BOSTON (MA)
Boston Globe
By John R. Ellement, Globe Staff
In an effort to build rapport with the state Legislature, Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley joined some some 60 state lawmakers today for a meeting in which speakers highlighted the Boston archdiocese’s involvement in youth programs, assistance to immigrants, parochial schools, and assistance to the needy in 144 cities and towns in Eastern Massachusetts.
Though O’Malley has met with legislative leaders previously, today’s meeting was his first with rank and file lawmakers since he was named to his post in 2003.
The Cardinal said it was good first step to improve communication with lawmakers on Beacon Hill.
“This morning I had the opportunity to visit with members of the Massachusetts Legislature, to share information about how the work of the Church can be helpful for the legislators and their constituents,” Cardinal O’Malley said in a statement. “Leaders of our Catholic schools and Catholic Charities discussed their programs and services in these areas which are essential ministries of the Church…It is my hope that today’s dialogue will strengthen the Church’s collaborative relationship with the citizens of the Commonwealth.”
The closed-door meeting at the Union Club, a private social club on Beacon Hill, lasted for more than an hour, said archdiocese spokesman Terry Donilon. He said the cardinal did not discuss, or talk about, legislation in any form.
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