MCC from the Capitol

Latest Episodes:

Immigration Through a Catholic Lens Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

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.

Judy Henderson, Wrongfully Convicted Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

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.

Legislative Roundtable - End of Session 2025 May 23, 2025

Show notes

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.

Recap 2025 MO Immigration bills May 20, 2025

Show notes

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.

Legislative Roundtable March 2025 Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

Legislative Roundtable January 2025 Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

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

Diocesan Pro-Life Directors talk Amendment 3 Oct 11, 2024

Show notes

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.

Gabriel's Retreat Sep 06, 2024

Show notes

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/

Msgr. Robert Kurwicki, VG, Chaplain to the Missouri House of Representatives Aug 16, 2024

Show notes

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

The Catholic Church and Annulments Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected