As Catholics, we believe that freedom is essential for people to flourish and make moral choices. Many moral choices await us this election year. It is a serious matter when people lack the freedom needed to flourish in life.

NETWORK was founded on the connection between the issues that prevent people from flourishing and the duty to address the underlying public policies. This election year, NETWORK is focused on six Freedoms: to be healthy, to care for oneself and one’s family, to participate in a thriving democracy, to live on a healthy planet, to be free from harm, and to live in a welcoming country that supports human rights. All 6 are vital for people to live with the dignity God intended. Learn more about these freedoms and where they are most threatened today. Mary Novak is the first lay Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, founded by Catholic Sisters 52 years ago.

Mary’s experience as an organizer and activist as well as a traumainformed lawyer, educator, chaplain, and restorative justice practitioner informs her ability to advance NETWORK’s mission.