Learn how to bring your faith into public policy at Catholics at the Capitol

Judy Mansisidor advocates for babies in the womb as a sidewalk counselor at an abortion clinic in Bellevue.

She said she knows those babies can hear her as she tries to save their lives, sometimes as the only voice speaking on their behalf. And she knows that Jesus hears her, too.

Mansisidor also has advocated for babies before state senators at the Capitol in Lincoln.

At both places, the part-time fitness instructor and full-time wife, mother and pro-life advocate meets resistance, but that doesn’t stop her.

“Because when I stand before Jesus, I’ll say I spoke up,” Mansisidor said. “He tells us to go out into the world and proclaim the Gospel. He doesn’t say only when it’s convenient or if you like to. That’s not our command.”

Mansisidor – who splits her worship time between two Catholic parishes in Bellevue, St. Mary and Our Lady of Peace at Offutt Air Force Base – doesn’t consider herself a lobbyist but tries to make an impact.

She’s received help in those efforts through Catholics at the Capitol, an annual event organized by the Nebraska Catholic Conference which teaches people how to speak out for public policies that align with their Catholic beliefs.

“I think it’s an excellent program,” Mansisidor said, “because it shows people … how to lobby for legislation and to contact the senators directly.”

“It’s very informative. It’s well run,” she said. “It’s an excellent education for someone interested in getting more involved. And I do believe we have to get more involved. That’s the only way,” she said, because remaining silent can make people complicit with evil.

Judy Mansisidor, a parishioner at both St. Mary Parish in Bellevue and Our Lady of Peace Parish at Offutt Air Force Base, leads a rosary procession with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the unborn. The procession was part of the Archbishop’s Vigil for Life in 2019. CATHOLIC VOICE FILE PHOTO

This year, Catholics at the Capitol will be held April 9 in Lincoln, beginning at St. Mary Church, across from the Capitol at 1420 K St.

Archbishop George J. Lucas and Bishop James D. Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln will welcome participants and lead prayer.

Speakers include State Sens. Tanya Storer of Whitman and Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue addressing pro-life issues; Sens. Robert Dover of Norfolk and Tony Sorrentino of Elkhorn, addressing school choice issues; Gov. Jim Pillen and Sens. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln and Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, addressing protections for youths and for girls sports; and Sens. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln and Dan Quick of Grand Island, addressing domestic violence and food insecurity.

“At Catholics at the Capitol, you’ll meet lawmakers, gain advocacy skills, and pray for our state leaders, all while connecting with fellow Catholics in your legislative district and across the state who share your values,” said Tom Venzor, executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference.

“We are called to be faithful not just in our personal lives but also in our political engagement,” he said.

People are asked to register for Catholics at the Capitol by April 2. 

Tickets are $15 and include coffee, a light breakfast, lunch and refreshments.

Participants are encouraged to wear red and have comfortable shoes.

For more information, call (402) 477-7517 or see https://necatholic.org/register.html

READ MORE FROM THE CATHOLIC VOICE: