2018

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

    SB 752 Has Passed Legislature With Wide Bipartisan Support

    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.

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

    A bill being signed 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.

    MCC Applauds Committee Passage of 'Raise the Age' Legislation

    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.

    On the Death of Saginaw Bishop Joseph Cistone

    Bishop Joseph R. Cistone

    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.

    Michigan Catholic Conference Urges No Vote on Recreational Marijuana

    MCC Joins Healthy and Productive Michigan Coalition in Opposition to Proposal 1

    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.”

    Freedom to Serve Wins Top Award for Best PR Campaign

    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.

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

    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.

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

    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.

    Catholic Press Association Honors MCC with First-Place Gabriel Award

    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.

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