Join us for Catholic Days at the Capitol, March 7-8, 2023
Each year during the legislative session, Catholics from across the state gather in Florida's capital city to put their faith and civic responsibility into action.
Catholic Days activities include:
A legislative briefing on policy issues affecting human life and dignity
Pre-scheduled meetings with lawmakers and/or their aides
The opportunity to view the legislative process in action
An awards breakfast for Catholic Days participants, Florida's bishops and legislators
Group photos of each diocesan delegation with their bishop
Annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit concelebrated by the bishops of Florida to pray for those working in the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government
Pre-Registration is required. Please contact your diocesan coordinator for more information.
Catholic Days at the Capitol is a private event sponsored by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB). The FCCB reserves the right to restrict admission to any and all events to persons whose participation and actions are consistent with the FCCB’s positions and mission. The FCCB reserves the unrestricted right to revoke the license granted by a person’s registration by an offer to refund the cost of their registration. It further reserves the right to exclude without refund anyone who exhibits inappropriate conduct.
During years when the bishops of Florida designate Defensor award recipients, they are presented during Catholic Days at the Capitol.
Defensor Parentum, Defender of Parents Presented in grateful appreciation for untiring, courageous and committed defense of parents in the education of their children
Recipients: Representative Richard Corcoran, 2013 Senator Joe Negron, 2011 Representative Will Weatherford, 2010 Senator Stephen Wise, 2006
Defensor Vitae, Defender of Life Presented in grateful appreciation for ongoing, courageous and valiant defense of the sanctity of life
Recipients: Representative Erin Grall, 2021 Representative Larry Ahern, 2016 Representative Jennifer Sulllivan, 2016 Senator Thad Altman, 2014 Senator Ronda Storms, 2012 Representative Dennis Baxley, 2012 Representative Kelli Stargel, 2011 Senator Anitere Flores, 2008 Senator Paula Dockery, 2006 Representative Jeff Kottkamp, 2006 Senator Mike Fasano, 2005 Representative Aaron Bean, 2005 Senator Anna Cowin, 2004 Representative Sandra Murman, 2004
Defensor Dignitatis, Defender of Dignity Presented in grateful appreciation for efforts to protect the human dignity of the residents of Florida
Recipients: Senator Jeff Brandes, 2022 Senator Debbie Mayfield, 2022 Senate President Joe Negron, 2018 Representative Jose Felix Diaz, 2017 Senator Rene Garcia, 2014 Senator Anitere Flores, 2013 Representative Steve Precourt, 2013 Senator JD Alexander, 2011 Representative Bill Galvano, 2008 Representative Mike Davis, 2007