From January 28–February 3, Catholic dioceses around the country will celebrate National Catholic Schools Week. This year’s theme, “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.,” highlights the important spiritual, academic and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education. Michigan has over 220 Catholic schools making a difference daily in this state. Read more…

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced the formation of a new Division on Conscience and Religious Freedom in the HHS Office for Civil Rights. The department also proposed a regulation to protect Americans involved in HHS-funded programs and rescinded a guidance requiring states to provide Medicaid funding to family planning providers that perform abortions. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) applauded the actions, while also encouraging the passage of permanent legislative relief. Read more…

On January 15, Americans will celebrate Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of confronting injustice, racism, and inequality. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, calls for people of faith to exercise courage and commitment to “[break] the chain of hate” in observance of the national holiday. Cardinal DiNardo’s statement speaks to the “living reality” of racism today and urges the witness of leaders like Dr. King to inspired continued action. A variety of helpful resources are available through the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism. Read more…

On January 18, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will launch the national “9 Days for Life” campaign. This effort calls for Catholics to help create a culture that cherishes all human life, from conception to natural death. The “9 Days for Life” campaign also surrounds the annual Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, which occurs on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade—the Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal in the United States. Participants are called to both prayer and action (including the sharing of online resources) unified around each day’s specific “Respect Life” intention. Read more…

Creating a society that recognizes the dignity of every person is a task for all people of faith. The Catholic Church and Catholics across Michigan live this teaching in a number of ways, including by providing alternatives to abortion for expectant mothers, post-abortive counseling, and compassionate and life-affirming care at the end of one’s life. Michigan Catholic Conference’s latest FOCUS publication examines these services, highlights legislative successes that protect human life, and offers ways that Michiganders can recognize the dignity of all persons in their own communities. Read more…

On Tuesday, November 7, Michigan Catholic Conference and the J. Reuben Clark Law Society Detroit Chapter sponsored an Interfaith Religious Freedom Conference, to explore the importance of religious freedom and ways to defend this cherished right. Most Reverend Allen Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit, and Elder Von Keetch, General Authority and Executive Director of Public Affairs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, joined with several scholars of religious freedom in addressing the crowd of over three hundred people at SS. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church in Detroit. The event included representatives from almost a dozen faiths. Learn more about the event…

During a beatification ceremony in Detroit on November 18, Michigan’s own Fr. Solanus Casey O.F.M. will become one step closer to becoming a saint. This Capuchin friar was known for his humility, compassionate counsel, and dedicated service of those most in need in the Detroit area. Fr. Solanus co-founded the city’s Capuchin Soup Kitchen. His beatification ceremony will be held at Ford Field, and he will be only the second American-born male in history to be beatified. Michigan Catholic Conference welcomes this exciting news for the Catholic Church and for the city of Detroit. Read more…

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/…