Parish Ambassador Training Manual LIFE AND DIGNITY SUNDAY. Catholic Advocacy Network registration day Diocese of St. Cloud

Parish Ambassador Training Manual LIFE AND DIGNITY SUNDAY Catholic Advocacy Network registration day Diocese of St. Cloud October 22-23, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from Bishop Kettler......3 Parish Ambassadors Training Session Agenda...4 Backgrounder/Bulletin Insert about MCC Catholic Advocacy Network...5 Roles and Responsibilities...6 8 Project Timeline...9-10 Frequently Asked Questions...11 12 Bulletin Announcements...13 Pulpit Announcements...14 Sample Script...15-16 Guidelines for Handling Registration Cards...17 Useful Links...18 Instructions for Linking Parish Website to the MCC Network...19 Homily Notes...20 21 Sample Postcard...22-23 Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 2

Dear [Pastor]: I wanted to touch base with you regarding an initiative to develop a stronger Catholic voice in the public square. The bishops of Minnesota, through the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC), established the statewide Catholic Advocacy Network to provide an easy and effective way for Catholics to answer their baptismal call to faithful citizenship. The Network keeps members informed of important legislative activity, and provides simple, concrete ways to make a difference. Most importantly, it is an easy way for Catholics to contact their legislators. If we hope to protect life from conception to natural death and create what Pope Francis calls healthy human and natural ecologies, we have to participate in public conversations about fostering the common good. While to this point the Catholic Advocacy Network has lived primarily online, we recognize the need for a grassroots or human component of the Network to complement online advocacy activities. Supplementing the online communications that our legislators receive through the Network with phone calls, visits, and other encounters from constituents even if only a few from each parish could dramatically enhance the effectiveness of the Catholic Church s advocacy efforts in Minnesota. Parish Ambassador In an effort to establish a more permanent grassroots base, MCC and the Diocese of St. Cloud are in the process of identifying and selecting Parish Ambassador. These are meant to be ongoing volunteer positions, aimed at increasing awareness of the Catholic Advocacy Network and bolstering engagement in the public square at the parish level. Parish Ambassador will work with MCC and the Diocese of St. Cloud to create phone trees, organize legislative visits, and conduct Catholic Advocacy Network registration drives. We envision them as a crucial part of our effort to strengthen the Church s voice in public conversations, enabling us to continue to speak out effectively for life, dignity, and religious liberty. Life & Dignity Sunday Parish Points of Contact will be instrumental in carrying out our first Diocesan wide registration drive Life & Dignity Sunday which will be held the weekend of October 22 and 23. It is my strong hope that during each Mass, the Catholic Advocacy Network will be explained and parishioners will be given the opportunity to register for the Network. A short video about the Catholic Advocacy Network is available to be shown between masses. Parishioners who register will become Network members along with tens of thousands of fellow Catholics throughout the State. This effort is designed to be led primarily by a parishioner (Parish Ambassador) of your choice. The parishioner will be provided all the tools to make this program a success. Please read the following information below and contact Chris Codden, Office of Marriage and Family / (320) 252-4721 / ccodden@gw.stcdio.org) if you have any questions about Life & Dignity Sunday or the referenced Parish Ambassador trainings. 3 ACTION ITEMS STEP 1: Identify a Parish Ambassador to organize and lead this effort at your parish. Please fill out the Parish Ambassador sign-up sheet (enclosed) and fax or email to the Office of Marriage and Family no later than June 13, 2016. STEP 2: Provide your Parish Ambassador(s) with the Parish Ambassador sign-up sheet and ask him or her to attend one of the training sessions listed on the back. He or she will learn about his or her role as a Parish Ambassador, and how to implement the first Diocesan wide registration drive. He or she will also receive their Life & Dignity Sunday Planning Toolkit at the training. STEP 3: Discuss with your Parish Ambassador his/her roles and responsibilities as a volunteer for the Catholic Advocacy Network, as well as for executing Life & Dignity Sunday in your parish. A good time to do this would be after they attend a training session in August. In the meantime, you are encouraged to review the Parish Ambassador Toolkit as needed. May God bless your work on this important initiative. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Donald Kettler Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 3

PARISH AMBASSADORS TRAINING SESSION AGENDA Call to order and welcome Introductions Opening prayer Purpose of this training session: To provide the information needed for Parish Ambassadors to prepare for a successful Life and Dignity Sunday registration process in their parishes. Why have the bishops established the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network? Current challenges in Minnesota Church teaching Social Doctrine of the Church Faithful Citizenship Making a difference in Minnesota Network structure and tools Action Network membership Wins and Losses: Do advocacy networks work? The Catholic Advocacy Network video Life and Dignity Sunday registration day In pew registration in every parish on October 22-23, 2016 Role of MCC Parish Ambassadors See and read job description (pg. 7-8) Review the timeline and Life and Dignity Sunday Leadership contacts Development of a parish team/committee What to do with the registration cards, other tools Questions and answers Closing prayer Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 4

Our Catholic faith calls us to participate in the life of our communities. From conception to natural death, we are called to protect life and to promote dignity and respect for all human beings. In their 2012 Faithful Citizenship statement, the U.S. bishops write these challenging words: In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. (No. 13) In response to this challenge, the Catholic bishops of Minnesota have established a statewide advocacy network of Catholics who are answering the call to faithful citizenship by becoming more engaged in the political process. On the weekend of October 22-23, 2016, parishes in our area are joining with parishes throughout the state and celebrating Life and Dignity Sunday. During each Mass, the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network will be explained and parishioners will be encouraged to register for the network. Completed registration cards will be forwarded to the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) for inclusion in the statewide database. Our bishops will ensure that this network is only used for activities related to the Church s social ministry and policy advocacy. The MCC Catholic Advocacy Network makes it easy for your voice to be heard in Minnesota s Legislature and in Congress. It is a growing network of more than 35,000 Minnesota Catholics who are learning more about and acting on important state and federal policy issues of concern. Network members receive brief, monthly E-Updates and notices of educational events where they can learn about and take action on legislative issues. In addition, periodic Action Alerts will be sent when the state legislature or Congress is in session, asking members to make a phone call or send an e mail or letter to their Senator or Representative. Pre-written communications with key messages and talking points are provided, and they can be personalized by the sender. As few as ten messages to a state legislator from constituents on an issue will cause him or her to take notice. Imagine what 100 can do! A strong voice for life and dignity can and will make the difference for you, your family, and communities in need. There could not be a more important time for this network to grow, as Minnesota continues to face old and new social challenges. The push to legalize doctor-assisted suicide in Minnesota has arrived; the income gap between the working poor and wealthy Americans is growing; the K through 12 educational achievement gap has spread from primarily urban to now many rural communities in our state; the institution of marriage and the right to life continue to be devalued; and, not least of all, the religious liberty of the Church, her institutions, and her followers is increasingly under attack. As Catholics, we care deeply about all of these life and dignity issues. Our state needs a strong, clear, moral voice for life and dignity today. Your willingness to participate within this network will help the Catholic Church become a powerful voice for life and dignity in Minnesota. JOIN US AT WWW.MNCATHOLIC.ORG

Roles and Responsibilities MCC Catholic Advocacy Network Life and Dignity Sunday Diocesan Bishop Provides overall leadership for the Life and Dignity Sunday effort. Appoints staff person to be key organizer and contact person. Consults on creating a diocesan leadership team. Writes a letter to all priests explaining the effort and asking for participation. Prepares article for Catholic newspaper about Life and Dignity Sunday. Appears in a video about the network for Parish Ambassador to use. With the Minnesota Catholic Conference, ensures that names of persons who register are kept confidential. Diocesan Staff Person Oversees the development of the Diocesan Leadership Team. Assigns responsibilities and tasks to staff and volunteer assistors, like the Leadership Team. Advertises, organizes, and chairs meetings of the leadership team. Serves as key project liaison for Bishop, MCC staff, and local contacts. Develops the diocesan execution plan for Life and Dignity Sunday. Establishes places and times for Parish Ambassador training sessions. Provides reports to Bishop as to the project s progress and difficulties. Diocesan Leadership Team (Members appointed by Bishop and diocese) Seeks understanding of goals and objectives of the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network and Life and Dignity Sunday. Helps develop and execute plans for carrying out a successful Life and Dignity Sunday effort. Works with the pastor of each parish in the identification, recruitment, and training of effective Parish Ambassador, as needed. Serves as liaison to diocesan (and parish) organizations to help them facilitate Life and Dignity Sunday. Provides direct assistance to parishes that are not able to find their own Parish Ambassadors. Participates in as many of the project meetings as applicable and possible. Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 6

Leadership Team, cont. Continues to serve as planning team for further development of the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network in the diocese (to be determined post-event, based on individual diocesan needs). Is available to other dioceses to discuss best practices, successes, and disappointments of project, as needed. Minnesota Catholic Conference Staff (MCC) Provides guidance to Bishop and/or his staff for decisions relating to development of the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network and Life and Dignity Sunday. Prepares drafts of all materials needed for Life and Dignity Sunday, including training materials, vision statement, registration cards, letters, homily helps, and any other documents indicated. Assists in conducting training sessions for Parish Ambassadors and provides whatever assistance is needed to local leaders for carrying out these sessions. Establishes systems by which completed registration cards are collected and processed for the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network database. Ensures that all names from each diocese are returned to the Bishop for use on public policy-related outreach. Provides support to diocesan leadership team and attends meetings whenever possible or needed. Shares best practices and experiences among dioceses in Minnesota. Parish Ambassador Accepts role as the Parish Ambassador for the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network Life and Dignity Sunday Registration Day in his or her parish. Attends one of three training sessions available to better understand exactly what being a Parish Ambassador entails. Registers for the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network to get deeper, first-hand knowledge of the network and how it functions. (www.mncatholic.org) Meets with the pastor to review plans for carrying out Life and Dignity Sunday at their parish, and assumes responsibility for carrying out what is agreed upon. (Refer to pg. 9-10 for timeline.) Invites other parishioners to assist in the process. Ensures that bulletin announcements are included in the bulletin on the appropriate dates leading up to Life and Dignity Sunday. Makes sure that his or her parish has enough MCC Catholic Advocacy Network registration cards. Coordinates volunteers to ensure pencils and cards are in all pews before each Mass. Determines how the cards will be collected after each Mass. Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 7

Places all cards in envelopes sent for that purpose and sends them to the Minnesota Catholic Conference via USPS within five days after the event. With other volunteers, evaluates how the registration went and makes suggestions for ways to improve the process, in writing, to the diocesan project coordinator (Chris Codden, Office of Marriage and Family / (320) 252-4721 / ccodden@gw.stcdio.org). Pastor/Priests/Celebrant Provides general leadership/direction of the parish Life & Dignity Sunday event for the Parish Ambassador. Assigns or approves a Parish Ambassador to organize the event in the parish. Ensures that the Parish Ambassador attends one of the training sessions. Attends a Parish Ambassador training session, if interested. Receives report from Parish Ambassador about the specifics of how the program is designed to work at the parish level. Utilizes homily suggestions (if desired) to preach about the call for Catholics to be engaged in faithful citizenship and public policy, specifically explaining and focusing on the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network. Recommends that parishioners register and participate in the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network. Provides explicit directions to parishioners as to how to register after the homily, or in another way deemed appropriate (pulpit announcement example available, pg. 14). Ensures collection of completed cards and the return of the registration cards to the Minnesota Catholic Conference for inclusion in their database. Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 8

Project Timeline for Diocese of St. Cloud March April 2016: Preliminary meetings with Bishop and key staff members Approval by Bishop to move ahead with Life and Dignity Sunday Registration Day Determine key staff members, Leadership Team, and volunteer assistors Establish date for registration day, and times and places for training Preparation of training materials Meet with diocesan Leadership Team May 2016: Letter and Parish Ambassador sign-up form sent from Bishop to clergy in diocese Pastors identify Parish Ambassadors June August 2016: Pastor deadline for identifying Life and Dignity Sunday Parish Ambassadors (June 13, 2016) Diocesan Leadership Team reaches out to parishes without Parish Ambassadors Parish Ambassador trainings: Aug. 3; Aug. 11; Aug. 16 (Ambassadors attend one of the sessions.) August 3, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Location TBD August 11, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Location TBD August 16, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Location TBD Network registration cards are sent to parishes (August 2016) September October 2016: First bulletin announcement in parish bulletin (text on pg. 13) (October 8-9, 2016) Second bulletin announcement (text on pg. 13) and one-page insert (text on pg. 5) AND first pulpit announcement (October 15-16, 2016) Life and Dignity Sunday Catholic Advocacy Network Registration in all Parishes (October 22-23, 2016) Homily and/or video about the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network Invitation to register, made after homily and/or as pulpit announcement In pew registration using registration cards is conducted Network registration cards are collected and counted Cards sent to the Minnesota Catholic Conference via USPS (by October 31, 2016) Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 9

Project Timeline, cont. November 2016 Bulletin thank-you announcement (Weekend of November 5-6, 2016) Follow-up meeting with the Diocesan Leadership Team (tentative, as needed) Bulletin announcements reporting total number of registrants from the parish and diocese, including a reminder to look out for electronic network welcome message New members begin receiving MCC Catholic Advocacy Network E-Updates and Alerts! Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 10

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network Q. Why have the bishops of Minnesota established the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network? A. The bishops recognize, along with Pope Francis, that part of being a good Catholic is to be an active citizen one who helps create a just society and looks out for the common good of all people. The Catholic Advocacy Network helps Catholics live their baptismal responsibility as faithful citizens. Our bishops believe that a strong, well-organized, statewide network made up of Catholics speaking together on important issues could become an important way to help foster good, responsible decision-making from our state legislators and Congress. Q. Why is the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network being established now? A. Since 1967, the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) has been the voice of the Church in the public arena. MCC staff advocates regularly meet with public officials and communicate with them about pieces of legislation that are of particular concern. But to be effective, the voice of the bishops needs to be amplified by the people in the pew. When important policy questions arise, we need to speak with the voice of the whole Church, and the Catholic Advocacy Network makes that possible. We must all work together as advocates for life and dignity. Q. Why are they calling this a network for Life and Dignity? A. Life and Dignity are words that summarize our whole Catholic social teaching and, as Catholics, what our approach should be to state and federal legislation. We are called to stand up for the rights of workers and the poor and vulnerable, and are expected to care for God s creation. We are taught that life is precious from conception to natural death. And threats to life and dignity, be they abortion, assisted suicide, hunger, violence, poverty, or lack of access to health care, are to be confronted directly by Catholics. We stand for those whose lives and true freedoms are threatened, and we stand with those who are in need of food, clothing, a living wage, and proper health care. This mission comes directly from the words and actions of Jesus Christ. Q. Isn t there supposed to be a separation between church and state? A. Not in the way you may think. Jefferson s Separation of Church and State did not mean the separation of law and morals, or the exclusion of religion, from public life. The Framers of the First Amendment meant to keep the State out of the business of churches and religious organizations, as well as to encourage the robust religious activity necessary to maintain a free and virtuous society. The First Amendment is a right of people of faith and, for Catholics, represents a duty to carry our values and teachings into the public square. While we must respect the values and teachings of others, as U.S. citizens, we all have the same right to share our values in the public square, and to advocate for them to be reflected in the laws and policies of our communities, state, and nation. Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 11

Q. Is the Bishop in support of this effort? A. Yes. Bishop Kettler sent a letter to all the priests asking them to support Life and Dignity Sunday Registration Day. Bishop Kettler also appears in a video encouraging you, and all Catholics in our area, to join the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network. Q. If I sign up for the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network, what will be expected of me? Will I get multiple e mails a day, or a week, asking me to do this and that? A. No, your time will be respected. An E-Update newsletter is mailed the middle of every month. It is kept brief to respect your time, but has many links for you to find out more about a particular topic. Action Alerts provide some brief, basic background information and then ask you to take a couple of minutes to contact your senators or representatives. You simply click on a link at the bottom of the e mail to take action, or you will be provided with a phone number to contact your elected officials. You choose to which Action Alerts you wish to respond. Links to optional educational events in your area and throughout the state, as well as to additional reading resources, are also provided. Q. Who will have access to my name and e mail address? A. All registrants will be entered into the statewide MCC Catholic Advocacy Network database. The statewide database will be controlled by the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC), which supports the ministry of the bishops on public policy matters, and the names will never be loaned or sold to any other organization or cause. Q. Can I join the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network if I do not have an e mail address? A. Unfortunately, no. While you could technically join the network, you would have no way to receive the important alerts and other key Catholic Advocacy Network communications and updates. Action alerts are printed in the diocesan newspaper during the Minnesota legislative session, but are naturally limited in scope due to the publishing schedule and the immediacy of many legislative action requests. Q. As Parish Ambassadors, is our job done after Life and Dignity Sunday? A. While work for Life and Dignity Sunday Registration Day will be finished, there is so much that can be done to create a strong, local MCC Catholic Advocacy Network team. For example, if you wanted to, the Parish Ambassador could organize a follow up meeting with those who have registered from the parish to share information, to invite MCC s grassroots coordinator to talk about policy issues of interest in our state, or to invite a state Senator or Representative to meet with you. You could also apply to be a Catholic Advocacy Network Parish Point of Contact or District Leader for your Legislative District. Contact Kathryn Mollen, MCC s grassroots coordinator, for more information or an application (kmollen@mncatholic.org). Q. How can I get my other questions answered as they arise? A. Call or e mail the Minnesota Catholic Conference at 651-227-8777 or info@mncatholic.org. Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 12

Bulletin Announcements For the weekend two weeks out from event: October 8-9, 2016 Life and Dignity Sunday Set for October 22-23, 2016 Bishop Kettler is encouraging all parishes in the Diocese of St. Cloud to focus attention on our civic responsibilities as Catholics and provide parishioners with the opportunity to register for the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) Catholic Advocacy Network. The network is created as a Voice for Life and Dignity in Minnesota, and provides resources to help us analyze and discern social and political issues through a solidly Catholic, nonpartisan lens. Next weekend, there will be a one page explanation of the network and Life and Dignity Sunday Registration Day in our parish bulletin. Please read it and then prayerfully consider registering for the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network on October 22-23. There is absolutely no cost to join! For the weekend one week away from Life and Dignity Sunday: October 15-16, 2016 Life and Dignity Sunday Next Weekend, October 22-23, 2016 The bishops of Minnesota established the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) Catholic Advocacy Network to develop a strong, compassionate, moral voice for life, dignity, and justice in our state. Next weekend, during Life and Dignity Sunday, all parishioners will have an opportunity to register for the network. You will find a one page description of the network in this week s bulletin. Please read it, pray about it (and for it), and then register next week at Church. Consider being a part of this important effort to build a Diocesan and statewide community of Catholics who stand together as a positive force for good in Minnesota. [INSERT NETWORK SHEET (pg. 5) IN THE October 15-16 BULLETIN.] For the weekend of Life and Dignity Sunday: October 22-23, 2016 Today is Life and Dignity Sunday in the Diocese of St. Cloud Today is Life and Dignity Sunday in the Diocese of St. Cloud. It is a day that Bishop Kettler has provided for parishes to discuss our Catholic responsibility of being engaged citizens who are forces of good in our communities. You are invited and have the opportunity to register for the statewide Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) Catholic Advocacy Network, which is a faithful, compassionate, moral voice for life, dignity, and justice in our state. If you registered, thank you! We encourage you to take advantage of the many advocacy resources and Catholic Social Teaching tools that the network provides, and we hope that you will be diligent in responding to the occasional e-mails that the network will send asking you to help us take action on an important social or public policy issue. If you missed signing up today, you can still register online at MCC s website: www.mncatholic.org. MCC is the public policy voice for the six Minnesota Catholic dioceses. Following Life and Dignity Sunday: November 5-6 or 12-13, 2016 Life and Dignity Sunday Registration Report Earlier this month, approximately parishioners from our parish registered for the Minnesota Catholic Conference s Catholic Advocacy Network. We thank you for participating and pray that the network continues to be successful in helping to create more public policy in Minnesota that is respectful of life and human dignity and is more just for all. We received word that more than people in our diocese signed up for the network during Life and Dignity Sunday! Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 13

Pulpit Announcements For all Masses on the weekend of October 15-16, 2016 Next Sunday has been designated Life and Dignity Sunday for the Diocese of St. Cloud. At the special request of Bishop Kettler, we will be inviting and encouraging all of you to register for the Minnesota Catholic Conference s Catholic Advocacy Network. In this weekend s bulletin, there is a useful, one page description of what the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network is all about. We encourage you to read it carefully and pray for God s guidance. Next week, there will be registration cards in the pews and you will be encouraged to fill them out to become a member of the network. The network is completely free and is part of the social ministry of the Catholic Church in Minnesota. Talking Points for Homilist (or other presenter) on weekend of October 22-23, 2016 For the last couple of weeks, we have been sharing with you that today is Life and Dignity Sunday for parishes in our Diocese. We are joining with parishes throughout Minnesota to participate in this important initiative. Part of being a good Catholic is the requirement to also be a good citizen; and good citizenship requires participation. As Pope Francis recently said, A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of himself, so that those who govern can govern. Our Church teaches that we are to participate in the decisions that affect our lives and the lives of our communities. The bishops of Minnesota have decided to make that easier for all of us through the use of technology that allows us to communicate more effectively with our elected representatives. Through the Minnesota Catholic Conference, the public advocacy voice of the Catholic Church throughout Minnesota, the bishops have created a statewide Catholic Advocacy Network and are inviting Catholics from across the state to register and become a part of this network. Bishop Kettler, along with the other Minnesota bishops, is a member himself, as are all of the priests and deacons of our Diocese, and we encourage everyone to join this growing network, comprising more than 35,000 Catholics throughout Minnesota. Please find one of the registration cards in the pews and take a minute to complete the card. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY. YOUR REGISTRATION CANNOT BE USED IF YOUR PREFERRED E MAIL ADDRESS IS NOT INCLUDED OR CANNOT BE READ. When you are finished, please send the card down the row to the end so the ushers can pick it up. If by chance there are not enough cards for you to register, you can go online and accomplish the very same thing. You will find the website address in today s bulletin. Thank you all very much! SEE ALSO THE SAMPLE SCRIPT ON PAGE 15. Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 14

Sample Script for Parish Ambassadors (or other speaker) Weekend, October 22-23, 2016 Note: This sample script was developed for parishes where the pastor, priest, or deacon does not want to say anything about the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network during his homily, but instead prefers having a layperson talk for a few moments during parish announcements or after the regular homily to walk people through the registration process. Good morning, my name is and I would like to thank Father for giving me these few moments to quickly explain the Minnesota Catholic Conference s Catholic Advocacy Network, and then to walk you through the process of registration. All of us know that this is a time of great challenges, both in Minnesota and nationally. The income gap between the working poor and wealthy Americans is growing. The educational achievement gap in Minnesota has become one of the worst in the country, and is now affecting both Minnesota s urban and rural communities. We are also in a moral crisis, and are contending with new social trends that continue to undermine the value of life and the human dignity of every person. Average Minnesotans, like you and me, are now increasingly pressured to participate in or support health plans or other activities that go against our faith, consciences, and morals. And, earlier this year, the push to legalize physician-assisted suicide began. As Catholics, we care deeply about all of these life and dignity issues. Our state needs a strong, clear, moral voice for life and dignity! In response to these challenges, the Minnesota Catholic Conference (or MCC) has established the statewide MCC Catholic Advocacy Network. Parishes in the Diocese of St. Cloud are joining in solidarity with parishes throughout Minnesota to encourage people to join the network so that we, together, can become a strong, clear voice for life, dignity, and justice in Minnesota. Numbers matter in the world of public policy and politics. We know that if thousands of us throughout the state are more engaged, through writing e mails and letters, and making phone calls to our elected officials, Catholics can become a voice for good in the state and make a real, positive difference. Fortunately, the Catholic Advocacy Network makes participation easy by letting you know about legislative developments and providing ready-made key messages and talking points. With a few clicks on your computer, or by making a quick phone call, you can communicate your thoughts on important issues directly to your elected officials. Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 15

In your pew are registration cards and pencils. Please fill out the card, printing very carefully the information that is requested. It is extremely important that your e mail address be printed legibly so that we don t get it wrong. (Please repeat the request for a clear e mail address.) Please fill out the cards right now and send them down to the end of the aisle where the ushers will pick them up. It will take a few weeks to enter the names in the database, so please be patient and look for your welcome communication from the network in December. PAUSE BRIEFLY: Thank you for your prayerful consideration in becoming a member of the network, and for becoming a needed and valued voice for life and dignity in Minnesota. If there are not enough cards, do not panic. You can also register on line at www.mncatholic.org. Once again, I want to thank Father for making it possible for us to carry out this important campaign here at parish. Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 16

Guidelines for Handling Registration Cards Diocese of St. Cloud 1) Prior to Life and Dignity Sunday a) Cards will be mailed to parishes in August. b) If you have not received your registration cards ten days prior to the event, or you think you may need additional cards, contact Chris Codden: (320) 252-4721 / ccodden@gw.stcdio.org or the Minnesota Catholic Conference at 651-227-8777. c) In your package will be a self addressed envelope in which to return the registration cards after Life and Dignity Sunday. 2) Before and during Mass on Life and Dignity Sunday a) Make sure a sufficient number of registration cards and pencils/pens are in every pew prior to each Mass. Employ ushers, hospitality ministers, or others to help, if needed. b) Arrange for fellow parishioners to help you collect the registration cards after the homily. Some parishes may prefer to have cards placed in the collection basket. Do whatever is standard for your parish. c) Parishioners that miss the event can mail registration cards in at any time to: Minnesota Catholic Conference, 475 University Ave. W., Saint Paul, MN 55103 - OR - They can also register online at www.mncatholic.org. 3) Returning the registration cards a) Collect all the registration cards and place them in the return envelope provided. They can be returned at any USPS Post Office. For a list, visit www.usps.com. Be sure to count the number of registrants before you send the package. You will want to report the number back to your parish priest or bulletin editor as soon as possible so that it can be announced in the bulletin the following weekend. b) If it is more convenient, the return package can be dropped off directly to Chris Codden at the Diocese of St. Cloud Diocesan Pastoral Center. (Address: 305 7th Avenue North St. Cloud, MN 56303) c) In either case, please call your Diocesan Leadership Team contact to let him or her know you have mailed or delivered the package, and share with him or her the number of registrants. His or her contact information should have been included in the materials you received at the Life and Dignity Sunday training session. (Leadership Team contact information will be distributed at Parish Ambassador Training sessions.) Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 17

Useful Links Official Catholic Sites: Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC), www.mncatholic.org As the official voice of the Minnesota Catholic Church in matters of public policy, the Minnesota Catholic Conference supports the ministry of the bishops of Minnesota by educating and advocating on matters of social and legislative concern. It is the primary source for MCC Catholic Advocacy Network information, public policy analysis from a Catholic lens, and advocacy resource tools. On their website, look for the Advocacy Area drop-down menu, which contains links to all of their advocacy focus areas, and the Take Action drop-down menu, to learn about more ways to get involved and current legislation. US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), www.usccb.org The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops supports the ministry of U.S. bishops through exercising in a communal manner certain pastoral functions entrusted to them by Christ s Church, specifically teaching and governing. To purchase materials, books, and other items on social issues of concern for the Catholic Church, visit www.usccbpublishing.org. Vatican, www.vatican.va The official website of the Holy See contains archives of all Church documents and official news, as well as the full text of encyclicals and other documents. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_200 60526_compendio dott soc_en.html This searchable and very user-friendly summary of the social teaching of the Church (or, Catholic Social Teaching ) is easily accessed via the Vatican site. Official Government Sites: State of Minnesota, www.mn.gov The official state site provides links to all departments and services of Minnesota government. The site is also a portal to the governor and Minnesota Legislature. Minnesota Legislation, http://www.leg.state.mn.us/ Information on every bill in the Minnesota Legislature. Library of Congress, www.thomas.gov Complete legislative information from the U.S. Congress can be found here, as well as educational and historical resources of the U.S. government. Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 18

Instructions for Linking Parish Website to the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network 1. Simply link to the website, www.mncatholic.org, the home page of the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC). The site will guide visitors to the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network pages. OR 2. Insert the following code onto your webpage <a href="http://lighthouse.mncc.org/" target="_blank"><img src="http://lighthouse.mncc.org/wpcontent/uploads/2014/02/300x200-can.png" alt="support the Catholic Advocacy Network" /></a> </div> If you have difficulties, go to: http://lighthouse.mncc.org/banners/ It will produce an image and a direct link that looks like this: 3. You can also contact info@mncatholic.org for more information and assistance. Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 19

Life and Dignity Sunday Homily Notes For Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time October 22-23, 2016 A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of himself, so that those who govern can govern. But what is the best that we can offer to those who govern? Pope Francis Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23/ Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18/ 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18/ Luke 18:9-14 Today s readings provide an opportunity to remind Catholics of the need to enter into conversations from an authentic Catholic perspective in the public sphere. Civic involvement is a very real, and often forgotten, part of our baptismal call as Christians. Today, many Catholics fall into the trap of viewing politics through a secular, partisan lens one easily clouded by politicians and special interest groups jockeying for power. The Church fundamentally sees politics and the possibilities it affords differently, recognizing its essential role in fostering good in our communities and promoting authentic human development. Yet, politics will never achieve this noble end without faithful citizens; Catholics who conform their actions to the timeless truths surrounding them, and strive to renounce or let go of false ideological divides in the effort to live as more Christ-filled citizens. One of the goals of Life and Dignity Sunday is to encourage parishioners to sign up for the Minnesota Catholic Conference s (MCC) Catholic Advocacy Network. These notes are crafted to aid the homilist in delivering a homily that helps parishioners understand how to make civic engagement and political involvement a very real part of living the Christian life one that can be rooted in service, goodness, and charity. Here are some considerations for developing a homily that both reflects the theme of Life and Dignity Sunday and develops today s readings. Homily Notes Jesus addressed the parable in today s gospel to those who were convinced of their own righteousness. We have the classic parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee is a highly respected person in Jewish society: he's well versed in the Scriptures and is probably in charge of the local synagogue. Meanwhile, we have the tax collector a despised member of Jewish society. Tax collectors worked for the Romans and were seen by their fellow Jews as traitors for they were collaborators with an occupying force. Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 20

We expect the prayer of the Pharisee to be a model prayer and the prayer of the tax collector to be arrogant and presumptuous. Yet, we see the exact opposite. It's important to note that the reason why the tax collector was humble was because he recognized that he was a sinner. We may ask how often we take pause to recognize and accept this fact about ourselves. Are we more prone, like the Pharisee, to tell God how great we are because of what we have accomplished in life or because of some status we enjoy? Jesus says that the Pharisee practically prays to himself, congratulating himself for being so righteous. He is self-satisfied with His relationship with God. Sadly, not an insignificant number of Catholics live this way. It is easy for us to get comfortable, to congratulate ourselves on being good and faithful Catholics because we go to mass weekly, we believe in the sanctity of life, and we care for the poor and vulnerable. But we must ask ourselves, are we doing more than just giving these values lip-service? Are we bringing our faith into the public sphere and proclaiming the Good News? As Catholics, we are called to participate in public conversations about fostering the common good in order to protect life from conception to natural death. Our first reading from the Book of Sirach tells us that God is not indifferent to the prayer of those who suffer from any type of oppression or weakness, nor should we be indifferent. Comments about Catholic Advocacy Network registration One practical, easy step to becoming more active in the civic life of our community is to register for the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network. Sponsored by all the bishops of the six Minnesota dioceses, including the Diocese of St. Cloud, this network can help every Catholic answer the question, What can I do, I am only one person? We, as Catholics, have clear values, and our voices have a legitimate place in the public square and in communicating a message of life, hope, and dignity to our politicians. Numbers matter in the world of public policy and politics. There are more than 1 million Catholics in Minnesota. So we know that if thousands of us throughout the state are more engaged, through writing e mails and letters and making phone calls to our elected officials, we can become a voice for good in the state and make a real difference. Joining the network is very simple and today you have an opportunity to sign up. In your pew are registration cards and pencils. Please fill out the card, printing very carefully the information that is requested. It is extremely important that your e mail address be printed legibly so that we don t get it wrong. (Please repeat the request for a clear e mail address.) Please fill out the cards right now and send them down to the end of the aisle where the ushers will pick them up. It will take a few weeks to get all the names in the database, so we ask for your patience. Look for your welcome communication from the network in December. SEE ALSO ALTERNATIVE SAMPLE SCRIPT ON PAGE 15. Life and Dignity Sunday Training Manual I 21

Make a difference! Our faith calls us to participate in the life of our communities. From conception to natural death, we are called to protect life and to promote dignity and respect for all. The Catholic Advocacy Network makes it easy to stay informed, to learn about Catholic social teaching, and to take action to bring positive change to our communities. Be a Voice for Life and Dignity in Minnesota! Visit MNCC.org to learn more about the Minnesota Catholic Conference Advocacy Network. ARCHDIOCESE OF ST. PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS DIOCESE OF CROOKSTON DIOCESE OF DULUTH DIOCESE OF NEW ULM DIOCESE OF ST. CLOUD DIOCESE OF WINONA

Catholic Advocacy Network Registration Card Please Print Clearly Using Capital Letters First Name/Nombre Last Name/Apellido Address/Dirección City/Ciudad State/Estado Zip Code/Código Postal Diocese/Diócesis Parish/Parroquia Phone Number/ Teléfono Email Check the box if you would like to receive information about volunteering with MCC. IF THIS CARD IS NOT COLLECTED, PLEASE RETURN TO: Minnesota Catholic Conference 475 University Avenue West St. Paul, Minnesota 55103