In response to increasing acts of violence, Americans witness and experience a range of emotions. Fear, sadness, anger and mistrust are strongly felt in communities across the country. Each time news emerges of another shooting, whether against law enforcement officers or against civilians, we struggle to process what happened and how to respond. In July,…
In a recent weekly general audience, Pope Francis spoke about children as “the joy of the family and of society.” As a state, Michigan benefits from recognizing and preserving the important role children play in community life. At the end of June, the Michigan Legislature approved and Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law next year’s…
For most people, daily routines revolve around the ability to travel. Typically, decisions about transportation are relatively easy, simply requirin6g a person to jump in the car or walk down the street. For others, especially those without a car or with limited access to public transit, travel decisions are much more difficult. Lack of transportation…
In the document When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women, the U.S. bishops wrote that “violence against another person in any form fails to treat that person as someone worthy of love.” Each person has been made in the image and likeness of God, each deserving of respect, regardless…
This Year of Mercy is an opportunity to reflect on the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of serving others with compassion. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says to his disciples, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” His teaching has wide implications, as each person has a…
The new year has begun as families are settling into post-holiday routines and children return to school. For Michigan families with children in Catholic schools, January also marks the celebration of Catholic Schools Week. The annual event, observed this year from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, highlights the unique contributions of Catholic schools. The theme…
