We at the California Catholic Conference wish you a blessed and holy Easter.

"He is not here; he has risen..." - Luke 24:6

Last week, more than 50 Catholic high school students from across California gathered in Sacramento for the 13th Annual Catholic Youth Advocacy Day—a powerful opportunity for young people to live out their faith through advocacy.

After weeks of preparation alongside fellow high school students and teachers—including virtual meetings led by Samara Palko, Director of Education for the California Catholic Conference (CCC)—students arrived at the State Capitol ready to engage with legislators. Their advocacy was shaped by Catholic Social Teaching and guided by the California bishops’ current priorities: supporting women, children, and families.

Saint Jeanne Lestonnac Catholic High School, Aquinas Catholic High School,Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Catholics of African Descent, St. Francis Catholic High School, Mater Dei (Diocese of San Bernardino, Diocese of Orange, Diocese of Sacramento

The day began with prayer and final preparation, followed by a beautiful Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, where the St. Francis of Assisi Elementary choir provided music. The rest of the day was filled with purposeful meetings, as students visited more than 20 legislative offices to discuss pending bills and share their perspectives rooted in faith and justice.

For educators, it was a testament to what’s possible when we empower students not only to learn about the world, but to shape it with compassion, courage, and conviction. 

To learn how your school or parish can participate in next year’s Catholic Youth Advocacy Day, please email Samara Palko at [email protected].

This May, as we honor mothers and all those who nurture life, we invite you to download our May Radiate Love resources—helpful guides and ideas to spark reflection, connection, and faith-filled action throughout the month.

And don’t forget to watch and share Bishop Bejarano’s “May Radiate Love” reflection, a heartfelt message that beautifully ties together the themes of motherhood, faith, and the Gospel call to love.

Don’t Make Assisted Suicide Permanent in CA

The California Legislature passed the End of Life Option Act in 2015, with promises to revisit the law at its sunset date. Since lawmakers were concerned about the law’s impact on vulnerable patients, this sunset clause was critical to the law’s passage as it would compel a comprehensive review.

SB 403 would make the End of Life Option Act permanent, removing the sunset date without any kind of comprehensive review.  Before taking this step to make the law permanent, the state must conduct a rigorous review with stakeholders from across the community to find out how EOLOA is working in diverse settings. Currently, CA does not publish all the EOLOA data it collects, nor does it collect all the data similar states do. Comprehensive review is necessary for oversight, transparency, and accountability.

The state owes CA voters, and those in vulnerable populations, adherence to the original promise to maintain the sunset until a thorough review has been completed and legislators can vote based on data and not supposition.

Contact your legislator and urge them to uphold the original sunset clause and push for comprehensive review to protect the most vulnerable.

Raise hope! Help more people hear about Laudato Si’

Organize an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the encyclical. Aim to invite 10 people who haven’t heard the Laudato Si’ message. Collaborating with a parish or school beyond your own is a good way to get started.