Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York and Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. bishops, urged Catholics in an October statement to continue building up a culture of life. In the midst of violence and other threats, such as abortion and assisted suicide, reaching out to one another is a critical step in recognizing the inherent worth of all people. In October, the Catholic Church in the United States launches a new year of materials and resources to help promote a respect for life with the theme “Be Not Afraid.” Learn more…

This FOCUS publication examines why protecting the Freedom to Serve in the public realm is important for the common good, and how the people of Michigan—especially the vulnerable and marginalized—rely on the education, health care, and charitable services provided by the Catholic faithful and entities across the state. Parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions are invited to request copies of this edition from MCC at no cost. Read more…

Hurricane Harvey has caused significant damage on the Texas coastal area. The bishops of the fifteen dioceses in the state are working together to coordinate the Catholic Church’s response to this disaster. Individuals looking to help relief efforts may donate to any Texas Catholic Charities or local St. Vincent de Paul Society, which will be used to assist evacuees and contribute to local needs. Catholic Charities USA is also accepting donations via text (text CCUSADISASTER to 71777) and online that will be directed to the area, and the U.S. bishops are calling for a special collection across the country to help victims on the weekend of September 1–2 or September 8–9. For continued updates on how to help those in need as the storm develops, please visit http://txcatholic.org/harvey/…

During a recent public comment period in response to a request of the Commission to reinterpret the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, MCC writes: “A reinterpretation of the state’s Civil Rights law — without religious liberty protections — would set Michigan to an extreme end of state civil rights laws, resulting in prejudice and indeed discrimination against people and institutions of faith.” Read more…

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…