MCC from the Capitol Sat, 06 Jun 2026 15:26:51 -0400 https://mccfromthecapitol.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 MCC from the Capitol yes 65f540a1-0690-5ac1-95c3-359a05279572 Missouri Catholic Conference episodic false In this podcast produced by the Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC), we will dive deeper into public policy issues from a Catholic perspective.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Missouri Catholic Conference https://storage.buzzsprout.com/ik70b87ma201pvju1gtvoq6b7sv4?.jpg MCC from the Capitol Legislative Round Table - May 29, 2026 Legislative Round Table - May 29, 2026 MCC Executive Director and General Counsel Jamie Morris discusses legislative victories and challenges from the legislative session with Curtis Wichmer, Legislative Counsel, and Dr. Guillermo Villa-Trueba, Hispanic Outreach Manager. 

]]> MCC Executive Director and General Counsel Jamie Morris discusses legislative victories and challenges from the legislative session with Curtis Wichmer, Legislative Counsel, and Dr. Guillermo Villa-Trueba, Hispanic Outreach Manager. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-19260873 Fri, 29 May 2026 14:00:00 -0500 1344 full false Bishop Johnston Pro-Life Homily Bishop Johnston Pro-Life Homily Bishop James V. Johnston of Kansas City-St. Joseph gave the homily for the Midwest March for Life 2026 Mass.

]]> Bishop James V. Johnston of Kansas City-St. Joseph gave the homily for the Midwest March for Life 2026 Mass.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-19108936 Fri, 01 May 2026 10:00:00 -0500 596 full false 2026 Mid-Session Legislative Roundtable 2026 Mid-Session Legislative Roundtable In the latest MCC from the Capitol podcast, Jamie Morris, MCC Executive Director and General Counsel, discusses updates on legislation that the MCC is following with Curtis Wichmer, Legislative Counsel, and Dr. Guillermo Villa-Trueba, Hispanic Outreach Manager. They discuss the hearing on a bill to repeal the death penalty, a bill that would establish the Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act, a bill that would require ID to view pornographic websites, as well as an update on Amendment 3. (Thanks to GovWatch for the death penalty hearing audio clips.)

]]> In the latest MCC from the Capitol podcast, Jamie Morris, MCC Executive Director and General Counsel, discusses updates on legislation that the MCC is following with Curtis Wichmer, Legislative Counsel, and Dr. Guillermo Villa-Trueba, Hispanic Outreach Manager. They discuss the hearing on a bill to repeal the death penalty, a bill that would establish the Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act, a bill that would require ID to view pornographic websites, as well as an update on Amendment 3. (Thanks to GovWatch for the death penalty hearing audio clips.)

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-18918834 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0500 1757 full false Death with Dignity? Death with Dignity? Jamie Morris, MCC Executive Director and General Counsel, spoke with Fr. Peter Fonseca regarding the Catholic Church’s teaching on the dignity of human life and rejecting physician-assisted suicide.

Fr. Peter Fonseca serves as the Director of Continuing Formation for Priests in the Archdiocese of St. Louis while pursuing a PhD in health care ethics at St. Louis University. He has a strong background in health care ethics and was formerly a medical student.

Mr. Morris and Fr. Fonseca discuss the current state of physician-assisted suicide in the U.S. and around the world and what the future of healthcare looks like for the patient and the doctor.

]]> Jamie Morris, MCC Executive Director and General Counsel, spoke with Fr. Peter Fonseca regarding the Catholic Church’s teaching on the dignity of human life and rejecting physician-assisted suicide.

Fr. Peter Fonseca serves as the Director of Continuing Formation for Priests in the Archdiocese of St. Louis while pursuing a PhD in health care ethics at St. Louis University. He has a strong background in health care ethics and was formerly a medical student.

Mr. Morris and Fr. Fonseca discuss the current state of physician-assisted suicide in the U.S. and around the world and what the future of healthcare looks like for the patient and the doctor.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-18880035 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500 1634 full false Legislative Round Table | February 2026 Legislative Round Table | February 2026 Executive Director and General Counsel, Jamie Morris, discusses legislation that the MCC is following with Curtis Wichmer, Legislative Counsel and Dr. Guillermo Villa-Trueba, hispanic Outreach Manager

]]> Executive Director and General Counsel, Jamie Morris, discusses legislation that the MCC is following with Curtis Wichmer, Legislative Counsel and Dr. Guillermo Villa-Trueba, hispanic Outreach Manager

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-18636921 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0600 2103 full false Prison Nursery Offers Moms Healing, Hope, and Redemption Prison Nursery Offers Moms Healing, Hope, and Redemption Missouri is now one of just 10 states in the country with a correctional nursery program.  Before the program’s launch, incarcerated mothers were typically separated from their newborns within 24 to 48 hours after delivery. Infants were usually placed with relatives or sometimes were placed into the foster care system.  This program offers a different path—one grounded in dignity, healing, and the belief in second chances. 

MCC talks with Kim Perkins, nursery program manager at  the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC) in Vandalia. Kim discusses the challenges and successes of the program.

]]> Missouri is now one of just 10 states in the country with a correctional nursery program.  Before the program’s launch, incarcerated mothers were typically separated from their newborns within 24 to 48 hours after delivery. Infants were usually placed with relatives or sometimes were placed into the foster care system.  This program offers a different path—one grounded in dignity, healing, and the belief in second chances. 

MCC talks with Kim Perkins, nursery program manager at  the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC) in Vandalia. Kim discusses the challenges and successes of the program.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-17900874 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0500 2461 full false Catholic Mobilizing Network’s Fight against the Death Penalty Catholic Mobilizing Network’s Fight against the Death Penalty The Missouri Catholic Conference’s Legislative Counsel, Curt Wichmer, recently met with Emmjolee Mendoza-Waters, Director of the Catholic Mobilizing Network’s (CMN) Death Penalty Abolition Program, on the MCC from the Capitol Podcast. Topics of discussion included an outline of CMN’s mission and various efforts to curb the prevalence of capital punishment in the United States, as well as how Missouri stands apart from virtually every other state in the country in its use of judicial override at death penalty sentencing trials.

]]> The Missouri Catholic Conference’s Legislative Counsel, Curt Wichmer, recently met with Emmjolee Mendoza-Waters, Director of the Catholic Mobilizing Network’s (CMN) Death Penalty Abolition Program, on the MCC from the Capitol Podcast. Topics of discussion included an outline of CMN’s mission and various efforts to curb the prevalence of capital punishment in the United States, as well as how Missouri stands apart from virtually every other state in the country in its use of judicial override at death penalty sentencing trials.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-17795748 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0500 2059 full false Immigration Through a Catholic Lens Immigration Through a Catholic Lens Recently, Dr. Guillermo Villa-Trueba, Hispanic Outreach Manager at the MCC, spoke with Dr. Javier Orozco, Executive Director of Human Dignity and Intercultural Affairs for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and Sister Tracey Horan, Associate Director of Education and Advocacy at the Kino Border Initiative, about the different ways in which Catholics can serve our immigrant brothers and sisters.

They shared their experiences at the Southern Border, in pastoral ministry at the archdiocesan level, and in the political arena through lobbying, to provide a broad picture of how the Church advocates for immigrants and refugees in our country.

]]> Recently, Dr. Guillermo Villa-Trueba, Hispanic Outreach Manager at the MCC, spoke with Dr. Javier Orozco, Executive Director of Human Dignity and Intercultural Affairs for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and Sister Tracey Horan, Associate Director of Education and Advocacy at the Kino Border Initiative, about the different ways in which Catholics can serve our immigrant brothers and sisters.

They shared their experiences at the Southern Border, in pastoral ministry at the archdiocesan level, and in the political arena through lobbying, to provide a broad picture of how the Church advocates for immigrants and refugees in our country.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-17717802 Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0500 3505 Immigration full false Judy Henderson, Wrongfully Convicted Judy Henderson, Wrongfully Convicted Judy Henderson is a prominent advocate for criminal justice
reform and women’s rights. She was wrongfully convicted
of murder in 1983 and spent over thirty years in the
Missouri prison system before her release in 2017.
While incarcerated, Judy became a dedicated activist
and outspoken critic of abuses within the prison system.
She led campaigns for legislation to recognize battered
woman syndrome as a legal defense, and she spearheaded
programs to help mothers in prison maintain connections
with their children. Her courageous work earned Judy
broad respect among policymakers, attorneys, and fellow
inmates.

Since her release, Judy has continued her justice reform
advocacy beyond prison walls. She frequently speaks on
panels, gives media interviews, and meets with legislators
to provide insights only possible from her firsthand
experience. Judy also volunteers with groups that support
former inmates’ successful reentry to society.

Her book "When the Light Finds Us: From a Life Sentence to a Life Transformed," can be purchased on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

]]> Judy Henderson is a prominent advocate for criminal justice
reform and women’s rights. She was wrongfully convicted
of murder in 1983 and spent over thirty years in the
Missouri prison system before her release in 2017.
While incarcerated, Judy became a dedicated activist
and outspoken critic of abuses within the prison system.
She led campaigns for legislation to recognize battered
woman syndrome as a legal defense, and she spearheaded
programs to help mothers in prison maintain connections
with their children. Her courageous work earned Judy
broad respect among policymakers, attorneys, and fellow
inmates.

Since her release, Judy has continued her justice reform
advocacy beyond prison walls. She frequently speaks on
panels, gives media interviews, and meets with legislators
to provide insights only possible from her firsthand
experience. Judy also volunteers with groups that support
former inmates’ successful reentry to society.

Her book "When the Light Finds Us: From a Life Sentence to a Life Transformed," can be purchased on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-17667142 Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0500 2267 Criminal Justice full false Legislative Roundtable - End of Session 2025 Legislative Roundtable - End of Session 2025 The Missouri Catholic Conference reviews the 2025 Missouri legislative session. Discussion includes the passage of HJR 73, the demise of the immigration bounty hunter bill, and the passage of safe baby boxes.

]]> The Missouri Catholic Conference reviews the 2025 Missouri legislative session. Discussion includes the passage of HJR 73, the demise of the immigration bounty hunter bill, and the passage of safe baby boxes.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-17216896 Fri, 23 May 2025 15:00:00 -0500 1736 full false Recap 2025 MO Immigration bills Recap 2025 MO Immigration bills With the Missouri General Assembly’s 2025 legislative session ending last week, the MCC is pleased to announce that SB 72 (better known as the Bounty Hunter Bill), SB 58, and other measures that posed a threat to the dignity of immigrants in the state, did not pass and thus will not become laws. The only bill related to immigration that will become a law makes translation and interpretation services for criminal, civil, and juvenile proceedings, payable from state-allocated funds. We thank lawmakers from both parties for listening to the concerns of the Catholic Church and ultimately protecting the dignity of every person in the state of Missouri.

In this video, Dr. Guillermo Villa-Trueba gives a brief recap of the immigration bills of the 2025 legislative session in Spanish (en español).

Visit https://mocatholic.org/podcasts/ for more podcasts and information.

]]> With the Missouri General Assembly’s 2025 legislative session ending last week, the MCC is pleased to announce that SB 72 (better known as the Bounty Hunter Bill), SB 58, and other measures that posed a threat to the dignity of immigrants in the state, did not pass and thus will not become laws. The only bill related to immigration that will become a law makes translation and interpretation services for criminal, civil, and juvenile proceedings, payable from state-allocated funds. We thank lawmakers from both parties for listening to the concerns of the Catholic Church and ultimately protecting the dignity of every person in the state of Missouri.

In this video, Dr. Guillermo Villa-Trueba gives a brief recap of the immigration bills of the 2025 legislative session in Spanish (en español).

Visit https://mocatholic.org/podcasts/ for more podcasts and information.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-17197125 Tue, 20 May 2025 11:00:00 -0500 181 full false Legislative Roundtable March 2025 Legislative Roundtable March 2025 Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-16836972 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0500 1055 full false Legislative Roundtable January 2025 Legislative Roundtable January 2025 The MCC discusses the latest bills and upcoming 2025 legislative session focusing on immigration, criminal justice, child tax credits and abortion.

]]> The MCC discusses the latest bills and upcoming 2025 legislative session focusing on immigration, criminal justice, child tax credits and abortion.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-16541967 Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:00:00 -0600 1401 full false Diocesan Pro-Life Directors talk Amendment 3 Diocesan Pro-Life Directors talk Amendment 3 Curt Wichmer, Legislative Analyst at the MCC, recently spoke with Mary Varni, Director of the Respect Life Apostolate for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Deb Sheppard, Director of the Life and Justice Office for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, and Sister Janine Tran, Respect Life Director for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, about the dangerous and misleading language in Amendment 3. They discuss how miscarriage care will still be provided, that the amendment would prohibit any type of penalty for someone who assists a person in “exercising their right to reproductive freedom,” and how it would open the door to taxpayer funding of abortion.

]]> Curt Wichmer, Legislative Analyst at the MCC, recently spoke with Mary Varni, Director of the Respect Life Apostolate for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Deb Sheppard, Director of the Life and Justice Office for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, and Sister Janine Tran, Respect Life Director for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, about the dangerous and misleading language in Amendment 3. They discuss how miscarriage care will still be provided, that the amendment would prohibit any type of penalty for someone who assists a person in “exercising their right to reproductive freedom,” and how it would open the door to taxpayer funding of abortion.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-15911575 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0500 2548 Abortion full false Gabriel's Retreat Gabriel's Retreat Gabriel's Retreat Ministries helps women find love and support when expecting the unexpected. By meeting women where they are, Gabriel's Retreat provides love and support for them and their families to bring hope and peace in a time of unexpectedness. Participation in their retreats and programs will help women to nurture their faith as beloved daughters of God, grow in community with others, and find joy in motherhood.

https://gabrielsretreat.org/

]]> Gabriel's Retreat Ministries helps women find love and support when expecting the unexpected. By meeting women where they are, Gabriel's Retreat provides love and support for them and their families to bring hope and peace in a time of unexpectedness. Participation in their retreats and programs will help women to nurture their faith as beloved daughters of God, grow in community with others, and find joy in motherhood.

https://gabrielsretreat.org/

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-15707086 Fri, 06 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0500 1268 abortion full false Msgr. Robert Kurwicki, VG, Chaplain to the Missouri House of Representatives Msgr. Robert Kurwicki, VG, Chaplain to the Missouri House of Representatives Msgr. Robert Kurwicki, Vicar General of the Diocese of Jefferson City, talks about his experiences as the Chaplain to the Missouri House of Representatives.

]]> Msgr. Robert Kurwicki, Vicar General of the Diocese of Jefferson City, talks about his experiences as the Chaplain to the Missouri House of Representatives.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-15595730 Fri, 16 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0500 1288 full false The Catholic Church and Annulments The Catholic Church and Annulments The Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Jefferson City, Fr. Brad Berhorst, JCL, JV, discusses annulments on the MCC from the Capitol podcast. Many Catholics confuse civil divorce with the Catholic Church’s declaration of annulment. Fr. Berhorst discusses the differences, what constitutes a valid marriage, reasons that create an impediment to a valid marriage, and the annulment process. 

If you have questions or comments about this subject, please contact communications@mocatholic.org.

]]> The Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Jefferson City, Fr. Brad Berhorst, JCL, JV, discusses annulments on the MCC from the Capitol podcast. Many Catholics confuse civil divorce with the Catholic Church’s declaration of annulment. Fr. Berhorst discusses the differences, what constitutes a valid marriage, reasons that create an impediment to a valid marriage, and the annulment process. 

If you have questions or comments about this subject, please contact communications@mocatholic.org.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-15520624 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0500 1862 full false Healing and Hope after Abortion Healing and Hope after Abortion Chuck and Linda Raymond discuss the lingering pain and guilt felt by women and men after an abortion. This podcast covers how to find healing and hope as individuals and couples and what resources are available through the Catholic church to help those who are wounded by abortion.

You can view a list of resources available by diocese on the Missouri Catholic Conference website at https://mocatholic.org/women-and-families-resources/

]]> Chuck and Linda Raymond discuss the lingering pain and guilt felt by women and men after an abortion. This podcast covers how to find healing and hope as individuals and couples and what resources are available through the Catholic church to help those who are wounded by abortion.

You can view a list of resources available by diocese on the Missouri Catholic Conference website at https://mocatholic.org/women-and-families-resources/

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-15436665 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0500 1827 Abortion full false Bishop Rice Pro-Life Homily Bishop Rice Pro-Life Homily Bishop Edward M. Rice, of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, gave an impassioned homily during Mass at the Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter. The Mass was celebrated at the end of the Midwest March for Life on May 1, 2024, in Jefferson City, Missouri.

]]> Bishop Edward M. Rice, of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, gave an impassioned homily during Mass at the Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter. The Mass was celebrated at the end of the Midwest March for Life on May 1, 2024, in Jefferson City, Missouri.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-15382352 Mon, 08 Jul 2024 17:00:00 -0500 709 Abortion full false Jimmy Akin: Civility and Politics Jimmy Akin: Civility and Politics Jamie Morris, the MCC’s Executive Director and General Counsel, recently spoke to Jimmy Akin about the lack of civility in politics for our MCC from the Capitol podcast.

Mr. Akin is a senior apologist at Catholic Answers and the host of Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World. He is the author of several books including The Bible is A Catholic Book and Teaching with Authority: How to Cut Through Doctrinal Confusion & Understand What the Church Really Says.

Visit Jimmy Akin at:

jimmyakin.com

mysterious.fm

catholic.com

]]> Jamie Morris, the MCC’s Executive Director and General Counsel, recently spoke to Jimmy Akin about the lack of civility in politics for our MCC from the Capitol podcast.

Mr. Akin is a senior apologist at Catholic Answers and the host of Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World. He is the author of several books including The Bible is A Catholic Book and Teaching with Authority: How to Cut Through Doctrinal Confusion & Understand What the Church Really Says.

Visit Jimmy Akin at:

jimmyakin.com

mysterious.fm

catholic.com

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-15251024 Fri, 14 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0500 1663 full false In Vitro Fertilization and Church Teaching In Vitro Fertilization and Church Teaching Missouri Catholic Conference Executive Director and General Counsel, Jamie Morris, talks with Rev. Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. about the ethical concerns and Church teaching on In Vitro Fertilization.

Fr. Pacholczyk earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, and serves as Senior Ethicist at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.

https://www.youtube.com/@FatherTad/videos

https://www.ncbcenter.org/

https://www.fathertad.com/

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Executive Director and General Counsel, Jamie Morris, talks with Rev. Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. about the ethical concerns and Church teaching on In Vitro Fertilization.

Fr. Pacholczyk earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, and serves as Senior Ethicist at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.

https://www.youtube.com/@FatherTad/videos

https://www.ncbcenter.org/

https://www.fathertad.com/

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-15192196 Tue, 04 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0500 2072 IVF full false Abortion Initiative Petition Abortion Initiative Petition Jamie Morris, Executive Director and General Counsel of the Missouri Catholic Conference, talks with Sam Lee of Campaign Life about the status of the Abortion Initiative Petition. Jamie and Sam discuss in depth how the petition would enshrine abortion in the Missouri Constitution, allow abortion through all nine months of pregnancy, allow any healthcare provider, such as a dentist or doula, to perform an abortion, and eliminate protections for women who have an abortion.

]]> Jamie Morris, Executive Director and General Counsel of the Missouri Catholic Conference, talks with Sam Lee of Campaign Life about the status of the Abortion Initiative Petition. Jamie and Sam discuss in depth how the petition would enshrine abortion in the Missouri Constitution, allow abortion through all nine months of pregnancy, allow any healthcare provider, such as a dentist or doula, to perform an abortion, and eliminate protections for women who have an abortion.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-14836290 Fri, 05 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0500 1655 Abortion full false New Wave Feminists New Wave Feminists Destiny Herndon-De La Rosa talks with MCC, Executive Director, Jamie Morris, about New Wave Feminists and their advocacy for the vulnerable. New Wave Feminists is a pro-(all) Life feminist organization, that believe every human being should live a life free from violence, from the womb to the tomb.

]]> Destiny Herndon-De La Rosa talks with MCC, Executive Director, Jamie Morris, about New Wave Feminists and their advocacy for the vulnerable. New Wave Feminists is a pro-(all) Life feminist organization, that believe every human being should live a life free from violence, from the womb to the tomb.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-14429164 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0600 1628 full false The Real Presence in the Eucharist The Real Presence in the Eucharist Bishop Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City/St. Joseph discusses the importance of the real presence of Jesus Christ being truly present in the Holy Eucharisst.

]]> Bishop Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City/St. Joseph discusses the importance of the real presence of Jesus Christ being truly present in the Holy Eucharisst.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-13837410 Tue, 24 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0500 1150 4 7 full false Catholic Teaching on the Death Penalty Catholic Teaching on the Death Penalty Bishop Edward Rice, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, and MCC lobbyist Curt Wichmer discuss the history of the Catholic teaching on the death penalty and how the principle of double effect interacts with capital punishmentʼs validity, in this episode of MCC from the Capitol. 

]]> Bishop Edward Rice, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, and MCC lobbyist Curt Wichmer discuss the history of the Catholic teaching on the death penalty and how the principle of double effect interacts with capital punishmentʼs validity, in this episode of MCC from the Capitol. 

]]> Buzzsprout-13345787 Fri, 04 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0500 1493 4 6 full false Guns and Domestic Violence Guns and Domestic Violence MCC Executive Director Jamie Morris sits down with Jessica Woolbright, Executive Director of the Saint Martha’s domestic violence center in St. Louis, and Deacon Tyler McClay, Director of Advocacy at Catholic Charities of St. Louis, to discuss the impact of guns in domestic violence situations, federal and state legislation, and the upcoming gun violence summit.

]]> MCC Executive Director Jamie Morris sits down with Jessica Woolbright, Executive Director of the Saint Martha’s domestic violence center in St. Louis, and Deacon Tyler McClay, Director of Advocacy at Catholic Charities of St. Louis, to discuss the impact of guns in domestic violence situations, federal and state legislation, and the upcoming gun violence summit.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-13008354 Fri, 09 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0500 1951 4 5 full false MCC Legislative Roundtable May 2023 MCC Legislative Roundtable May 2023 MCC Executive Director Jamie Morris sits down to discuss which MCC priority bills passed during the 2023 legislative session and which did not. To see the complete MCC 2023 End of Session report, click here.

]]> MCC Executive Director Jamie Morris sits down to discuss which MCC priority bills passed during the 2023 legislative session and which did not. To see the complete MCC 2023 End of Session report, click here.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-12928294 Fri, 26 May 2023 18:00:00 -0500 1364 4 5 full false MCC Legislative Roundtable March 2023 MCC Legislative Roundtable March 2023 In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, the Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) lobbyists give an update on the first half of the Missouri legislative session. We discuss child care and adoption tax credits, postpartum care, campus religious liberty, and more.

]]> In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, the Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) lobbyists give an update on the first half of the Missouri legislative session. We discuss child care and adoption tax credits, postpartum care, campus religious liberty, and more.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-12510231 Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:00:00 -0500 1406 4 4 full false MCC Legislative Roundtable February 2023 MCC Legislative Roundtable February 2023 In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, the Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) lobbyists discuss the happenings of the early 2023 Missouri legislative session. The team converses school choice, postpartum care, and criminal justice reform.

]]> In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, the Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) lobbyists discuss the happenings of the early 2023 Missouri legislative session. The team converses school choice, postpartum care, and criminal justice reform.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-12268980 Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:00:00 -0600 1560 4 3 full false Answering the Call to a Sacred Ministry (Foster Care) Answering the Call to a Sacred Ministry (Foster Care) Dr. Michael Meehan is the CEO of Marygrove, a child welfare agency near St. Louis that helps children, teens and young adults learn how to transcend an abusive past or overcome other life challenges and move toward a brighter future. In this episode, he discusses how individuals and parishes can get involved in supporting youth and foster families. 

]]> Dr. Michael Meehan is the CEO of Marygrove, a child welfare agency near St. Louis that helps children, teens and young adults learn how to transcend an abusive past or overcome other life challenges and move toward a brighter future. In this episode, he discusses how individuals and parishes can get involved in supporting youth and foster families. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-12225662 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0600 1065 4 2 full false God's Timing: A Foster Mother's Story God's Timing: A Foster Mother's Story Have you ever wondered what the foster parent process looks like? Hear one mom’s journey about feeling called to foster and eventually adopt a group of siblings. Shelly Sconce discusses the surprises and rewards of expanding her family in this episode of MCC from the Capitol. 

]]> Have you ever wondered what the foster parent process looks like? Hear one mom’s journey about feeling called to foster and eventually adopt a group of siblings. Shelly Sconce discusses the surprises and rewards of expanding her family in this episode of MCC from the Capitol. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-12225643 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0600 615 4 1 full false Faithful Citizenship Faithful Citizenship Bishop Shawn McKnight (Diocese of Jefferson City) discusses  how Catholics can form their consciences in order to answer the Church’s call to faithful citizenship. 

]]> Bishop Shawn McKnight (Diocese of Jefferson City) discusses  how Catholics can form their consciences in order to answer the Church’s call to faithful citizenship. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-11458017 Fri, 07 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0500 1308 3 11 full false Consistent Life Ethic Consistent Life Ethic Aimee Murphy, a Catholic, describes why she created Rehumanize International, a nonpartisan, secular organization dedicated to bringing an end to all aggressive violence against humans. 

]]> Aimee Murphy, a Catholic, describes why she created Rehumanize International, a nonpartisan, secular organization dedicated to bringing an end to all aggressive violence against humans. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-11458010 Fri, 07 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0500 1844 3 10 full false Immigration and The Church Immigration and The Church Marie Kenyon, attorney and director of the Peace and Justice Commission for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, details her experience at the border and explains how Catholics are called to support immigrants and the law. 

]]> Marie Kenyon, attorney and director of the Peace and Justice Commission for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, details her experience at the border and explains how Catholics are called to support immigrants and the law. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-11457899 Fri, 07 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0500 1557 3 9 full false History of Catholic Education History of Catholic Education Mike Hoey, former director of the Missouri Catholic Conference, explains the history of the Blaine Amendment in Missouri and how its anti-Catholic language kick-started the MCC’s role in defending Catholic education at the capitol. 

]]> Mike Hoey, former director of the Missouri Catholic Conference, explains the history of the Blaine Amendment in Missouri and how its anti-Catholic language kick-started the MCC’s role in defending Catholic education at the capitol. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-11457888 Fri, 07 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0500 1514 3 8 full false Biodiesel’s Impact on Climate Change Biodiesel’s Impact on Climate Change Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels Alliance America, headquartered in Jefferson City, discusses the impact biodiesel fuel has on the environment, public health, and the state of Missouri. 

]]> Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels Alliance America, headquartered in Jefferson City, discusses the impact biodiesel fuel has on the environment, public health, and the state of Missouri. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-11457873 Fri, 07 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0500 1083 3 7 full false The Pro-Life Movement Post-Roe The Pro-Life Movement Post-Roe Carter Snead, law professor and director of the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture at the University of Notre Dame, and Jamie Morris, legislative counsel for the MCC, discuss the significance of the Court’s decision in Dobbs and what is next for the pro-life movement in this episode of MCC from the Capitol podcast.

]]> Carter Snead, law professor and director of the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture at the University of Notre Dame, and Jamie Morris, legislative counsel for the MCC, discuss the significance of the Court’s decision in Dobbs and what is next for the pro-life movement in this episode of MCC from the Capitol podcast.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-11064408 Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:00:00 -0500 2503 3 6 full false Missouri Rolls Out School Choice Scholarship Program Missouri Rolls Out School Choice Scholarship Program The Missouri Treasurer’s office is rolling out the new Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) program, passed into law in 2021, that allows qualifying students to apply for a scholarship to attend a private or other qualifying school. Guests Jeremy Lillig from the Bright Futures Fund and Nicolette Gibson from MoCAPE dive into the program, how it works, and what it means for the students in your life.

]]> The Missouri Treasurer’s office is rolling out the new Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) program, passed into law in 2021, that allows qualifying students to apply for a scholarship to attend a private or other qualifying school. Guests Jeremy Lillig from the Bright Futures Fund and Nicolette Gibson from MoCAPE dive into the program, how it works, and what it means for the students in your life.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-10731418 Fri, 03 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0500 2046 3 5 full false MCC Legislative Roundtable May 2022 MCC Legislative Roundtable May 2022 What happened – and what didn’t happen – in Jefferson City during the 2022 legislative session? Find out by listening to the Missouri Catholic Conference’s latest legislative roundtable episode of MCC from the Capitol, MCC's podcast. Be sure to let us know how much you enjoyed the podcast by giving it a rating afterward.

]]> What happened – and what didn’t happen – in Jefferson City during the 2022 legislative session? Find out by listening to the Missouri Catholic Conference’s latest legislative roundtable episode of MCC from the Capitol, MCC's podcast. Be sure to let us know how much you enjoyed the podcast by giving it a rating afterward.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-10691877 Fri, 27 May 2022 07:00:00 -0500 1808 3 4 full false MCC Legislative Roundtable March 2022 MCC Legislative Roundtable March 2022 What happened – and what didn’t happen – in Jefferson City during the first nine weeks of the 2022 legislative session? Find out by listening to the Missouri Catholic Conference’s latest legislative roundtable episode of MCC from the Capitol, MCC's podcast. Be sure to let us know how much you enjoyed the podcast by giving it a rating afterward.

]]> What happened – and what didn’t happen – in Jefferson City during the first nine weeks of the 2022 legislative session? Find out by listening to the Missouri Catholic Conference’s latest legislative roundtable episode of MCC from the Capitol, MCC's podcast. Be sure to let us know how much you enjoyed the podcast by giving it a rating afterward.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-10317462 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500 1673 3 3 full false MCC Legislative Roundtable February 2022 MCC Legislative Roundtable February 2022 In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, the three Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) lobbyists discuss the happenings of the early 2022 Missouri legislative session along with the MCC's public policy priorities. The team converses about increasing the minimum wage for state employees, bitter divisions regarding the new congressional map, and parental rights in education.

]]> In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, the three Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) lobbyists discuss the happenings of the early 2022 Missouri legislative session along with the MCC's public policy priorities. The team converses about increasing the minimum wage for state employees, bitter divisions regarding the new congressional map, and parental rights in education.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-10052153 Thu, 10 Feb 2022 15:00:00 -0600 2006 3 2 full false "A Tragic Illusion" ~ A Catholic Perspective on the Death Penalty "A Tragic Illusion" ~ A Catholic Perspective on the Death Penalty Few issues are as morally challenging for Catholics as the death penalty. Since capital punishment was re-instated in 1976, the United States has executed 1,536 individuals. Missouri, with 91 executions, is in the top five states resorting to capital punishment. While support for the death penalty has steadily decreased over the years, the majority of Americans favor it. But what does the Catholic Church teach about capital punishment? Exonerated Death Row Prisoner Joe Amrine and one of the members of the jury that convicted him, Deacon Larry Hildebrand, share their incredible stories of faith and forgiveness in this podcast.



]]> Few issues are as morally challenging for Catholics as the death penalty. Since capital punishment was re-instated in 1976, the United States has executed 1,536 individuals. Missouri, with 91 executions, is in the top five states resorting to capital punishment. While support for the death penalty has steadily decreased over the years, the majority of Americans favor it. But what does the Catholic Church teach about capital punishment? Exonerated Death Row Prisoner Joe Amrine and one of the members of the jury that convicted him, Deacon Larry Hildebrand, share their incredible stories of faith and forgiveness in this podcast.



]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-10012149 Fri, 04 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0600 2966 3 1 full false Breaking Down the Glasgow Climate Conference Breaking Down the Glasgow Climate Conference The world’s leaders recently met in Glasgow, Scotland to discuss climate change and to reassess the agreements set out in the 2015 Paris climate Accord.  The meeting ended with the attendees agreeing to a new “pact” to continue addressing global climate changes.  Dr. Benjamin de Foy, Professor of Atmospheric Science at St. Louis University, joins the podcast to discuss what was accomplished in Glasgow and how the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount offer Catholics a Biblical lens through which to view this important issue. 

]]> The world’s leaders recently met in Glasgow, Scotland to discuss climate change and to reassess the agreements set out in the 2015 Paris climate Accord.  The meeting ended with the attendees agreeing to a new “pact” to continue addressing global climate changes.  Dr. Benjamin de Foy, Professor of Atmospheric Science at St. Louis University, joins the podcast to discuss what was accomplished in Glasgow and how the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount offer Catholics a Biblical lens through which to view this important issue. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-9607425 Wed, 24 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0600 3276 2 13 full false A 300-Year-Old Church in a 200-Year-Old State A 300-Year-Old Church in a 200-Year-Old State Catholics and the Catholic Church have been present in the Midwest since before Missouri was officially recognized as a state. History records that the Church in Europe sent priests and religious to the New World as missionaries to bring the faith to native peoples and to establish schools and parishes for Catholic settlers. Monsignor Robert Kurwicki of the Diocese of Jefferson City, who currently serves as Chaplain to the Missouri House of Representatives in Jefferson City, joins the podcast to discuss the rich and interesting history of the Catholic Church in Missouri.

]]> Catholics and the Catholic Church have been present in the Midwest since before Missouri was officially recognized as a state. History records that the Church in Europe sent priests and religious to the New World as missionaries to bring the faith to native peoples and to establish schools and parishes for Catholic settlers. Monsignor Robert Kurwicki of the Diocese of Jefferson City, who currently serves as Chaplain to the Missouri House of Representatives in Jefferson City, joins the podcast to discuss the rich and interesting history of the Catholic Church in Missouri.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-9212953 Fri, 24 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0500 3163 2 12 full false A Closer Look at Refugee Resettlement in Mid-Missouri A Closer Look at Refugee Resettlement in Mid-Missouri Central Missouri has been a safe harbor for people seeking refuge from wars and natural disasters for several decades, and the Catholic Church has been active in their settlement. Though the number of refugees admitted to the U.S. varies from year to year, the ministry to those hoping to find a new home continues. Dan Lester, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO), and Samantha Moog, CCCNMO Director of Refugee Services, offer their expertise and perspective on this important ministry of the Church.


]]> Central Missouri has been a safe harbor for people seeking refuge from wars and natural disasters for several decades, and the Catholic Church has been active in their settlement. Though the number of refugees admitted to the U.S. varies from year to year, the ministry to those hoping to find a new home continues. Dan Lester, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO), and Samantha Moog, CCCNMO Director of Refugee Services, offer their expertise and perspective on this important ministry of the Church.


]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-9212946 Fri, 24 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0500 2451 2 11 full false The Future of Abortion Law After Dobbs v. Jackson The Future of Abortion Law After Dobbs v. Jackson In May of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case that challenges the constitutionality of a 2018 Mississippi law banning abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy with few exceptions. A ruling by the Supreme Court that the law is constitutional could upend its own landmark decisions in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Tom Buckley, in-house General Counsel for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and Bill Francis, Director of the Respect Life and Human Rights Office for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, join the podcast to discuss what the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs could mean for Missouri. 

]]> In May of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case that challenges the constitutionality of a 2018 Mississippi law banning abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy with few exceptions. A ruling by the Supreme Court that the law is constitutional could upend its own landmark decisions in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Tom Buckley, in-house General Counsel for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and Bill Francis, Director of the Respect Life and Human Rights Office for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, join the podcast to discuss what the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs could mean for Missouri. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-9212887 Fri, 24 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0500 2723 2 10 full false Catholic Healthcare in the 21st Century Catholic Healthcare in the 21st Century Catholic healthcare institutions work tirelessly to provide faith-based healthcare to the people of Missouri. They also offer employment opportunities for healthcare workers seeking to practice their profession in accord with their Catholic faith. MCC Public Policy members Jared Bryson, Vice President of Mission and Church Relations for Mercy Health, and Chris Baechle, Chief Executive Officer for Cardinal Ritter Senior Services in St. Louis, discuss how their employers carry on this work in the current legal and regulatory environment influenced by an increasingly secular culture and society. 

]]> Catholic healthcare institutions work tirelessly to provide faith-based healthcare to the people of Missouri. They also offer employment opportunities for healthcare workers seeking to practice their profession in accord with their Catholic faith. MCC Public Policy members Jared Bryson, Vice President of Mission and Church Relations for Mercy Health, and Chris Baechle, Chief Executive Officer for Cardinal Ritter Senior Services in St. Louis, discuss how their employers carry on this work in the current legal and regulatory environment influenced by an increasingly secular culture and society. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-9212830 Fri, 24 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0500 2669 2 9 full false Denouncing the Dred Scott Decision Denouncing the Dred Scott Decision During the 2021 legislative session, the Missouri General Assembly unanimously voted to denounce the 1852 Missouri Supreme Court decision which denied Dred and Harriett Scott freedom from slavery.  Joyce Jones, MCC Public Policy Committee Chairwoman, and Monsignor Michael Witt, Professor of Church History at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, join the podcast to discuss this historic vote along with other historic examples of systemic racial injustice, which continue to impact people of color today. 

]]> During the 2021 legislative session, the Missouri General Assembly unanimously voted to denounce the 1852 Missouri Supreme Court decision which denied Dred and Harriett Scott freedom from slavery.  Joyce Jones, MCC Public Policy Committee Chairwoman, and Monsignor Michael Witt, Professor of Church History at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, join the podcast to discuss this historic vote along with other historic examples of systemic racial injustice, which continue to impact people of color today. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-9212822 Fri, 24 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0500 3634 2 8 full false The Affordable Housing Crisis in Missouri The Affordable Housing Crisis in Missouri Like many states, Missouri faces a shortage of affordable housing.  Military veterans, low-wage earners, families, the physically and mentally disabled and the elderly all struggle to find an affordable place to live. How do federal and state low-income tax credit programs help to encourage developers to build housing for those in need?  Meleah Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of The Kitchen, and Becky Selle, co-founder of Sustainable Housing Solutions, LLC, join the podcast to discuss how they utilize these tax credits in their efforts to provide low-income housing solutions in Springfield, MO. 

]]> Like many states, Missouri faces a shortage of affordable housing.  Military veterans, low-wage earners, families, the physically and mentally disabled and the elderly all struggle to find an affordable place to live. How do federal and state low-income tax credit programs help to encourage developers to build housing for those in need?  Meleah Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of The Kitchen, and Becky Selle, co-founder of Sustainable Housing Solutions, LLC, join the podcast to discuss how they utilize these tax credits in their efforts to provide low-income housing solutions in Springfield, MO. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-9212793 Fri, 24 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0500 2662 2 7 full false MCC Talks 2020-2021 U.S. Supreme Court Term MCC Talks 2020-2021 U.S. Supreme Court Term In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, MCC Executive Director Tyler McClay discusses Fulton v. Philadelphia  with Lance Kinzer of the First Amendment Partnership, and MCC lobbyist Jamie Morris joins in to discuss Sanchez v. Mayorkas, an immigration case, along with the decision on the Affordable Care Act.

]]> In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, MCC Executive Director Tyler McClay discusses Fulton v. Philadelphia  with Lance Kinzer of the First Amendment Partnership, and MCC lobbyist Jamie Morris joins in to discuss Sanchez v. Mayorkas, an immigration case, along with the decision on the Affordable Care Act.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-9049007 Mon, 23 Aug 2021 08:00:00 -0500 3296 2 6 full false MCC Legislative Roundtable June 2021 MCC Legislative Roundtable June 2021 Looking for more inside news about the 2021 legislative session? In the latest episode of MCC from the Capitol, our lobbyists discuss the surprises, setbacks, and successes of this year's Missouri legislative session. 

]]> Looking for more inside news about the 2021 legislative session? In the latest episode of MCC from the Capitol, our lobbyists discuss the surprises, setbacks, and successes of this year's Missouri legislative session. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-8681612 Thu, 10 Jun 2021 16:00:00 -0500 1734 2 5 full false The Equality Act & Gender Ideology from a Catholic Perspective with guest Mary Hasson The Equality Act & Gender Ideology from a Catholic Perspective with guest Mary Hasson In the latest episode of MCC from the Capitol, MCC Executive Director Tyler McClay talks with Mary Hasson about the Equality Act and gender ideology. During this episode, Tyler and Mary discuss these very sensitive issues from a Catholic perspective, providing an understanding and a way forward for the faithful who may know someone struggling with gender confusion. Mary also weighs in on the Equality Act, and the impact it would have on religious organizations and individuals if it were to pass.

Mary Hasson bio: Mary Hasson, JD, is the Kate O’Beirne Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., where she also directs the Catholic Women’s Forum, a network of Catholic professional women and scholars seeking to amplify the voice of women in support of Catholic teachings. An attorney and policy expert, Mary advises legislators and faith-based organizations, including the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, for whom she consults. Mary is the co-author of two books on education and editor of Promise and Challenge: Catholic Women Reflect on Feminism, Complementarity, and the Church. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law School, Mary and her husband are the parents of seven adult children. 

]]> In the latest episode of MCC from the Capitol, MCC Executive Director Tyler McClay talks with Mary Hasson about the Equality Act and gender ideology. During this episode, Tyler and Mary discuss these very sensitive issues from a Catholic perspective, providing an understanding and a way forward for the faithful who may know someone struggling with gender confusion. Mary also weighs in on the Equality Act, and the impact it would have on religious organizations and individuals if it were to pass.

Mary Hasson bio: Mary Hasson, JD, is the Kate O’Beirne Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., where she also directs the Catholic Women’s Forum, a network of Catholic professional women and scholars seeking to amplify the voice of women in support of Catholic teachings. An attorney and policy expert, Mary advises legislators and faith-based organizations, including the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, for whom she consults. Mary is the co-author of two books on education and editor of Promise and Challenge: Catholic Women Reflect on Feminism, Complementarity, and the Church. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law School, Mary and her husband are the parents of seven adult children. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-8542090 Tue, 18 May 2021 10:00:00 -0500 3390 2 4 full false MCC Legislative Roundtable March 2021 MCC Legislative Roundtable March 2021 In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, the MCC lobbyists discuss the happenings of the first half of the 2021 Missouri legislative session, including which MCC public policy priority bills are moving—with a focus on the areas of criminal justice and pro-life—how legislators are (or aren't) working together on select bills, and insights into what the second half of the session may bring. We hope you enjoy this episode of MCC from the Capitol!

]]> In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, the MCC lobbyists discuss the happenings of the first half of the 2021 Missouri legislative session, including which MCC public policy priority bills are moving—with a focus on the areas of criminal justice and pro-life—how legislators are (or aren't) working together on select bills, and insights into what the second half of the session may bring. We hope you enjoy this episode of MCC from the Capitol!

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-8212471 Thu, 25 Mar 2021 16:00:00 -0500 1459 2 3 full false MCC Talks COVID-19 Vaccines with Bishop McKnight and Dr. Keith Starke MCC Talks COVID-19 Vaccines with Bishop McKnight and Dr. Keith Starke In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, MCC Executive Director Tyler McClay talks COVID-19 vaccines with Bishop McKnight of the Diocese of Jefferson City, and Dr. Keith Starke, internist and Senior Advisor, Office of Clinical Excellence at Mercy.

Bishop McKnight and Dr. Starke answer common questions about the COVID-19 vaccines from both a Catholic and medical perspective, shining light on the truths and misconceptions about these vaccines, from their connections to morally-compromised cell lines, efficacy, safety, and more. 

To learn even more about these vaccines from a Catholic perspective, see the Winter 2021 edition of MCC Messenger. 

]]> In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, MCC Executive Director Tyler McClay talks COVID-19 vaccines with Bishop McKnight of the Diocese of Jefferson City, and Dr. Keith Starke, internist and Senior Advisor, Office of Clinical Excellence at Mercy.

Bishop McKnight and Dr. Starke answer common questions about the COVID-19 vaccines from both a Catholic and medical perspective, shining light on the truths and misconceptions about these vaccines, from their connections to morally-compromised cell lines, efficacy, safety, and more. 

To learn even more about these vaccines from a Catholic perspective, see the Winter 2021 edition of MCC Messenger. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-7681363 Thu, 04 Feb 2021 14:00:00 -0600 2402 2 2 full false MCC Legislative Roundtable January 2021 MCC Legislative Roundtable January 2021 In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, the three Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) lobbyists discuss the happenings of the early 2021 Missouri legislative session, including the governor's inauguration and early bill filings, along with the MCC's public policy priorities. In addition, the team converses about political rhetoric, the attack on the Capitol, and navigating our polarized political arena. They also share a preview of an upcoming episode of MCC from the Capitol with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines.

]]> In this episode of MCC from the Capitol, the three Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) lobbyists discuss the happenings of the early 2021 Missouri legislative session, including the governor's inauguration and early bill filings, along with the MCC's public policy priorities. In addition, the team converses about political rhetoric, the attack on the Capitol, and navigating our polarized political arena. They also share a preview of an upcoming episode of MCC from the Capitol with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-7415815 Fri, 22 Jan 2021 13:00:00 -0600 1604 2 1 full false Civilize It: A Call for Civility in an Era of Outrage Civilize It: A Call for Civility in an Era of Outrage Our political discourse has become increasingly rancorous and bitter. Spend any time on social media or watching the news and it is apparent that we are living in an era of outrage. The U.S. bishops began a campaign last year to restore civility to our public and political discourse called Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate. Join MCC staff members and newly-appointed Archbishop of St. Louis Mitchell Rozanski as they discuss civility and how it can lead to more respectful dialogue as we enter the remaining weeks of the 2020 Presidential election season.

]]> Our political discourse has become increasingly rancorous and bitter. Spend any time on social media or watching the news and it is apparent that we are living in an era of outrage. The U.S. bishops began a campaign last year to restore civility to our public and political discourse called Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate. Join MCC staff members and newly-appointed Archbishop of St. Louis Mitchell Rozanski as they discuss civility and how it can lead to more respectful dialogue as we enter the remaining weeks of the 2020 Presidential election season.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-5700424 Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:00:00 -0500 1548 1 7 full false Welcoming the Stranger: An Introduction to Missouri’s Immigrant Community Welcoming the Stranger: An Introduction to Missouri’s Immigrant Community Pope Francis has made the plight of refugees, migrants, and immigrants a focus of his pontificate, speaking frequently about the need for people of faith to offer assistance to those fleeing war, persecution and economic desperation.  In this podcast, we invite listeners to hear the stories of recent immigrants to the U.S. from Mexico and Central America through the work of Deacon Enrique Castro, director of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Jefferson City, and Javier Orozco, executive director of Human Dignity and Intercultural Affairs for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. 


]]> Pope Francis has made the plight of refugees, migrants, and immigrants a focus of his pontificate, speaking frequently about the need for people of faith to offer assistance to those fleeing war, persecution and economic desperation.  In this podcast, we invite listeners to hear the stories of recent immigrants to the U.S. from Mexico and Central America through the work of Deacon Enrique Castro, director of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Jefferson City, and Javier Orozco, executive director of Human Dignity and Intercultural Affairs for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. 


]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-5698279 Thu, 01 Oct 2020 14:00:00 -0500 2543 1 6 full false Preserving Catholic Education Preserving Catholic Education Our parish schools play a critical role in helping to form our Catholic young people. Yet, challenges abound for parents seeking to provide a Catholic education for their children, especially when teaching and learning must be done remotely. Join Dr. Erin Vader, Superintendent for Catholic schools in the diocese of Jefferson City, and Nicolette Gibson, Executive Director for the Missouri Council of American Private Education as they discuss the challenges faced this past year for educators and parents alike.

]]> Our parish schools play a critical role in helping to form our Catholic young people. Yet, challenges abound for parents seeking to provide a Catholic education for their children, especially when teaching and learning must be done remotely. Join Dr. Erin Vader, Superintendent for Catholic schools in the diocese of Jefferson City, and Nicolette Gibson, Executive Director for the Missouri Council of American Private Education as they discuss the challenges faced this past year for educators and parents alike.

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-5697985 Thu, 01 Oct 2020 14:00:00 -0500 2111 1 5 full false Religious Liberty in the Age of COVID-19 Religious Liberty in the Age of COVID-19 Vatican II proclaimed that religious liberty lays its foundation in the dignity of the human person, and that no one should be compelled to act in a manner that violates his/her conscience.  But are their limits to this liberty that people of faith must accept for the common good?  Bishop Mark Rivituso, Auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and Tom Buckley, General Counsel for the Archdiocese, discuss the Church’s response to the recent government shutdowns due to the COVID pandemic. 

]]> Vatican II proclaimed that religious liberty lays its foundation in the dignity of the human person, and that no one should be compelled to act in a manner that violates his/her conscience.  But are their limits to this liberty that people of faith must accept for the common good?  Bishop Mark Rivituso, Auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and Tom Buckley, General Counsel for the Archdiocese, discuss the Church’s response to the recent government shutdowns due to the COVID pandemic. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-5697472 Thu, 01 Oct 2020 13:00:00 -0500 2220 1 4 full false The Demographic Question: What to Expect When No One is Expecting The Demographic Question: What to Expect When No One is Expecting For decades, we were warned of overpopulation and its attendant problems: food shortages, environmental damage, and mass deaths. However, statistics show that worldwide birth rates have been steadily decreasing for the last 50 years and by mid-century, the world’s population is expected to begin to shrink. How did we get here, and what steps can be taken to reverse this trend? Jonathan V. Last, executive editor at The Bulwark and author of What to Expect When No One’s Expecting, America’s Coming Demographic Disaster, joins us to discuss the economic, cultural, and political effects of a shrinking population. 

]]> For decades, we were warned of overpopulation and its attendant problems: food shortages, environmental damage, and mass deaths. However, statistics show that worldwide birth rates have been steadily decreasing for the last 50 years and by mid-century, the world’s population is expected to begin to shrink. How did we get here, and what steps can be taken to reverse this trend? Jonathan V. Last, executive editor at The Bulwark and author of What to Expect When No One’s Expecting, America’s Coming Demographic Disaster, joins us to discuss the economic, cultural, and political effects of a shrinking population. 

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-5697190 Thu, 01 Oct 2020 13:00:00 -0500 2791 1 3 full false The Racialization of America: A Conversation about Race The Racialization of America: A Conversation about Race The senseless death of George Floyd reveals that we still have much work to do in this country to address racism. How can we address the racism of our past and the systemic racism that continues to exist in the present?  Guests Joyce Jones, program director for racial harmony for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and Jeff Schulenberg, facilitator of the social justice commission at Sacred Heart parish in Valley Park discuss the seminar they offer parishes called “The Racialization of America.”

]]> The senseless death of George Floyd reveals that we still have much work to do in this country to address racism. How can we address the racism of our past and the systemic racism that continues to exist in the present?  Guests Joyce Jones, program director for racial harmony for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and Jeff Schulenberg, facilitator of the social justice commission at Sacred Heart parish in Valley Park discuss the seminar they offer parishes called “The Racialization of America.”

]]> Missouri Catholic Conference Buzzsprout-5696572 Thu, 01 Oct 2020 13:00:00 -0500 2571 1 2 full false Medicaid Expansion in Missouri Medicaid Expansion in Missouri In this episode, we chat with Tamara Kenny, Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement at Catholic Charities of St. Louis, and Brock Ingmire, Director of State Policy & Advocacy for Ascension Health, about Medicaid expansion in Missouri. Missourians will vote on Medicaid expansion (Amendment 2) on August 4, 2020.

For more information on Medicaid expansion, please visit our resources page at mocatholic.org

]]> In this episode, we chat with Tamara Kenny, Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement at Catholic Charities of St. Louis, and Brock Ingmire, Director of State Policy & Advocacy for Ascension Health, about Medicaid expansion in Missouri. Missourians will vote on Medicaid expansion (Amendment 2) on August 4, 2020.

For more information on Medicaid expansion, please visit our resources page at mocatholic.org

]]> Jessica Buzzsprout-4227440 Thu, 18 Jun 2020 15:00:00 -0500 1819 1 1 full false