Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C., joined Minnesota’s other bishops and staff of the Minnesota Catholic Conference at the State Capitol March 23 to discuss a variety of pro-family policies and issues with Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders.
Bishop Daniel Felton of Duluth, Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Bishop Chad Zielinski of New Ulm, Bishop Rober Barron of Winona-Rochester and Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis were present alongside Bishop Neary.
“I feel that it’s been great for me to meet legislators. I really have never had much contact with them. … What I realized is that all of the legislators we’ve talked to said, ‘Bishops, you really have an important voice and so your presence here means a lot,’” Bishop Neary said.
Legislators from the Diocese of St. Cloud with whom Bishop Neary met included Rep. Mike Weiner from Long Prairie, Rep. Ron Kresha from Little Falls, Rep. Bernie Perryman from St. Augusta, and Rep. Tom Murphy from Underwood.
Some key discussion points were about the child tax credit, the transgender issue, gambling and online betting restrictions, algorithms and social media, and efforts to legalize marijuana, Bishop Neary said.
This was Bishop Neary’s first time meeting with legislators in his new role. It was also his first time being with all the other Minnesota bishops.
“[The bishops] are so warm and welcoming. I’m just getting to know them, but I feel really welcomed and happy. I have so much to learn, and they’re just a fount of wisdom,” he said.
Top photo: Bishop Neary meets with Rep. Ron Kresha (R-Little Falls). (Gianna Bonello / The Central Minnesota Catholic)