Throughout the month of May, Catholics across the world have recognized the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’s second encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, issued from Rome in May of 2015. Michigan Catholic Conference has joined these efforts by developing and distributing materials for Catholic institutions and various secular bodies, including its venerable FOCUS publication along with numerous web-based resources. MCC’s efforts accompany recent public initiatives from the Catholic Church to widen the impact of the pope’s teaching, including Laudato Si’ Week and the Day of Common Prayer for Creation, which took place May 24. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: Michigan Dioceses Set Timeline, Safety Guidelines for Liturgical Services; The Word from Lansing: Living Care for One Another; Michigan House Approves Minor DNR Bills; 2020 Census Resources Offered in Almost 60 Languages; Laudato Si’ Week Brings Catholics Together to Protect Common Home; Department of Labor Issues Directive and Guidance on Religious Liberty; Memorial Day Honors Service and Sacrifice. Read more…

Over the past few months, federal and state lawmakers have passed a variety of aid packages in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These bills have included support for hospitals, food assistance, unemployment benefits, schools, and small businesses, among other aspects. The Word from Lansing for May explains the recent legislation, as well as encourages Michiganders to reflect upon their shared responsibility for one another. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: ACTION NEEDED! Catholic Schools Need Your Help; Bureau of Elections Resumes Vetting of Petitions to End Dismemberment Abortion; Funding for COVID-19; Response Clears Michigan Senate; State Revenues Down $3.2 Billion. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: ​​​​​​​Completing the 2020 Census is Easier Than Ever; Reminder: Demand an Ethically Made COVID-19 Vaccine; Michigan House Approves Minor DNR Bills; USCCB Condemns Increased Reports of Racism in Pandemic; Happy Mother's Day from Michigan Catholic Conference. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: ACT NOW! Demand an Ethically Made COVID-19 Vaccine. Read more…

On April 16th Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was asked by a podcast host about her to decision to allow abortion facilities to remain open during the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order. In response, Whitmer stated that abortion is “life sustaining.” MCC responded to the governor’s comments by stating that her understanding of life issues has become “bifurcated and confusing,” and is asking for the governor to pause and reflect on “the wounds her comments have created for countless people in this state and elsewhere.” Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: MPSC Order Addresses Utility Rates for Michiganders; Responses Needed in the 2020 Census. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: Happy Easter to All from MCC; U.S. Bishops Issue Message of Faith for Holy Week; USCCB Offers Prayers of Intercession During Outbreak; Census Responses Climb in Michigan; Be Counted Today; The Word from Lansing: This Election Season, "Civilize It". Read more…

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has reemphasized the importance of civility and actions that care for one another. Leading up to the November election, Catholics will have many additional opportunities to exercise civility and care as they engage in discussions that are critical for the country. This election season, the U.S. bishops encourage participation in “Civilize It,” a nonpartisan campaign to treat all with dignity and kindness. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: Pope Appoints Bishop Raica to Shepherd Diocese of Birmingham; Governor Issues Three Week Stay-at-Home Order; Holy Week Liturgical Updates; Webcast Services Available; U.S. Senate and House Approve $2 Trillion in Coronavirus Relief; For Encyclical's 25th Anniversary, "Walking with Moms in Need" Begins; The Word from Lansing: Payday Lending and the Cycle of Poverty; 2020 Census Efforts Begin—Fill Out Your Response. Read more…

A bill before state lawmakers would allow payday lenders to offer $2,500 loans, up from the $600 limit. During this difficult time of the Coronavirus outbreak, MCC remains concerned about HB 5097, which would trap struggling Michiganders in a cycle of debt. The Word from Lansing highlights issues with expanding payday lending, as well as the importance of focusing on alternatives that improve financial literacy. Read more…