Tuesday marked the the 37th annual Red Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Tallahassee.

Governor Rick Scott and other members of government were there. During the homily a hot topic was brought up: contraception and abortion.

It's a tradition that goes back centuries; the Catholic church praying for guidance for political leaders. In Tallahassee the Catholic bishops of Florida and the congregation prayed for the three branches of the state government this legislative session.

"We pray for inspiration and guidance to guide our leaders in government to make just decisions," said Michele Taylor of the Florida Catholic Conference.

Freedom of religion was a key topic during the Mass. During the homily, Bishop William Lori spoke on the issue of Department of Health and Human Services. He asked for lawmakers to protect religious freedoms when it comes to the issue of abortion.

Thanks to a ruling from the HHS, faith-based institutions would be forced to provide insurance coverage for abortion inducing drugs and contraception despite religious objections.

"HHS has overstepped their bounds," said Governor Rick Scott. "They should not be telling the Catholic church, Catholic charities, Catholic institutions which would be included in the health care plans."

"It's very important to have the freedom to express your religion to follow the teachings of your church without the interference of the government.," said Taylor.

There is an amendment on the ballot this November, that some call the abortion amendment. It would ban the use of public funds as part of the Florida Constitution.