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…

The Catholic Church calls for engagement in society, including in politics, to create a better world. At the state level, MCC actively engages in the public policy process on behalf of the Church, seeking policies that recognize the inherent value of every person and promote the common good. In its January FOCUS, MCC outlines the ten guiding principles that will guide staff advocacy throughout the 2019–2020 Michigan legislative session. Read more…

MCC is disappointed to report the Michigan Legislature will not take any further action on “Raise the Age” legislation this 2017-2018 legislative session. The bipartisan package of bills would have allowed 17-year-olds to access and receive services in the juvenile justice system, except in the most serious cases. Staff has worked with a diverse group of organizations as part of the “Raise the Age” Coalition and will continue to do so next year to pass these important reforms. Read more…

On Tuesday, November 6, Michiganders elected public officials to represent their interests at the local, state, and federal levels beginning in January. Voters also weighed in on three statewide ballot proposals. View a snapshot of the results…

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) both applaud Congressional actions to extend the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for another five years. So far the plan has saved millions of lives, prevented millions of new infections and supported 6.4 million orphans, vulnerable children and their caregivers worldwide. The legislation, now on its way for final passage, also sets U.S. policy for the support of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Read more…

Every year, October marks the observation of Respect Life Month in the U.S. Catholic Church. This celebration highlights the responsibility of all Catholics to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between. The theme for this year is “Every Life: Cherished, Chosen, Sent.” Resources—including articles, posters, and graphics—are available for year-round use. Read more…

The Catholic Church calls for Catholics to promote the common good and to engage in the public realm, including through voting. The U.S. bishops do not instruct Catholics for whom to vote but encourage all to develop a well-formed conscience and to consider candidates carefully before casting their ballot. In preparation for the November 2018 election, this edition of FOCUS offers issues and questions to consider before voting. Read more…

Pope Francis has approved a revision to paragraph 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which addresses Catholic teaching on the death penalty. In light of new understanding about its use in the modern world and building on previous revisions to the Church’s teaching, the recently adopted language calls the death penalty “inadmissible” and “an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.” The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith announced the change on August 1, 2018. Read more…

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has called for Catholics to participate in a nationwide prayer campaign, each Friday from August 3 to September 28. In light of the open U.S. Supreme Court seat, the campaign is focused on praying that the change in the Court will move the United States closer to the full protection and welcoming of every human life in law. Read more…

Religious freedom is a cornerstone value for all Americans. Promoting Religious Freedom Through Interfaith Dialogue, June’s FOCUS, illustrates how collaborative efforts with individuals of other faiths can help to defend this important value. The FOCUS also highlights the comments given by Most Reverend Allen Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit, at the November 7, 2017 Interfaith Religious Freedom Conference. Read more…