Advocating for public policy that protects life and human dignity is the mission of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, and that mission will underscore all discussions at the conference’s Catholics at the Capitol event Feb. 19 in St. Paul.

Sponsored by the MCC, the daylong event at the St. Paul RiverCentre and the Minnesota State Capitol will include speakers Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia, who will talk about faithful citizenship, and actor Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ” in 2004. Caviezel plans to address discipleship, organizers said.

Catholic media personality Gloria Purvis will emcee the gathering and Catholic musician Danielle Rose will perform.

In addition to his keynote address, Caviezel will attend a $250-a-person fundraiser breakfast prior to the event. Tickets remain available through Feb. 3. The day of learning, reflection and training in political engagement also will include briefings on important issues for the 2019 legislative session and a chance to visit with state lawmakers.

The first of what has become a biennial event was held in 2017 and drew 1,000 people. It included Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, as well as Purvis.

This year, organizers expect more than 2,000 people from every legislative district in the state.

“We bring people together to join their voices” to the legislative process, said Jason Adkins, MCC executive director and general counsel. The gathering is intended to inspire, engage and equip people in that effort, he said.

WANT TO COME?

Registration is open through Feb. 3, at catholicsatthecapitol.org. The website includes details on costs, parking and other information.

The schedule:

7 a.m. RiverCentre doors open, continental breakfast.

7 a.m. Mass at Church of the Assumption with concelebrants Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minnesota and bishops of the dioceses of Crookston, Duluth, New Ulm, St. Cloud and Winona.

8 a.m. Private reception with Caviezel.

9 a.m. Speakers Caviezel and Archbishop Chaput, emcee Purvis; issue briefings, music, advocacy training.

11:45 a.m. Box lunch organized by legislative district.

12:30 p.m. Board buses for Capitol.

1:15 p.m. Visits with legislators, bishops meet and greet, rosaries in the Capitol rotunda, Capitol tours.

3:45 p.m. Closing ceremony and send-off in Capitol rotunda.

4 p.m. Buses start loading for RiverCentre, other parking locations.