July 27, 2018

	In This Update:
	ACTION NEEDED! Five Days Left to Support the "Protect Life Rule" Participate in National Pro-Life Prayer Effort Starting August 3  USCCB Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Humanae Vitae Primary Election Approaching on August 7

	ACTION NEEDED! Five Days Left to Support the "Protect Life Rule"
	As mentioned in last week's Lansing Update, the Trump Administration recently proposed new regulations to help ensure that abortion is not funded with federal Title X family planning dollars. The Administration has opened a 60-day comment period ending next Tuesday, July 31. Send comments now to the Department of Health and Human Services to support the proposed rule and keep abortion-related activities separate from the Title X family planning program.

	Participate in National Pro-Life Prayer Effort Starting August 3
	Also mentioned in last week's Lansing Update, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy will be retiring next Tuesday, July 31. The announcement-and the opportunity for a new justice to take a seat on the bench-has brought forward much discussion about the future of Roe v. Wade, the decision that allowed for legalized abortion across the U.S.  Starting on Friday, August 3 (one week from today), the U.S. bishops are beginning a nationwide prayer campaign for a change in the Court to move the United States closer to the full legal protection and welcoming of every human life. It will be held every Friday through September 28, 2018, and it will also highlight truths about how Roe v. Wade was a poor ruling and destructive public policy. A few educational resources on Roe v. Wade include: Do You Know Roe? Roe v. Wade Questions and Answers To sign up to receive prayer intentions and reminders by email, click here.

	USCCB Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Humanae Vitae
	This week marked the 50th Anniversary of Blessed Paul VI's papal encyclical, Humanae Vitae, which was published in 1968. Blessed Paul VI's letter promotes the whole human person in the context of marital love that respects both the spiritual and physical dimensions of man and woman. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement for the anniversary: "Fifty years ago, today, Blessed Paul VI issued the Encyclical Humanae Vitae. In it, he reaffirmed the beautiful truth that a husband and wife are called to give themselves completely to each other. Marriage reflects the love of God, which is faithful, generous, and life-giving. Through their vocation, spouses cooperate with God by being open to new human life. Blessed Paul VI, who bore the criticism of Humanae Vitae with charity and patience, courageously affirmed that when we love as God designed, we experience true freedom and joy. He has also been proven correct in his warnings about the consequences of ignoring the true meaning of married love. On this anniversary, I encourage all to read and prayerfully reflect upon this Encyclical, and be open to the gift of its timeless truths." For more information and resources on Humanae Vitae, please visit www.usccb.org/HV50.

	Primary Election Approaching on August 7
	The U.S. bishops' teaching document on political responsibility, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, writes that "every person and association has a right and duty to participate actively in shaping society." In less than two weeks, Michigan voters will have the opportunity to do just that by voting in the August 7 Primary Election. Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. For the Primary Election, there is a partisan section of the ballot. In this section, you may vote for your choices in one party section only-Democratic, Libertarian, or Republican-or else your vote in those races will not be counted. You are not able to "split your ticket," unlike in the November 6 General Election. Take some time to check out what candidates and issues are on your ballot by visiting www.mi.gov/vote. The Catholic Church teaches that Catholics should vote with a well-formed conscience. Learn more about that process here: https://bit.ly/2cb7e3Z.  In preparation for the General Election in November, Michigan Catholic Conference will be publishing materials for Catholics to consider when voting, including information on the statewide ballot proposals. Stay tuned for more information in an upcoming update this fall. If this email was forwarded to you, please click here to join the Catholic Advocacy Network, which will enable you to receive regular electronic updates and alerts. For other news and information, click here to follow MCC on Twitter, like MCC on Facebook, follow MCC on Instagram, or visit MCC's webpage.

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