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Home  / News & Publications /  Michigan Catholic News / 2008 /  Celebrating the Catholic Church's contribution to the Common Good

Published October 3, 2008

My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord:

As I continue my monthly columns on various aspects of the history of our local Church during this anniversary year, since October is dedicated to Respect Life, I would like to focus on the contributions the Church has made to improve the common good. In particular, I will reflect on our voice and presence in the shaping of public policy here in our state of Michigan.

Our History of Servant Leadership

The occasion of an anniversary provides us a reason to review how we have been proclaiming the Gospel in such a way that it truly permeates every aspect of society. Here in the Archdiocese, we can take great pride in the fact that we have always been a strong partner with government, business, and other religious groups, in working for the strengthening of the social fabric of our state. From the very beginning of our city and metro area, the Catholic Church has always been a strong voice on behalf of the rights and needs of the least of our brothers and sisters, particularly the young, the chronically ill and disabled, and immigrants.

Even before we became a diocese in 1833, the priests who were ministering here had a very strong conviction that their ministry necessarily included a commitment to care for all social needs. For example, Fr. Gabriel Richard gave great energy and leadership toward improving education and healthcare, even to the point of dying from cholera, the same disease that was affecting his parishioners. Throughout the decades, the Church has always been in the forefront of providing social services as people have had to deal with the struggle for their daily bread, a desire for access to quality education and healthcare, just employment, and adequate housing. One hundred seventy-five years later, the Catholic Church is still a vital presence in every aspect of the social service sector of our six counties.

Creating a Culture of Life

In earlier columns, I have already reflected on our social service outreach; this month I wish to focus on the leadership the Church has provided in helping to shape the public debate and form our public policies. We can certainly look to Gabriel Richard, frontier congressman and co-founder of the University of Michigan, as a model and guide. Over the decades, different issues have come to the forefront of public debate according to the circumstance of the times. A perennial issue has been the right of people to choose a parochial education. Through every season, the Church has never wavered in proclaiming and affirming the dignity of human life from the first moment of conception until natural death. In union with others of good will, we worked to bring an end to abortion and to prevent legalized euthanasia or so-called mercy killing. Even now, we are preparing for this November's election, fighting against embryonic stem cell research. We have joined with others in coalitions working for the best possible policies with regard to the rights of migrants and immigrants and have sought to bring an end to racism, prejudice, and social discrimination and injustices.

The Michigan Catholic Conference

Forty-five years ago, under the leadership of Cardinal John Dearden, the bishops of Michigan decided to bring their voices together, convinced that "a united Catholic voice would bring its economic and social justice message to the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state and federal government." And so, the Michigan Catholic Conference was born. Over these past 45 years, the Conference has grown and matured. From its beginning, the Conference has always involved competent lay and religious leadership along side the diocesan bishops of the state as we have articulated a common vision and raised a voice of advocacy for life in the halls of our state capital. I would like to take the occasion of this column to publicly acknowledge the tireless leadership of Sr. Monica Kostielney, RSM, who has served as President and CEO of the Michigan Catholic Conference for a quarter century. She and her staff have truly helped me and the other bishops to proclaim the Gospel of Life in a very compelling and realistic way.

This month of October, as we prepare for the election where we will make many critical choices for the future, it is good for us to remember the past with gratitude and to renew our commitment to live according to the principles of Catholic social teaching as outlined in the beautiful cherry wood bas relief created by Mr. Bataille of France, something which now hangs in the central lobby of the Michigan Catholic Conference.

Living the Gospel of Life

Finally, I want to put my remarks within a wider context and perspective. The Church most powerfully proclaims the Gospel of Life and shapes public policy as parents bring forth life and raise their families according to the ways of faith. The words and wisdom of faith-filled politicians and religious leaders is truly significant and makes a difference, but in the end, the witness, prayer and self-sacrifice of every Christian makes an enduring and irreplaceable impact on the common good. Your own words and example, your commitment to marriage vows and family, the way you offer to the Lord your daily struggles and your daily prayers are all powerful means for sustaining the Church's mission on behalf of social justice. You also advance the Church's teaching on the dignity of life by the way you exercise good stewardship and as you take the time to make informed decisions at the time of election. I especially commend and thank those who go even further – dedicating time and talent to study the justice and life issues of the day and get involved in the many noble programs that work to promote the dignity of every life and the well-being of all. May we live the Beatitudes of the Lord Jesus even as our ancestors in the faith have done so lovingly. May we pass on to the next generation a world well prepared for the coming of Christ's Kingdom, a Kingdom of truth, justice, love and peace.

Sincerely yours in the Lord,

†Adam Cardinal Maida
Archbishop of Detroit

This month of October, as our nation prepares for Election Day 2008, it is good for us to reflect on the way the Church has been a voice and presence in shaping public policy within our state.  In our efforts, we have built on the seven principles of Catholic social teaching: 

1. The life and dignity of the human person.
2. Our call to family, community, and participation.
3. The balance of rights and responsibilities of all in seeking the common good.
4. An option for the poor and the most vulnerable.
5. Affirming the rights of workers and the dignity of work.
6. Recognizing our solidarity and vital need for life together.
7. A care for God's creation. 

These themes you will see evidenced in the wooden etching which accompanies this month's prayer theme.  Please note also that the etching was deliberately done in a circular fashion, reminding us of the ongoing flow of the service we render in the name of the Lord Jesus and in communion with Him and one another.

Heavenly Father, you sent your only Son into the world to proclaim the Good News and to embody the Gospel of Life through His healing ministry and His Death-Resurrection.

As He preached Good News to the poor, release to prisoners, and proclaimed a year of favor, in this, our anniversary year, strengthen us in our commitment to continue to proclaim the Gospel of Life and to prepare the world for the coming of the Kingdom of Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.  Amen.