Every ten years, the United States conducts a nationwide census, or count, of its population. The 2020 Census will begin in mid-March, and all individuals living in the country as of April 1, 2020 are invited to respond by phone, by mail, and for the first time ever, online. This edition of FOCUS addresses the significance of the 2020 Census—including its impact on legislative representation and the distribution of federal funding—and encourages efforts to ensure all Michiganders are counted. Read more…

MCC’s advocacy agenda places a heavy emphasis on supporting policies that positively impact vulnerable persons and others in need. From protecting the Children’s Clothing Allowance to expanding Medicaid coverage, to weatherization assistance and prioritizing marriage in state assistance programs, MCC is an advocate for the poor and vulnerable. This edition of FOCUS touches on these subjects while highlighting the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income workers. Read more…

For decades, Catholic agencies have partnered with the State of Michigan to place children in loving homes. Despite their exemplary work in this area, governments and other hostile organizations have sought to push Catholic adoption and foster care programs—in Michigan and across the country—out of the public realm. MCC’s latest FOCUS publication delves into current religious freedom challenges for these agencies and ways the Catholic Church is responding. Read more…

Upon learning of the death of Sr. Mary Maurita Sengelaub, RSM, a member of the Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors from 1977–1983, MCC President and CEO Paul Long offers a brief reflection on her “full life dedicated to the Lord.” Read more…

At a press conference today, Michigan Catholic Conference and other pro-life groups began a signature gathering effort to ban dismemberment abortion in this state. Per the Michigan Constitution, the Michigan Values Life Coalition will now have 180 days to gather the signatures of approximately 340,047 registered voters. In its comments, MCC emphasized the brutal nature of the procedure and encouraged all Michiganders to participate in the initiative, which values life and upholds the dignity of women and the unborn. Read more…

Water is an essential resource within the Great Lakes State, impacting so many aspects of life: cleaning, growing and cooking food, transportation, entertainment, and especially, nourishment. The latest FOCUS publication, “Clean and Affordable Water for All,” details the importance of water safety, affordability, and accessibility for each Michigander, as well as the Church’s insights from the Gospel teaching to “give drink to the thirsty.” Read more…

The Catholic Church offers assistance to those most in need, including through foster care and adoption services. On February 1, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced support for the bipartisan “Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2019” introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation would allow faith-based providers to continue serving vulnerable children in accordance with their religious beliefs, without fear of adverse action from the federal or state government. Read more…

On Monday, January 21, Americans will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including his commitment to racial equality and justice. In a statement, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) highlighted the positive impact of this dedicated civil rights leader, calling him a “messenger and true witness to the power of the gospel lived in action through public life.” The bishops also urged Catholics and people of good will to continue Dr. King’s work, fighting racism in the Church and in society. Read more…

Each year, the March for Life in D.C. sends a strong signal that every human life has value, including the unborn. The event began as a peaceful protest of the U.S. Supreme Court decisions that legalized abortion in America in 1973. The theme for this year’s rally is “Unique from Day One: Pro-Life is Pro-Science.” The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was pleased to see that during the event, President Donald Trump announced he will veto any measures that repeal or weaken existing pro-life laws or policies. Additional information on the March…

From January 27 to February 2, Catholic dioceses around the country will be celebrating National Catholic Schools Week with the theme “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” This year’s theme focuses on the important contributions that are provided by a Catholic education and that assist students in becoming critical thinkers, strong communicators, and active members of society. In 2017, over 51,000 Michigan students received a Catholic education in 224 schools, leaving a significant positive impact on the state’s communities. Read more…