Welcome to the Catholics for the Common Good - Michigan
Website cfcgm.com
The purpose of Michigan Catholics for the Common Good is
to promote a fuller awareness of the ways in which Catholic
Social Teaching addresses public policy issues,especially
those affecting economic justice. We do this through
research, education,and various programs and events.
We hope you will find here a convenient source of
information, movements, invitations to action on how you
can contribute your part to building the Kingdom of God
here on earth.
Website cfcgm.com
The purpose of Michigan Catholics for the Common Good is
to promote a fuller awareness of the ways in which Catholic
Social Teaching addresses public policy issues,especially
those affecting economic justice. We do this through
research, education,and various programs and events.
We hope you will find here a convenient source of
information, movements, invitations to action on how you
can contribute your part to building the Kingdom of God
here on earth.
CATHOLIC
SOCIAL
TEACHING
SOCIAL
TEACHING
April 16th Press Conference
On Wednesday April 16 a delegation from the Catholic Coalition for budget reform
headed to the State Capitol to protest the Governor's budget proposal especially the
MEIA cuts and the taxation of pensions without discrimination. Among those present
were: Jim Sheehan, Bishop Gumbleton, Sister Canice R.S.M., John and Patricia
Hooper,Bob Deneweth, Tom Kyle, Delphine Palkowski and Tony Kosnik.
Bishop Gumbleton and Sister Canice and Jim gave stirring presentations on the
MEIA and the Bishop was interviewed by Channel 4 and Channel 7. The rest of us
had an opportunity to visit our representatives in their offices and leave our
materials for their perusal. All in all it proved to be a very satisfying experience and
hopefully promoted the cause.
+ Jim Sheehan
Our fearless leader and much respected, Founder and Chairperson of
Michigan Catholics for the Common Good was called Home this past
Friday, September 30, 2011. Jim had worked tirelessly for justice
especially on behalf of the poor and needy. Our prayers and condolences
go out to his wife Beverley McDonald and to their children and to all the
poor and struggling who will miss one of their strongest supporters.
A Mass celebrating Jim's life will be held on Thursday, October 6th
at 6:00 P.M. at Sacred Heart Parish at 1000 Eliot & Mack. A meal will
follow. Bring a dessert if you wish. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests
a contribution to Jim's favorite organization: Michigan Catholics for the
Common Good PO Box 7064 Huntington Woods, MI 48070
Our fearless leader and much respected, Founder and Chairperson of
Michigan Catholics for the Common Good was called Home this past
Friday, September 30, 2011. Jim had worked tirelessly for justice
especially on behalf of the poor and needy. Our prayers and condolences
go out to his wife Beverley McDonald and to their children and to all the
poor and struggling who will miss one of their strongest supporters.
A Mass celebrating Jim's life will be held on Thursday, October 6th
at 6:00 P.M. at Sacred Heart Parish at 1000 Eliot & Mack. A meal will
follow. Bring a dessert if you wish. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests
a contribution to Jim's favorite organization: Michigan Catholics for the
Common Good PO Box 7064 Huntington Woods, MI 48070
We are planning a very special event on Saturday, November 19th, from 1 to 3 p.m. at PEACE LUTHERAN
CHURCH -SOUTHFIELD 17029 W. 13 Mile Rd. (between Greenfield and Southfield). Congressman (Keith
Ellison from Minnesota will speak to us about the struggle in Washington over creating jobs and handling
the budget deficit.
Congressman Ellison has an in-depth knowledge of the issues facing our country. He is also familiar with
Michigan, having grown up in Detroit and graduated from Gesu Grade School and U of D Jesuit High
School. He earned a B.A. in economics from Wayne State and a Juris Doctor at University of Minnesota
Law School. He is the only Muslim in Congress.
We think you will not want to miss this exciting dialogue on the major issues of our times. Also, PLEASE
pass this on to your mailing lists. We have been able to confirm Rep. Ellison two days ago, and the event
is only 2 weeks ahead. And announce the event + post the attached flyer at your meetings.
John Hooper & Tony Kosnik
Co-chairs, MCCG
Bob Deneweth and Ron Aronson make the News!!!
Guest Commentary: What a couple of Grandpas learned at Occupy Detroit!!!
As two suburban grandfathers we went to Grand Circus Park last month Before Occupy
Detroit moved out of its encampment. Painfully aware of not being able to leave a better
world to our children then the one we inherited, we wanted to see what the next generation
was up to.
Many of the occupiers were staying in the park. Others drove in for meetings and
demonstrations. The encampment was clean, well organized and brimming with
enthusiasm. A bit apprehensive about how we would be received, we were welcomed as
full members from the minute we set foot in the park.
It turns out that they were not just some 20-somethings; we found great diversity in age as
well as in race and economic status. Among the occupiers we met were: a health-care
worker from Warren, whose family is barely making it financially; a 43-year old unemployed
construction worker from Downriver; a middle-class health care analyst; a grandmother of
four whose son had lost his home to foreclosure; a 22-year old student at Henry Ford
Community College, and a ex-Navy man, married with a young child and living in the
suburbs.
But if these were the"99%" so were we. This theme has become an identifier and a rallying
cry, announcing the potential strength of the movement, sending a powerful "Join
us" call to almost all Americans.
Why are they angry about the 1%? Here is what we learned:
About 38% of all U.S. stocks are in the hands of 1% of Americans. This same 1% has more
than 40% of the nation's wealth and has captured two-thirds of all economic growth in the
last ten years.
Income for the top 1% has tripled while inflation-adjusted incomes for most Americans have
remained stagnant. The Occupy movement began with Wall Street, which caused a huge
recessin by greedily selling mortgage derivatives that were intended o fail. the government
hen bailed out these financial institutions, which gave huge bonuses to those whose
(mis)management had caused the problem. That was the 1%.
Among the 99%, 250,000 homes in Michigan have been frclosed on since the housing
meltdow began.
the middle class continues to shrink. Labor unions,the most important ingredient in the
growth of the middle class are under continued attack. Midle classjobs are disappearing
with out-sourcing and privatization. More people are forced to work in lower paid, contract
and temporary jobs. Twenty-three percent of Michigan's children now live in poverty. The
list goes on.
So along with most of the rest of is in the 99%, occupiers are justifiably angry. Hopefully,
they are building a community. They are protesting inequality and among themselves are
functioning as equals. Their open democratic practises are a stinging rebuke to our
increasingly hierarchical and undemocratic society. What are their demands? Well, what
are our demands?
Seeing infinite potential rather than "losers" among the 99%, they are pooling their skills in
a hundred different activities. They are building a mass movement to make America better.
And they are inviting us to join them. Whatever happens next, income inequality and the
excessive power of corporations and the wealthy, are part of the national conversation.
They have left Grand Circus Park, but we'll be hearing from them again, -- soon.
Guest Commentary: What a couple of Grandpas learned at Occupy Detroit!!!
As two suburban grandfathers we went to Grand Circus Park last month Before Occupy
Detroit moved out of its encampment. Painfully aware of not being able to leave a better
world to our children then the one we inherited, we wanted to see what the next generation
was up to.
Many of the occupiers were staying in the park. Others drove in for meetings and
demonstrations. The encampment was clean, well organized and brimming with
enthusiasm. A bit apprehensive about how we would be received, we were welcomed as
full members from the minute we set foot in the park.
It turns out that they were not just some 20-somethings; we found great diversity in age as
well as in race and economic status. Among the occupiers we met were: a health-care
worker from Warren, whose family is barely making it financially; a 43-year old unemployed
construction worker from Downriver; a middle-class health care analyst; a grandmother of
four whose son had lost his home to foreclosure; a 22-year old student at Henry Ford
Community College, and a ex-Navy man, married with a young child and living in the
suburbs.
But if these were the"99%" so were we. This theme has become an identifier and a rallying
cry, announcing the potential strength of the movement, sending a powerful "Join
us" call to almost all Americans.
Why are they angry about the 1%? Here is what we learned:
About 38% of all U.S. stocks are in the hands of 1% of Americans. This same 1% has more
than 40% of the nation's wealth and has captured two-thirds of all economic growth in the
last ten years.
Income for the top 1% has tripled while inflation-adjusted incomes for most Americans have
remained stagnant. The Occupy movement began with Wall Street, which caused a huge
recessin by greedily selling mortgage derivatives that were intended o fail. the government
hen bailed out these financial institutions, which gave huge bonuses to those whose
(mis)management had caused the problem. That was the 1%.
Among the 99%, 250,000 homes in Michigan have been frclosed on since the housing
meltdow began.
the middle class continues to shrink. Labor unions,the most important ingredient in the
growth of the middle class are under continued attack. Midle classjobs are disappearing
with out-sourcing and privatization. More people are forced to work in lower paid, contract
and temporary jobs. Twenty-three percent of Michigan's children now live in poverty. The
list goes on.
So along with most of the rest of is in the 99%, occupiers are justifiably angry. Hopefully,
they are building a community. They are protesting inequality and among themselves are
functioning as equals. Their open democratic practises are a stinging rebuke to our
increasingly hierarchical and undemocratic society. What are their demands? Well, what
are our demands?
Seeing infinite potential rather than "losers" among the 99%, they are pooling their skills in
a hundred different activities. They are building a mass movement to make America better.
And they are inviting us to join them. Whatever happens next, income inequality and the
excessive power of corporations and the wealthy, are part of the national conversation.
They have left Grand Circus Park, but we'll be hearing from them again, -- soon.
Michigan Catholics for the Common Good Presents:
A MORATORIUM ON FORECLOSURES?
Are we desperate enough for a plan that worked in the 30s?
A tsunami of foreclosures has swept through metro Detroit as in many areas of the country.
In its wake are disrupted lives, overwhelmed and blighted neighborhoods, declining property
values and an eroded tax base that has led to reductions in city services. How can we respond?
Join us for some answers:
STEVE BABSON
(Chair, People Before Banks)
VANESSA FLUKER
Attorney—specialist in foreclosure/eviction cases
THOMAS HINSBERG
(speaking on Catholic Social Teaching)
Wednesday, May 23rd at 7 p.m.
Our Lady of Fatima Church
at Coolidge and Oak Park Blvd. (9 ½ Mile Rd.)
Oak Park, Michigan