2018

A young boy and his parents play with building blocks on their living room floor

Throughout 2018, MCC championed Senate Bill 752, a measure that assists low-income families in Michigan’s Family Independence Program (FIP). The bill, which passed the Michigan Legislature with bipartisan support, removes an obstacle to marriage for low-income couples with children and helps families build financial stability, without having to choose between marriage and retaining needed benefits for their children. MCC encourages Governor Snyder to sign this critical legislation into law.

“On Monday, December 17, Governor Rick Snyder signed six bills into law to help create safe environments for children, strengthen existing statutes, and give a greater voice to those harmed by sexual abuse. House Bills 5539, 5658, 5660–5661, 5794, and 5798 emerged out of months of deliberation in the House Law and Justice Committee and were actively supported by Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) throughout the legislative process. MCC is grateful to governor and the bipartisan lawmakers for their action on this critical issue.

A teenager stares wistfully into the distance, thinking about his future

The House Law and Justice Committee passed legislation today raising the age for youth sentencing to 18 years old. Michigan is one of only four states in the country that continues to automatically charge 17-year-olds as adults, regardless of the severity of the crime committed. MCC is thankful to the Committee and urges the House to pass the bills in the coming weeks.

Michigan Catholic Conference shares its profound sorrow with the parishioners, clergy and family of Bishop Joseph Cistone, who passed away unexpectedly the evening of October 15th due to the complications of cancer. We remember the joy in which he approached his ministry as bishop and his service to this organization as a member of the Board of Directors.

Front cover of Proposal 1: Say No to Recreational Marijuana

According to the Focus document: "Questions about this proposal considered by the MCC Board of Directors, which includes the diocesan bishops of the state, asked if this measure promotes the common good and uplifts the moral fiber in the state. After careful review, the MCC Board is urging a No vote on the measure, citing the harm it may cause for Michigan families, health outcomes, communities and workers.”

MSAE Diamond Award given to Michigan Catholic Conference in recognition of it's Freedom to Serve advertising campaign

Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) announced today that its Freedom to Serve advertising campaign has received the Michigan Society of Association Executives’ (MSAE) Diamond Award, the organization’s highest honor in the field of public relations. The announcement was made September 20th at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi during MSAE’s 17th Annual Diamond Awards banquet.

Michigan Catholic Conference President and CEO Paul A. Long

The National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors has elected as its next president Paul A. Long, President and CEO of the Michigan Catholic Conference. “I am grateful for Paul’s selection to this important national position as the Church continues her diligent work to promote the common good and to uplift the dignity of all human persons,” said Most Rev. Allen H. Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit and Chairman of the Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors.

A loving husband kisses his smiling wife's forehead on their wedding day

The House Families, Children and Seniors Committee approved a measure today that would allow Family Independence Program (FIP) participants to retain their state benefit after marriage for a grace period of eighteen months. Michigan Catholic Conference has advocated for adoption of this common sense, bipartisan policy and urges the full House of Representatives to vote on Senate Bill 752 before summer recess.

Freedom to Serve 2018 Gabriel Award First Place Winner

The Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada announced this week that Michigan Catholic Conference is among its first-place Gabriel Award winners for the short television feature “Hands of Service and Healing.” The one minute television advertisement features the work of Catholic Charities personnel to assist vulnerable persons, especially through the provision of fresh water and necessary services in the city of Flint.

A statue of Lady Justice stands in front of a row of legal books

Michigan Catholic Conference released the following comments after the Office of Attorney General announced yesterday it would appeal a Court of Claims ruling that prevents reimbursements to nonpublic schools for certain health and safety expenses.

Catholic Conference Urging Governor’s Support for Pro-Marriage, Anti-Poverty FIP Legislation

Catholic Conference Applauds New Laws to Protect Children, Create Safe Environments

MCC Applauds Committee Passage of 'Raise the Age' Legislation

On the Death of Saginaw Bishop Joseph Cistone

Michigan Catholic Conference Urges No Vote on Recreational Marijuana

Freedom to Serve Wins Top Award for Best PR Campaign

MCC CEO Paul A. Long Elected President of National Catholic Conference Directors Association

MCC Urges Michigan House to Pass Legislation that Removes Government Barrier to Marriage

Catholic Press Association Honors MCC with First-Place Gabriel Award

Catholic Conference Applauds Attorney General’s Appeal