As the U.S. Senate turns its attention to federal health care reform, the U.S. bishops have provided lawmakers with a series of moral principles to consider in their discussions. In a letter sent to all senators on June 1, the U.S. bishops wrote of the Church’s continued commitment to ensuring all have access to medical care and outlined their concerns with the legislation passed by the U.S. House, the American Health Care Act (AHCA). The five principles emphasized by the U.S. bishops for a good reform policy include universal access, respect for life, true affordability, the need for high quality and comprehensive medical care, and conscience protections. Read more…

The statistics surrounding opioid abuse are distressing, but even more distressing is the human face of addiction, which includes relatives, neighbors, friends, parishioners, and community members. This issue of FOCUS explores the growing opioid crisis — abuse of prescription drugs and use of heroin — and efforts to address addiction by the Catholic Church and the State of Michigan. Contact MCC to order additional copies of this publication at no cost to the parish, school, or other Catholic entity. Read more…

Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. are discussing possible changes to the federal Affordable Care Act, which could have a significant impact on the U.S. health care system. As health care is a critical issue for the American people and for the Catholic Church, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is calling for lawmakers to consider several moral principles in any new proposed measure. In a letter to Congress, the U.S. bishops encourage lawmakers to prioritize federal health care policy that respects life and dignity, honors conscience rights, provides comprehensive and high-quality access for all, and that is truly affordable. Read more…

At the beginning of each biennial session of the Michigan Legislature MCC publishes through FOCUS its advocacy priorities for the next two years. These priorities, entitled A Blueprint for the Common Good, have been approved by the MCC Board of Directors. The document is shared with members of the Legislature, Democrats and Republicans, and provide MCC staff with guidance on important public policy issues as the legislative session advances. Read more…

On January 27, President Donald Trump issued an executive order regarding the U.S. refugee admissions program. Among other aspects, the order essentially shuts down the program for 120 days, indefinitely suspends the resettlement of Syrian refugees, and calls for a temporary bar on admission to the United States from seven majority Muslim countries of particular concern. Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin, chairman of the Committee on Migration for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), stated that the Catholic Church, in collaboration with Catholic Charities, "will work vigorously to ensure that refugees are humanely welcomed without sacrificing our security or our core values as Americans." Read more…

From Sunday, January 29th through Saturday, February 4th, schools across the country are observing Catholic Schools Week with the theme of “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” Within the over two hundred Catholic schools in Michigan, students grow in knowledge and values that stay with them for the rest of their lives. In honor of this annual celebration, the Michigan House and Senate adopted House Resolution 9 and Senate Resolution 6, which recognize the many benefits Catholic schools provide for Michigan students and communities. Read more…

During National School Choice Week (January 22–28), Americans have been celebrating the wide variety of educational opportunities that provide parents with choices that make a difference for students. A recent poll shows that despite restrictions in Michigan’s Constitution, Michiganders widely support school choice. Dr. Brian Dougherty, superintendent of the Office of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit, and Dr. Bruce Braun, superintendent for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Schools of Michigan, wrote a column in The Detroit News emphasizing the important role school choice plays in providing quality options for kids in the city of Detroit. Read more…

On January 25, President Donald Trump issued two executive orders on immigration policy. In these orders, he called for the construction of a wall at the U.S./Mexico border, a significant increase in the number of immigrant detentions and deportations, and the denial of federal funding to sanctuary cities. The Committee Chair of Migration from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Most Reverend Joe Vasquez of Austin, issued a statement opposing the new measures and expressing support for immigrant families. Read more…

From January 8–14, the Catholic Church has been celebrating National Migration Week 2017 to draw attention to the positive contributions of migrants, immigrants, refugees, and human trafficking victims in society. To celebrate this week, Pope Francis joined in a Los Angeles Mass on January 12 with a special video message. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), expressed solidarity with the Holy Father over the need to welcome and treat all with respect, regardless of their national origin or religion. He also called for comprehensive immigration reform and humane refugee policy. Read more…

The celebration of Christmas highlights the promises of faith through the Holy Family. The U.S. bishops encourage all to live out this faith with hope, love, and charity towards one another. Throughout the past year, people of goodwill have done just that, advocating for the needs of the marginalized in society and for the common good at the State Capitol. On behalf of the Michigan bishops and the Board of Directors, Michigan Catholic Conference would like to thank these individuals and wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Read more…