News Release: Michigan Political History Society to Celebrate Michigan Catholic Conference’s 40th Anniversary

(LANSING)—Michigan Catholic Conference announced today that the Michigan Political History Society will gather to honor 40 years of the Conference’s advocacy by celebrating A Vision, A Voice, A Presence: A History of the First Forty Years of the Michigan Catholic Conference, the recently published history book of the organization. The event will take place Friday, October 28^th at the Conference’s location at 510 South Capitol Avenue in Lansing.

“This gathering of the Michigan Political History Society is a testament to the hard work and devotion of all those who have been employed by the Michigan Catholic Conference since its inception some 40 years ago,” said Michigan Catholic Conference President and Chief Executive Officer Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M. “It is also important to preserve historical foundations and institutional knowledge in order to deepen our sense of mission and value.”

Following an informal lunch at 11:45 a.m. the program will commence at 12:15 p.m., with a welcome and introduction from Mr. Kevin Kelly, President of the Michigan Political History Society. Sister Kostielney and Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Mr. Paul Long will also welcome the attendees.

“It is an honor for the Michigan Political History Society to celebrate with Sister Monica Kostielney 40 years of Michigan Catholic Conference advocacy and service to the people of Michigan,” said Mr. Kelly, who also serves as executive director of the Michigan State Medical Society.

Following the welcome and introduction, Sister Maxine Kollasch, I.H.M., writer of A Vision, A Voice, A Presence, will reflect upon the challenges and excitement she faced while composing the book. Also featured in the program is Mr. Richard Dowling, J.D., Executive Director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, who will examine the Michigan Catholic Conference from a national perspective. Mr. Long will then conduct an open forum with the Michigan Political History Society members and guests before Mr. Tom Farrell, Mr. Joe Garcia, J.D., and Mr. John Pirich, J.D., offer an historical analysis of the Conference. Closing remarks are scheduled for 1:15 p.m.

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

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