TALLAHASSEE | Whether it was their first trip to the state capital or their 10th, participants in the 2025 Catholic Days at the Capitol spoke enthusiastically about getting a chance to meet and interact with Florida’s political leaders March 18-20.
Catholics from 18 parishes in the Diocese of Palm Beach traveled to Tallahassee to view the legislative process, advocate for policies that promote human life and dignity, and pray for and with their bishops and elected officials. Students from Cardinal Newman High School and Saint John Paul II Academy joined the group to gain firsthand knowledge of politics in action.
Their activities, sponsored by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, included a legislative briefing, meetings with lawmakers, an awards breakfast and the annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit for those working in the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government.
“We attend Catholic Days at the Capitol every year to visit legislators on key issues for life,” said Deanna Herbst-Hoosac, Respect Life ministry director for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Palm Beach. “This year, our bills were opposing assisted suicide and death penalty expansion, and supporting a budget increase for prisons and supporting embryology education for grades 6-12. The importance of advocacy with our bishops makes a difference defending the culture of life.
In addition, she said, “Celebrating 50 years of the Red Mass was a Holy Spirit-filled event.”
Dorothy Harper, president of the Palm Beach Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, was part of a contingent of CCW members who attended Catholic Days. She said, “The voices of the ladies in red were heard by legislators once again on this trip to our state capitol. Our united presence makes a difference, as evidenced in the many victories we have gained over the years in defense of the innocent and defenseless.”
A chaperone who accompanied students from Cardinal Newman High School, Susie Gibney, texted, “I really enjoyed meeting the legislators with my students and colleague and discussing real-life issues that are going on in our state. The highlight was the 50th annual Red Mass at St. Thomas More (Co-Cathedral). Everyone present felt connected through Jesus Christ. The music was amazing!”
First-time attendee Leah Riney of St. Helen in Vero Beach said she enjoyed meeting Catholics from other areas of Florida. “The Red Mass was very beautiful. I wish that I could have met with the bishops after Mass. I am glad that I got lots of pictures,” she said. Also, “The hotel was very nice. It was nice to see a lot of young students on this trip.”
The 2026 Catholic Days at the Capitol is planned for Feb. 10-12.
For information on pro-life ministry in the Diocese of Palm Beach, email Herbst-Hoosac at dherbst@ccdpb.org, call 561-360-3330 or visit https://www.ccdpb.org/programs/respect-life/.
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