I have three items to share this week.

First, those who follow this column know that I've supported "school choice" for many years. The reasons are simple. While school-choice proposals can take different forms (vouchers, tax credits, etc.) the goal is always the same: to empower parents to educate their children as they judge best, and to provide poor families with alternatives to bad schools.

Last week was a good week for school choice in Colorado, because House Bill 1160 received final approval from the state Senate on an 18-17 vote, with supporters getting a key vote from Sen. Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora. Hagedorn ignored heavy pressure from some of his colleagues and instead did the right thing. Another crucial voice of common sense was Attorney General Ken Salazar, whose support for the ideas in HB 1160 lifted it above simple partisanship. Both Senator Hagedorn and Attorney General Salazar deserve the gratitude of every Colorado family for putting school-age children first.

"We're not really the land of the free unless we have educational freedom, especially for low-income children," said Senate President John Andrews, R-Centennial. "This bill will attach the dollars to the student and not the institution. It recognizes that the parents, not the government, are the primary educators of the child. By encouraging competition and choice, the bill will make all schools better — public and nonpublic alike."

HB 1160 establishes the "Colorado Opportunity Contract Pilot Program" to allow school districts, which have eight or more schools that received an unsatisfactory academic rating, to provide assistance for eligible students to attend participating nonpublic schools. Eligible students are those in grades kindergarten through 12 who qualify for free or reduced-cost lunches and have performed at an unsatisfactory level on recent tests.

The Colorado Catholic Conference supported this legislation throughout its development. The House has concurred with Senate amendments, and the bill has moved on to the governor for his signature. In every sense, this is a historic moment.

Second, history of a different sort continues to unroll in Iraq, and people around the archdiocese share their thoughts about the war with me every day. But one of the most powerful e-mails came recently from Barbara Johnson. She said that:

"I am writing to request that you might consider requesting prayer gatherings for peace throughout the churches of the archdiocese. I (see) people on TV protesting the war or rallying for the troops, but I do not see large groups of people gathering together to pray. Whether people are for or against the war, their rallies are not from God as they are dividing an already frail nation. Both sides desperately want peace, but are not going to accomplish their objective through protests or war. Our Blessed Mother has told us that the way to peace is through prayer and fasting. ... Let Catholics begin the path to peace. If Catholics (came) together for the glory of God and for the sake of peace, maybe others would join in, as God wants them to. A day with fasting, followed by a rosary, the Divine Mercy chaplet, and a Prayer to St. Michael, could bring many of God's graces to His lost sheep."

As we approach Holy Week and Eastertide, the demands on pastors get very heavy, and we need to take care not to add to them. But I think Barbara's suggestions make great sense for individuals, small groups of Catholics and parishes where the schedule allows. Prayer makes a difference, and God isn't partisan. If we want to do something about the war and the task of building a just peace in its aftermath, then we need to begin praying now.

Third and finally, the war in Iraq reminds us that power brings with it heavy moral responsibilities. A nation's domestic and global policies reflect the moral character of its leaders. This is why electing the right leaders is so important, and why voters and leaders alike need to make their religious beliefs an active force in their public choices.

The late Gov. Robert Casey of Pennsylvania embodied what it means to be a Catholic in the public square. He was pro-life in every sense: devoted to the poor and the working family; committed to protecting the unborn, the elderly and the infirm; and loyal to the truest ideals of his political party. Shunted aside — in fact, humiliated — during the Clinton years, Casey's character and achievements today outshine all of the political colleagues who abandoned him.

On April 23 the Archdiocese of Denver will inaugurate a new lecture series on faith and public life — the annual Robert Casey Lecture. It's free and open to the public, and I strongly encourage you to attend and participate. We need leaders whose moral and religious convictions guide their political service. We don't need leaders who leave their faith at home every morning.

So if you're interested in renewing a really fruitful Catholic witness in American public life, I'll see you on April 23.

The first annual Robert Casey Lecture will take place at 7:15 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, in the refectory of the John Paul II Center. Seating is limited. Refreshments will be served. The series' inaugural speaker will be U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas.

The John Paul II Center is at 1300 S. Steele St. in Denver.