumed his current position as executive director. 

    The bishops, staff and Catholic community will formally celebrate the Conference's 40-year anniversary during this year's 2009 Catholic Days at the Capitol, March 10-11, 2009.   

This annual publication lists by area of advocacy the bishops' positions on major issues that may be considered during the 2009 Regular Session of the Florida Legislature set to begin Tuesday, March 3. Also included is information on the role of the Church in the political arena, Catholic social teaching and statistics on the Catholic Church in Florida.

> click here to view document

The Florida Legislature convened this month in a two week special session to address a projected deficit of $2.3 billion in the State's 2008-2009 fiscal year budget. Lawmakers are raising fees and reducing spending in order to shore up the deficit and balance the budget.  In the call for the special session, both the House and Senate agreed to consider all suggestions, with the exception of any new fees or taxes related to alcoholic beverages, cigarettes or tobacco products. The 2009-2010 budget will be written during the regular legislative session and will be based on this year’s final budget.

The Conference issued a letter in late December 2008 to Senate President Jeff Atwater and House Speaker Ray Sansom urging that, when making budget decisions, they carefully consider  the needs of the poor and vulnerable as well as impacts on the common good of Florida's residents.

Further analysis will be provided after the budget is signed into law by Governor Crist.

> letter to Senate and House leadership

To register for Catholic Days at the Capitol,
contact your diocesan coordinator today! 

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

> List of diocesan coordinators and registration forms
> Schedule of activities
> Red Mass invitation, history and homilies
 

Statement of the Catholic Bishops of Florida
on the 36th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
January 22, 2009

As we mark the inauguration of a new president for our nation, we pause to reflect on the state of our country where over 50 million of our brothers and sisters have been denied their right to life. While Roe v. Wade instituted abortion on demand, Doe v. Bolton defined health exceptions so broadly that any restrictions could be avoided at any time during a pregnancy.

> full statement English / Spanish

The "Prevention First" act (S. 21) was reintroduced in the Senate last week and is an important bill to watch.  This legislation includes contraceptive mandates and emergency contraception provisions.  The House is expected to reintroduce its version soon.

The Conference has developed a web page that provides information and links on several areas of federal legislation that deal with life issues. Click the link below to visit this page.

> Additional information on FOCA and other federal life legislation

Catholic Schools Celebrate Service
Catholic Schools Week 2009
(Bishops Congratulate Students and Parents, Teachers and Administrators)

As we join in celebrating national Catholic Schools Week, January 25 – 31, 2009, we take this opportunity to express our true admiration and sincere thanks to Catholic school students and their parents, and to Catholic school administrators and teachers, for their dedication, sacrifice and commitment to Catholic education in our state. We also recognize our pastors for the important role they play in the ministry of Catholic education and faith formation of our children.

> full statement from the bishops' of Florida English / Spanish

> National Catholic Educational Association

Faithful Citizenship Beyond the Election
Remain Active and Informed 

It is of great importance to form our consciences for faithful citizenship during the election season.  However, voting is not the
end of our responsibility as faithful citizens; it is just the beginning.

Now that election winners have been sworn in and the Florida legislative session is just around the corner, we must work to ensure that the policies addressed by our elected officials promote human life and dignity and protect the common good.

As a means to gain knowledge and remain engaged in the making of public policy between elections, the Florida Catholic Conference offers its FCC Advocacy Network.  This electronic network facilitates a grassroots effort by concerned Catholics in Florida to educate and influence their lawmakers on issues of life, health, social justice and education.
 
In this New Year, make a resolution to stay informed and get involved in the process that shapes the laws of our country and our state.

> Click to Join FCC Advocacy