Catholic high school students from across California demonstrated remarkable leadership and faith in action during the California Catholic Conference’s annual Catholic Student Advocacy Day this past April.
Accompanied by their diocesan lead moderators, approximately 75 students visited the California State Capitol to meet with legislators and advocate for key bills, including AB 1274- Recycling Beverage Containers (Gabriel) and SB 341- Instructional School Gardens (Perez). The bills focus on environmental sustainability, including the responsible reuse of materials, and the promotion of school gardens, which reflects a deep commitment to caring for our common home through the lens of Laudato Si’.
“I am honored to support our Catholic high school students as they live out their faith through advocacy,” said CCC Director of Education Samara Palko. “Their deep understanding of legislation affecting their communities and our state was evident, and they engaged thoughtfully with lawmakers and staff on vital issues rooted in Catholic Social Teaching.”
A long-standing tradition, Catholic Advocacy Day is an opportunity for Catholic youth to connect their faith with civic engagement. It provides a powerful witness that can propel them to become compassionate leaders and active participants in shaping a just society rooted in the values of human dignity, solidarity, and the common good.
“Moving forward, we will debrief with students and moderators, send thank-you notes, and invite legislators to visit our schools and parishes,” said Palko. “Together, we will continue exploring meaningful ways to live out Laudato Si’ in our communities.”