Catholic Days at the Capitol: Celebrating Jim Towey '74

Bishop Kenny Students Experience Faith and Civic Leadership at Catholic Days at the Capitol

Four students from Bishop Kenny High School recently had the opportunity to witness faith in action during Catholic Days at the Capitol, held February 10–11 in Tallahassee. Accompanied by Mr. Winkler and Ms. Chevrel, the students joined peers from the Diocese of St. Augustine and the other six dioceses across Florida for two days of prayer, learning, and civic engagement.

The group participated in a full schedule that included a welcome Mass, a presentation on legislative priorities, and the Catholic Days legislative breakfast. During the breakfast, students celebrated BK alumnus Jim Towey ’74, who was honored with the Horkan Distinguished Catholic Leader Award, a meaningful moment of pride for the Bishop Kenny community.

Students also explored the workings of state government through guided tours of the Capitol and the Florida Supreme Court. They had the chance to meet with state legislators, including Chad Johnson and Robert Charles Brannan III, gaining insight into the legislative process and the role of advocacy grounded in Catholic social teaching.

The trip concluded with the 51st Annual Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, known as the Red Mass, where more than 200 Catholic school students from across Florida gathered in prayer. The experience offered a powerful reminder of the Church’s call to faithful citizenship and inspired BK students to use their voices to make a positive difference in their communities.