WASHINGTON (USCCB) — Three U.S. bishops raised their concerns over human life and dignity, immigrants and affordability in a September 30 letter to the U.S. Senate. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Bishop William Murphy and Bishop John Wester chair the Committees on Pro-Life Activities, Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Migration, respectively, for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
“Our Catholic moral tradition teaches that health care is a basic human right, essential to protecting human life and dignity,” the bishops wrote. “These moral principles and our everyday experience lead us to work for three central priorities for health care reform.”
The bishops outlined three criteria that need special attention as legislation moves forward: respect for life and dignity, affordability, and inclusion of immigrants.
“Health care reform legislation should reflect longstanding and widely supported current policies on abortion funding, mandates and conscience protections because they represent sound morality, wise policy and political reality,” the bishops wrote. “So far the health reform bills considered in committee, including the new Senate Finance Committee bill, have not met President Obama’s challenge of barring use of federal dollars for abortion and maintaining current conscience laws. These deficiencies must be corrected.”
On affordability, the bishops criticized the Senate Finance Committee bill for it “would impose financial burdens on low-income and moderate-income families and those families with significant and chronic illnesses.” They urged Congress to support measures that would help low-income families, including further limiting premium costs and other out of pocket expenses for all citizens and legal immigrants.
“The Catholic bishops renew our appeal to provide equity for legal immigrants in access to health care,” the letter said. “Immigrants pay the same taxes as citizens and their health needs cannot be ignored. Leaving them outside a reformed system is both unfair and unwise,” the bishops concluded.
The full text of the bishops’ letter can be found online at: www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/2009-09-30-healthcare-letter-senate.pdf
September 30, 2009
Action Alert! Tax Credit for Working Poor in Jeopardy
Urgent! Your Phone Calls Needed to Save Tax Credit for Working Poor
In 2006 the Michigan Legislature voted overwhelmingly in a bipartisan fashion to create a state Earned Income Tax Credit. This tax policy has proven to lift more families and children out of poverty than any other federal or state tax policy. At least 35 other states in the country provide such a credit for their citizens who are working but pay disproportionate payroll taxes.
According to the Michigan law passed three years ago, working individuals who qualify for the federal EITC that have a median yearly income of $10,000 to $15,000 began claiming ten percent of the federal credit at the state level last year, with an additional ten percent slated to go into effect this year.
Unfortunately, because of the state of Michigan's economy, some lawmakers have expressed an interest in either freezing or dramatically scaling back the second half of the state credit. Michigan Catholic Conference is asking for subscribers of this legislative network to telephone their state legislators and the governor urging opposition to any measure that seeks to freeze or reduce full implementation of the state EITC. Numerous studies have proven that this tax credit not only lifts families out of poverty, but also generates millions for local economies as those who receive the credit spend the dollars locally.
Phone calls are being requested because this important issue is time sensitive. You may find your State Representative and his or her telephone number here, and your State Senator here. The governor's office may be contacted at (517) 335-7858.
Please kindly tell your legislators and the govenor that you oppose any measure that halts full implementation of the state earned income tax credit, and thank them for their time.
In 2006 the Michigan Legislature voted overwhelmingly in a bipartisan fashion to create a state Earned Income Tax Credit. This tax policy has proven to lift more families and children out of poverty than any other federal or state tax policy. At least 35 other states in the country provide such a credit for their citizens who are working but pay disproportionate payroll taxes.
According to the Michigan law passed three years ago, working individuals who qualify for the federal EITC that have a median yearly income of $10,000 to $15,000 began claiming ten percent of the federal credit at the state level last year, with an additional ten percent slated to go into effect this year.
Unfortunately, because of the state of Michigan's economy, some lawmakers have expressed an interest in either freezing or dramatically scaling back the second half of the state credit. Michigan Catholic Conference is asking for subscribers of this legislative network to telephone their state legislators and the governor urging opposition to any measure that seeks to freeze or reduce full implementation of the state EITC. Numerous studies have proven that this tax credit not only lifts families out of poverty, but also generates millions for local economies as those who receive the credit spend the dollars locally.
Phone calls are being requested because this important issue is time sensitive. You may find your State Representative and his or her telephone number here, and your State Senator here. The governor's office may be contacted at (517) 335-7858.
Please kindly tell your legislators and the govenor that you oppose any measure that halts full implementation of the state earned income tax credit, and thank them for their time.
St. John School is Fit for Learning
By Sharon Pagryzinski / Enrollment Coordinator, Bay Area Catholic Schools
ESSEXVILLE – For the second consecutive year, students and teachers at St. John the Evangelist School continue to begin each morning with walking, stretching, and exercises. Each day from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m., the entire school can be found either outside in the parking lot or inside the spacious gymnasium.
When asked how he feels about morning exercise, second-grader Keegan Kinsella said, "Good, because you get good exercise and [get] your body pumping, so your brain is ready."
Research has shown that starting the day with exercise improves learning for students. Additionally, it appears that physical activity early in life may help protect children from excessive fat gains later. Exercise is a life-long necessity and most children no longer walk to school, so giving the students this daily opportunity is a good way to instill a healthy habit with life changing benefits.
“Anything that can help us feel better with the stresses of the day is well worth the time,” Principal, Sue Grzegorczyk said.
She also observed an added benefit, “It’s always interesting to hear the conversations that take place during the morning walk.”
St. John School will participate in Walk to School Day in Michigan on Wednesday, October 7. St. John is one of four elementary and preschools within the Bay Area Catholic Schools (BACS) system.
BACS continues the Catholic school tradition begun here in the 1850s, providing 3-year-old preschool through 12th grade faith-based, solid academic education. BACS is among Bay County’s top 50 employers and functions as one of the few Catholic school systems in Michigan. In recent years, ithas become a model for schools across the country that are seeking to shift from a parish school structure to a school system concept. BACS is spiritually and financially supported by the 13 Vicariate 4 parishes.
To learn more about BACS, log onto http://www.bacschools.org/.
ESSEXVILLE – For the second consecutive year, students and teachers at St. John the Evangelist School continue to begin each morning with walking, stretching, and exercises. Each day from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m., the entire school can be found either outside in the parking lot or inside the spacious gymnasium.
When asked how he feels about morning exercise, second-grader Keegan Kinsella said, "Good, because you get good exercise and [get] your body pumping, so your brain is ready."
Research has shown that starting the day with exercise improves learning for students. Additionally, it appears that physical activity early in life may help protect children from excessive fat gains later. Exercise is a life-long necessity and most children no longer walk to school, so giving the students this daily opportunity is a good way to instill a healthy habit with life changing benefits.
“Anything that can help us feel better with the stresses of the day is well worth the time,” Principal, Sue Grzegorczyk said.
She also observed an added benefit, “It’s always interesting to hear the conversations that take place during the morning walk.”
St. John School will participate in Walk to School Day in Michigan on Wednesday, October 7. St. John is one of four elementary and preschools within the Bay Area Catholic Schools (BACS) system.
BACS continues the Catholic school tradition begun here in the 1850s, providing 3-year-old preschool through 12th grade faith-based, solid academic education. BACS is among Bay County’s top 50 employers and functions as one of the few Catholic school systems in Michigan. In recent years, ithas become a model for schools across the country that are seeking to shift from a parish school structure to a school system concept. BACS is spiritually and financially supported by the 13 Vicariate 4 parishes.
To learn more about BACS, log onto http://www.bacschools.org/.
September 29, 2009
Legislature Praised for Maintaining Funding for Family Independence Program, Children’s Clothing Allowance
LANSING (MCC) – Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long made the following statement this evening after the Legislature approved the conference report for the Department of Human Services budget, which maintains funding for the Family Independence Program and the children’s clothing allowance program:
“Considering the harsh economic climate and the difficult cuts that are taking place elsewhere in the state budget, those who acted to preserve these two critical programs deserve praise and applause, especially Senator Bill Hardiman (R-Kentwood) and Representative Dudley Spade (D-Tipton). Michigan’s most destitute population should never be forced to ‘share the pain’ when their level of suffering is already at its peak. The fact that Democrats and Republicans have come together to pass the Department of Human Services budget without cutting these two programs, coupled with their ability to enact foster care reform that places the welfare of children first, is commendable.”
Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.
“Considering the harsh economic climate and the difficult cuts that are taking place elsewhere in the state budget, those who acted to preserve these two critical programs deserve praise and applause, especially Senator Bill Hardiman (R-Kentwood) and Representative Dudley Spade (D-Tipton). Michigan’s most destitute population should never be forced to ‘share the pain’ when their level of suffering is already at its peak. The fact that Democrats and Republicans have come together to pass the Department of Human Services budget without cutting these two programs, coupled with their ability to enact foster care reform that places the welfare of children first, is commendable.”
Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.
Local Students will join in National Holy Hour
By Sharon Pagryzinski / Enrollment Coordinator, Bay Area Catholic Schools
ESSEXVILLE – Students at St. John the Evengelist School will be join the Worldwide Children’s Eucharistic Holy Hour at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, October 2 in the church chapel.
This event also will be celebrated at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. with Bishop Gregory Aymond presiding. It occurs every First Friday in October, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and has been growing every year since its inception in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 2003.
This Holy Hour spiritually unites the prayers of children around the globe for priests, their own families, and all families of the world. The Holy Childhood Association will be part of this event as well.
The Bay Area community is invited to join the students from grades 1 to 5 in the chapel at St. John the Evangelist Church, 614 Pine St., in Essexville.
St. John is one of four elementary and preschools within the Bay Area Catholic Schools (BACS) system.
BACS continues the Catholic school tradition begun here in the 1850s, providing 3-year-old preschool through 12th grade faith-based, solid academic education. BACS is among Bay County’s top 50 employers and functions as one of the few Catholic school systems in Michigan. In recent years, ithas become a model for schools across the country that are seeking to shift from a parish school structure to a school system concept. BACS is spiritually and financially supported by the 13 Vicariate 4 parishes.
To learn more about BACS, log onto http://www.bacschools.org/
ESSEXVILLE – Students at St. John the Evengelist School will be join the Worldwide Children’s Eucharistic Holy Hour at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, October 2 in the church chapel.
This event also will be celebrated at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. with Bishop Gregory Aymond presiding. It occurs every First Friday in October, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and has been growing every year since its inception in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 2003.
This Holy Hour spiritually unites the prayers of children around the globe for priests, their own families, and all families of the world. The Holy Childhood Association will be part of this event as well.
The Bay Area community is invited to join the students from grades 1 to 5 in the chapel at St. John the Evangelist Church, 614 Pine St., in Essexville.
St. John is one of four elementary and preschools within the Bay Area Catholic Schools (BACS) system.
BACS continues the Catholic school tradition begun here in the 1850s, providing 3-year-old preschool through 12th grade faith-based, solid academic education. BACS is among Bay County’s top 50 employers and functions as one of the few Catholic school systems in Michigan. In recent years, ithas become a model for schools across the country that are seeking to shift from a parish school structure to a school system concept. BACS is spiritually and financially supported by the 13 Vicariate 4 parishes.
To learn more about BACS, log onto http://www.bacschools.org/
September 25, 2009
Bishop Cistone calls for an end to violence, urges all to pray for peace
SAGINAW – The Most Reverend Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, urges that the violence experienced in the City of Saginaw should be a concern of the entire community:“These senseless shootings shake the security of all of us, most especially those living in the City of Saginaw. While our prayerful love and support goes out to the victims of these recent attacks, as well as their families, the tragic death of a 9-year-old boy and the serious injury of a 10- year-old girl emphasizes, all the more, the urgency for our community to work together to find ways to end this bloodshed.”
He also called on members of the interfaith community to pray for peace and an end to the shootings and to work together to find solutions to this problem:
“I call upon all people of good will to join me in our prayers for peace and efforts to identify ways of ridding our neighborhoods of these devastating crimes. In the coming month of October, observed by Catholics as Respect Life Month, I ask that special prayers and petitions be offered for the safety of our community and an end to violence.”
Bishop Cistone was installed as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw on July 28, 2009. The diocese is home to an estimated 119,000 Catholics worshiping in 105 parish communities throughout 11 counties in mid-Michigan: Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties.
Action Alert! Help Prohibit Public Funding of Abortion in Health Care Reform
From the Michigan Catholic Conference: Urge Sen. Stabenow to Support Pro-Life Amendments
The Senate Finance Committee has begun its markup of Sen. Baucus' health care reform bill, and your advocacy is urgently needed to help protect conscience rights and to prohibit public funding of abortions.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has been among the strongest supporters for health care reform in the United States. The bishops' position is that the nation is in desperate need of a universal health care policy, one that ensures coverage for all, especially the poor, and one that ensures no public funds are used for abortions.
Please take a brief moment to contact Senator Debbie Stabenow, who sits on the committee, and urge her to support amendments that have been offered by Sens. Enzi and Hatch that would promote respect for human life and the dignity of all, including the poor and the unborn.
Click here to send a message to Sen. Stabenow through the Catholic Legislative Advocacy Network
The Senate Finance Committee has begun its markup of Sen. Baucus' health care reform bill, and your advocacy is urgently needed to help protect conscience rights and to prohibit public funding of abortions.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has been among the strongest supporters for health care reform in the United States. The bishops' position is that the nation is in desperate need of a universal health care policy, one that ensures coverage for all, especially the poor, and one that ensures no public funds are used for abortions.
Please take a brief moment to contact Senator Debbie Stabenow, who sits on the committee, and urge her to support amendments that have been offered by Sens. Enzi and Hatch that would promote respect for human life and the dignity of all, including the poor and the unborn.
Click here to send a message to Sen. Stabenow through the Catholic Legislative Advocacy Network
September 23, 2009
St. Anselm: Theologian and Defender of Church Freedom
VATICAN CITY (VIS) - St. Anselm, one of the most outstanding figures of the Middle Ages, was the subject of the Holy Father's catechesis during his general audience, held this morning in the Paul VI Hall.St. Anselm of Canterbury, also known as Anselm of Aosta and Anselm of Bec, was born in the Italian town of Aosta in 1033. The eldest child of a noble family, his mother gave him a careful human and Christian education. During his youth he went through a period of moral dissipation and excess during which he abandoned his studies. He then travelled to France in search of new experiences and eventually reached the abbey of Bec, drawn there by the fame of its prior, Lanfranco of Pavia. There, at the age of 27, he embraced the monastic life.
Three years later Lanfranco was appointed as abbot of Caen and Anselm became the prior of Bec. In his new role he "revealed gifts as a sophisticated teacher. He did not care for authoritarian methods and, likening young people to saplings which develop best if not closed in a greenhouse, he granted then a 'healthy' measure of freedom. He was very demanding with himself and others in monastic observance, but rather than imposing discipline he sought to make people follow it by persuasion", the Pope explained.
When Lanfranco of Pavia was appointed as archbishop of Canterbury, England, he asked Anselm to help him in educating the monks and in dealings with the ecclesial community, which was facing difficult circumstances in the wake of the Norman invasions. On Lanfranco's death in 1093, Anselm succeeded him as archbishop immediately entering "into an energetic struggle for the freedom of the Church and courageously supporting the independence of spiritual from temporal power. He defended the Church from undue interference by the political authorities, especially King William Rufus and Henry I". His faithfulness to the Pope caused him to be exiled in 1103.
Anselm died on 21 April 1109 having dedicated the last years of his life "to the moral formation of the clergy and intellectual research into theological questions", whence Christian tradition has bestowed upon him the title of "Doctor Magnificus", said the Holy Father. He went on: "The clarity and logical rigour of Anselm's ideas always sought 'to raise the mind to the contemplation of God'. He made it clear that anyone who intends to study theology must not rely only upon his own intelligence but must also cultivate a profound experience of faith".
"In St. Anselm's view, then, a theologian's work is divided into threes stages: faith, God's gratuitous gift to be welcomed with humility; experience, which consists in incarnating the Word of God into daily life; and true knowledge, which is never the fruit of sterile reasoning but of
contemplative intuition".
contemplative intuition".
"May the love for truth and the constant thirst for God which characterized St. Anselm's life be a stimulus for all Christians tirelessly to seek an ever more intimate union with Christ", said the Pope, and he concluded: "May the courageous zeal which distinguished his pastoral work and which sometimes brought misunderstandings, bitterness and even exile, be an encouragement for pastors, consecrated people and all the faithful to love the Church of Christ, ... never abandoning or betraying her".
September 22, 2009
New Survey: Most Americans Want Health Care Reform, Oppose Abortion Coverage, Support Conscience Protection Laws
WASHINGTON — A nationwide survey commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has found widespread public opposition to including abortion in health care reform and majority support for conscience rights protection – views shared by those who favor efforts to pass health care reform.
Conducted by International Communications Research (ICR) from September 16-20, 2009, the phone survey of 1,043 U.S. adults found that 60 percent favor – and only thirty percent oppose – “efforts to pass health care reform to provide affordable health insurance for all.” Focusing on that sixty percent, the survey found that:
n Sixty percent of those favoring reform oppose – and only 25 percent support – “measures that would require people to pay for abortion coverage with their federal taxes.”
n By a 49-39 percent plurality, those who favor reform oppose “measures that would require people to pay for abortion coverage with their health insurance premiums”; and
n Among those favoring reform, those who favor maintaining “current federal laws that protect doctors and nurses from being forced to perform or refer for abortions against their will” outnumber those who oppose keeping such laws in place by a margin of two to one (60-30).
Opposition to abortion coverage was somewhat stronger in the total sample of U.S. adults – for example, 67 percent of the total sample opposed requiring people to pay for abortion coverage through their taxes and 56 percent opposed making them do so through their insurance premiums.
The survey also asked: “If the choice were up to you, would you want your own insurance policy to include abortion?” Sixty-eight percent of U.S. adults said ‘No’ and only 24 percent said ‘Yes.’
“The USCCB survey confirms other recent polls conducted by Public Opinion Strategies (August 30-September 1) and Rasmussen Reports (September 14-15) on health care policy and abortion,” said Deirdre McQuade, Assistant Director for Policy & Communications at the USCCB’s Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. “With each passing week it gets clearer: The American public generally does not want to pay for abortion coverage and does not want health care reform used to promote abortion,” she said.
“Abortion is not health care. The bishops of the United States are working hard to ensure that health care reform serves the most vulnerable among us – especially the poor, immigrants, and the unborn,” McQuade said.
For more information on the U.S. bishops’ position on health care reform, visit www.usccb.org/healthcare.
September 16, 2009
WASHINGTON (USCCB) - Bishop William Murphy, chairman of Domestic Justice and Human Development for the U.S. bishops, addresses the urgent need for health care reform that is available to everyone and protects the life and dignity of every person.
See more from the USCCB on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/usccb.
See more from the USCCB on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/usccb.
September 10, 2009
USCCB officials welcome president's statements on abortion, care for poor in response to health care address
WASHINGTON — Calling it an important contribution to a crucial national debate, officials speaking on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) welcomed President Obama’s September 9 address on health care reform, particularly his statements regarding abortion and the uninsured.
"We agree that ‘no one should go broke because they get sick,’" said Kathy Saile, Director of Domestic Social Development at the USCCB. "That’s why the U.S. Bishops have worked for decades for decent health care for all. The Catholic Church provides health care for millions, purchases health care, picks up the pieces of a failing health system, and has a long tradition of teaching on ethics in health care. Health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all is a moral imperative and urgent national priority. We welcome the President's speech as an important contribution to this essential national debate and task."
"We especially welcome the President's commitment to exclude federal funding of abortion, and to maintain existing federal laws protecting conscience rights in health care," said Richard Doerflinger, Associate Director of Pro-Life Activities at the USCCB. "We believe that incorporating essential and longstanding federal laws on these issues into any new proposal will strengthen support for health care reform. We will work with Congress and the Administration to ensure that these protections are clearly reflected in new legislation, so no one is required to pay for or take part in abortion as a result of health care reform."
"We agree with the President that there are details that need to be ironed out," said Saile. "And with his address last night, we see the opportunity to work towards a truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity, access for all with a special concern for the poor, and inclusion of legal immigrants. We also see the possibility of meeting the bishops’ goal to pursue the common good and preserve pluralism, including freedom of conscience and a variety of options, and restraining costs and applying them equitably across the spectrum of payers."
To learn more about the USCCB's postion on health care reform, go to www.usccb.org/healthcare.
"We agree that ‘no one should go broke because they get sick,’" said Kathy Saile, Director of Domestic Social Development at the USCCB. "That’s why the U.S. Bishops have worked for decades for decent health care for all. The Catholic Church provides health care for millions, purchases health care, picks up the pieces of a failing health system, and has a long tradition of teaching on ethics in health care. Health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all is a moral imperative and urgent national priority. We welcome the President's speech as an important contribution to this essential national debate and task."
"We especially welcome the President's commitment to exclude federal funding of abortion, and to maintain existing federal laws protecting conscience rights in health care," said Richard Doerflinger, Associate Director of Pro-Life Activities at the USCCB. "We believe that incorporating essential and longstanding federal laws on these issues into any new proposal will strengthen support for health care reform. We will work with Congress and the Administration to ensure that these protections are clearly reflected in new legislation, so no one is required to pay for or take part in abortion as a result of health care reform."
"We agree with the President that there are details that need to be ironed out," said Saile. "And with his address last night, we see the opportunity to work towards a truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity, access for all with a special concern for the poor, and inclusion of legal immigrants. We also see the possibility of meeting the bishops’ goal to pursue the common good and preserve pluralism, including freedom of conscience and a variety of options, and restraining costs and applying them equitably across the spectrum of payers."
To learn more about the USCCB's postion on health care reform, go to www.usccb.org/healthcare.
September 8, 2009
First day of school comes with new playground for students at Holy Trinity School
BAY CITY - The opening day of school held some extra excitement for students at Holy Trinity School as they celebrated the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for their new playground. Members of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce were also on hand to assist with the ribbon cutting.School officials said they are extremely grateful for the hard work that contributed to the installation of phase one of the new playground equipment and surroundings.
“I’m truly excited for our students, and am looking forward to seeing their activity and hearing their laughter throughout the school year,” school Prinicipal Terrie DeWaele said.
The school hosted fundraisers last year, received donations and was awarded a $4000 Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) grant in March to develop the new playground. A portion of the new equipment is specifically designed for pre-school children ages 2 to 5.
Holy Trinity School, one of four elementary schools within the Bay Area Catholic Schools system. It operates a three-year-old and four-year-old preschool program plus Early Fives, half and full-day Kindergarten, and grades 1 through 5.
The school also offers a Before School Program and an After School Care & Literacy Program for students.
Interested parents may call (989) 892-3018 to arrange for a private tour of the school and playground or for registration information for the 2009-2010 school year.
To learn more about BACS, log onto http://www.bacschools.org/ .
September 3, 2009
Pope attends screening of a film about St. Augustine
VATICAN CITY (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon in the "Sala degli Svizzeri" of the Apostolic Palace at Castelgandolfo, Benedict XVI attended the screening of an abbreviated version of the film "St. Augustine", an Italian, German, Polish co-production. The film was made by Lux Vide/Rai Fiction, Bayerischer Rundfunk/Tellux Film, Eos Entertainment Rai Trade and Grupa Filmova Baltmedia. It was directed by Christian Duguay.At the end of the screening, the Holy Father expressed his thanks to everyone involved in the project and pronounced some brief remarks. "I feel this film to be a spiritual journey in a spiritual continent, far distant from us yet at the same time very near because the human drama remains the same", he said.
"We have seen how, in a context far removed from our own, the reality of human life is represented with all its problems, sadness and failures, just as we have seen how, in the end, Truth is stronger than any obstacle and seeks out man. This is the great hope that remains at the end: we alone cannot seek out Truth, but Truth, which is a Person, seeks out us. Seen from the outside, the life of St. Augustine seems to finish tragically as the world for which and in which he lived comes to an end. But as was made clear in this film, his message remains and, even as the world changes, it endures because it comes from Truth and guides us to Charity, which is our shared destination.
"Thank you to everyone", he added in conclusion. "Let us hope that many people, watching this human drama, may be sought out by Truth and so discover Charity".
September 2, 2009
MCC Statement on Constitutional Convention
LANSING – Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors today approved a statement that does not support the call for a constitutional convention in 2010. The statement in its entirety is as follows:
"Michigan’s current constitution is not a perfect document. Amendments are in order, especially in the area of state aid to non-public schools. The financial impact of a constitutional convention on the state budget, however, only presents additional threats to, and concerns for, the state’s social safety net. Michigan Catholic Conference does not support the call for a constitutional convention in 2010."
Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state. The Conference’s Board of Directors is comprised of Michigan’s seven (arch) diocesan bishops, five laypersons, one priest and one religious sister.
Constitutional Convention Background: Michigan voters at the November 2010 general election ballot will decide whether or not the state will conduct a constitutional convention in 2011. Article 12, Section 3 of the 1963 Michigan Constitution calls for a vote of the people every 16 years to determine if delegates appointed from each House and Senate district should rewrite the state’s guiding document. Since the adoption of the 1963 state constitution, the question has twice been before voters and each time was defeated, in 1978 and in 1994.
MCC Board of Directors Statement Calls on State Officials to ‘Protect Essential Needs’ for the Poor in Budget Debate
LANSING – While legislative leaders seek to diminish further Michigan’s social safety net in an effort to balance the state’s $2.8 billion deficit, the Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors today approved a statement calling for solidarity with the state’s poorest citizens and urges legislators to enact a budget that protects essential needs.
According to the MCC Board’s statement: "As deliberations take place to resolve Michigan’s nearly $3 billion deficit, the Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors calls upon state leaders to overcome divisiveness and to pursue a budget solution that guarantees preferential options for the most needy population." The statement further reads: "Michigan’s budget must have a moral foundation, one that manifests the priority the state places on providing basic human services through an equitable tax structure and a just distribution of resources."
"The MCC Board of Directors recognizes that Michigan is facing extraordinary challenges and difficult economic times," says Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M., Michigan Catholic Conference President and C.E.O., "but the Board is also saying that the state has a moral obligation to craft a budget that recognizes and protects the programs and services on which thousands of poor and vulnerable citizens rely for health and safety."
The state is facing a combined $2.8 billion budget deficit in its general fund and school aid budgets for the 2009-10 fiscal year. That deficit must be balanced by October 1, according to the Michigan Constitution, otherwise the state will be forced, as it was in 2007, to discontinue temporarily services and programs until revenues are secured.
Michigan Catholic Conference has consistently spoken out against a prevailing "shared pain" approach to balancing the state budget deficit, and has called on legislators to craft a state budget that ensures Michigan’s poorest citizens are protected. Earlier this year the governor proposed, and the Legislature’s appropriations’ committees approved, an Executive Order that cut some $304 million out of the state budget that ends September 30. Over half of those cuts came from the Department of Community Health and the Department of Human Services, two state departments primarily responsible for ensuring adequate health and safety for the state’s destitute citizens.
Additional legislative proposals have called for a fifty-percent cut to the state clothing allowance program, which provides the poorest children in the state with limited funds to purchase clothes prior to the commencement of the new school year; a cut to the state Family Independence Grant program, which provides cash assistance to poor citizens who have no other income; making the 48-month time limit on cash assistance retroactive; cutting the Supplemental Security Income program, which, in part, provides assistance to the elderly and people with disabilities who live independently; and halting full implementation of the Earned Income Tax Credit, which provides a tax break for the working poor who pay a disproportionate amount in payroll taxes.
"We call on all those of good will, especially the Catholic community, to join us in working for the common good and economic justice for all," the Board statement concludes.
Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state. The Conference’s Board of Directors is comprised of Michigan’s seven (arch) diocesan bishops, five laypersons, one priest and one religious sister.
Full Text of Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors’ Statement on State of Michigan Budget:
"As deliberations take place to resolve Michigan’s nearly $3 billion deficit, the Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors calls upon state leaders to overcome divisiveness and to pursue a budget solution that guarantees preferential options for the most needy population.
Speaking on behalf of society’s most vulnerable citizens is a Catholic tradition. We advocate for legislation that protects and defends the dignity of the human person from conception until natural death. The homeless, those without health care, the unemployed, the sick and aged, and all vulnerable persons struggling to survive, are some of those who depend on state programs for their own personal health and safety. We call on Michigan’s elected officials to stand with them by enacting a budget that protects essential needs.
Michigan’s budget must have a moral foundation, one that manifests the priority the state places on providing basic human services through an equitable tax structure and a just distribution of resources. The MCC will continue to advocate this position on behalf of the vulnerable. We call on all those of good will, especially the Catholic community, to join us in working for the common good and economic justice for all."
According to the MCC Board’s statement: "As deliberations take place to resolve Michigan’s nearly $3 billion deficit, the Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors calls upon state leaders to overcome divisiveness and to pursue a budget solution that guarantees preferential options for the most needy population." The statement further reads: "Michigan’s budget must have a moral foundation, one that manifests the priority the state places on providing basic human services through an equitable tax structure and a just distribution of resources."
"The MCC Board of Directors recognizes that Michigan is facing extraordinary challenges and difficult economic times," says Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M., Michigan Catholic Conference President and C.E.O., "but the Board is also saying that the state has a moral obligation to craft a budget that recognizes and protects the programs and services on which thousands of poor and vulnerable citizens rely for health and safety."
The state is facing a combined $2.8 billion budget deficit in its general fund and school aid budgets for the 2009-10 fiscal year. That deficit must be balanced by October 1, according to the Michigan Constitution, otherwise the state will be forced, as it was in 2007, to discontinue temporarily services and programs until revenues are secured.
Michigan Catholic Conference has consistently spoken out against a prevailing "shared pain" approach to balancing the state budget deficit, and has called on legislators to craft a state budget that ensures Michigan’s poorest citizens are protected. Earlier this year the governor proposed, and the Legislature’s appropriations’ committees approved, an Executive Order that cut some $304 million out of the state budget that ends September 30. Over half of those cuts came from the Department of Community Health and the Department of Human Services, two state departments primarily responsible for ensuring adequate health and safety for the state’s destitute citizens.
Additional legislative proposals have called for a fifty-percent cut to the state clothing allowance program, which provides the poorest children in the state with limited funds to purchase clothes prior to the commencement of the new school year; a cut to the state Family Independence Grant program, which provides cash assistance to poor citizens who have no other income; making the 48-month time limit on cash assistance retroactive; cutting the Supplemental Security Income program, which, in part, provides assistance to the elderly and people with disabilities who live independently; and halting full implementation of the Earned Income Tax Credit, which provides a tax break for the working poor who pay a disproportionate amount in payroll taxes.
"We call on all those of good will, especially the Catholic community, to join us in working for the common good and economic justice for all," the Board statement concludes.
Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state. The Conference’s Board of Directors is comprised of Michigan’s seven (arch) diocesan bishops, five laypersons, one priest and one religious sister.
Full Text of Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors’ Statement on State of Michigan Budget:
"As deliberations take place to resolve Michigan’s nearly $3 billion deficit, the Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors calls upon state leaders to overcome divisiveness and to pursue a budget solution that guarantees preferential options for the most needy population.
Speaking on behalf of society’s most vulnerable citizens is a Catholic tradition. We advocate for legislation that protects and defends the dignity of the human person from conception until natural death. The homeless, those without health care, the unemployed, the sick and aged, and all vulnerable persons struggling to survive, are some of those who depend on state programs for their own personal health and safety. We call on Michigan’s elected officials to stand with them by enacting a budget that protects essential needs.
Michigan’s budget must have a moral foundation, one that manifests the priority the state places on providing basic human services through an equitable tax structure and a just distribution of resources. The MCC will continue to advocate this position on behalf of the vulnerable. We call on all those of good will, especially the Catholic community, to join us in working for the common good and economic justice for all."
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