The Word from Lansing

The Word from Lansing is a regular column written by Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) staff for Catholic news outlets. Through these columns, MCC outlines current advocacy issues of importance to the Conference and discusses the Catholic position and role in the political process. This publication complements the more regular updates provided by Michigan Catholic Conference’s Catholic Advocacy Network.

Catholic school children walking down a hallway

As the process for a new state budget begins, MCC shares how its advocacy efforts last year played a critical role in securing the support Catholic and nonpublic schools received in the current year budget.

Youth Encounter Service (YES) provided high school students in the Diocese of Saginaw opportunities to serve those in need. — Photo courtesy Diocese of Saginaw (saginaw.org)

The Christian faith demands more than just lip service; it requires action. The principles of Catholic social teaching show us what that action looks like; they also help us to engage more deeply with Jesus’s instruction to “love thy neighbor.”

In commentary on the most recent state budget, MCC explains that a nearly $300 million investment into helping mothers in need is one tangible way public officials can walk the talk of supporting life at every stage.

Students at St. John Vianney Catholic School, the only Catholic elementary school in Flint. — Photo courtesy Kathryn Hermes for the Diocese of Lansing

All people benefit from more children being provided with opportunities to flourish. To that end, MCC’s new Focus publication demonstrates that Catholic schools in Michigan consistently deliver results.

An empty hallway at Nouvel Catholic Central High School

As negotiations over the next state budget drag through the summer, MCC is continuing to push to ensure Catholic and nonpublic schools receive fair and equitable support.

A young family reading together on the floor

The Church, recognizing that families are essential to the common good and a well-functioning society, supports policies that prioritize the well-being of families. Read how the proposed Working Parents Tax Credit, supported by MCC, would accomplish this by providing targeted relief to low-income working parents raising young children.

Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M. working with joy at the former MCC office building on North Capitol Avenue in Lansing.

Even though she retired from public life 15 years ago, reflecting on Sister Monica’s life and legacy—who passed away at the age of 87 on April 28, 2025—and recalling some of her insights provide invaluable perspective on the continued need for the Church to be present in public policy advocacy.

A young girl during the Our Lady of Guadalupe Procession in Grand Rapids

At the heart of immigration are individual people with names, families, and stories. This column invites readers to recognize the person of Jesus Christ in others through the experiences of migrants who have traveled to unfamiliar surroundings to support and protect themselves and their families.

A group of young school children sitting on the floor in their classroom, raising their hands to anwer a question

Ensuring every student receives a quality education is critical to promoting the common good. As the state budget process gets underway, MCC will be advocating for a student-centered approach to education funding.

2026

Building on Budget Advocacy Success in Support of Students

Catholic Social Teaching Shows Us How to Live the Gospel

A State Budget Prioritizing Mothers & Babies in Need

Catholic Schools are a Public Benefit to Michigan

Join Us in Advocacy for Your Local Catholic School

Families Would Get Much-Needed Help Under Working Parents Tax Credit

Reflecting on a Life of Service and Catholic Advocacy in Lansing

Faith Invites Us to See Human Person in Every Immigrant

State Education Budget Decisions Should Support Every Student