January 2026
Dear Friends,
As we journey into a new year, the quiet stillness of winter invites us into reflection, prayer, and renewed commitment to the life of the Church. While the world often urges us to rush forward with resolutions and expectations, the Church gently calls us to begin the year by lingering with the mystery of Christ made manifest among us. In this season, marked by the celebrations of the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord, we are reminded that our faith begins not with our own striving, but with God’s loving initiative.
January is a month rich in meaning for the Church. We celebrate saints such as St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. John Neumann, and St. Francis de Sales – men and women who responded to God’s call in the ordinary circumstances of their lives. Their witness reminds us that holiness is not reserved for a few, but is woven into daily fidelity, thoughtful study, and acts of charity.
This new year also invites us to consider the Church’s mission in our own time and place. In a world marked by division, uncertainty, and spiritual hunger, the need for places of encounter, learning, and prayer is profound. Here in Grand Rapids, the Catholic Information Center exists to meet that need – to be a welcoming space where questions are honored, faith is deepened, and Christ is encountered through the richness of the Catholic tradition.
On the back page, you will learn about two upcoming activities at the CIC this month. We are also offering training for lay leaders and sessions on hope and the journey with Christ. There is something for everyone.
Let this January be a time of renewal for all of us. Whether we find ourselves gathered with family, walking through snow-covered streets, studying Scripture, or sitting quietly in prayer, may we rediscover the steady light of Christ that guides us forward.
As this new year unfolds, know how grateful we are for your continued support of the Catholic Information Center. Together, may we open our hearts anew to God’s work among us and become instruments of His light in the year ahead.
Blessings,
Fr. Mike Cruickshank, CSP
Associate Director
Events & Programs
55Plus: Hope Beyond the Jubilee
Tuesday, January 13
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Attend onsite or online
Although the Jubilee Year of Hope concluded on Jan. 6, its message endures: “Hope does not disappoint.” Hope is more than a theme; it is a virtue to be lived every day.
Join us for this panel presentation by pilgrims who journeyed to Rome for the Jubilee. They will share their experiences and offer insights on practicing hope in ordinary life. Be inspired to embrace hope as a guiding light in every season of life.
This presentation is part of the 55plus Series, exploring spirituality and vitality in the second half of life.
Road to the Well: Dignity, Identity, Purpose
Wednesday, January 21
7 – 8:30 pm
Attend onsite or online
The Theology of the Body West Michigan presents the first in the series, “Road to the Well: Discovering our Identity, Dignity, and Purpose.”
Join Melissa Krupp, co-founder of The Abundant Catholic, podcaster, writer, and Catholic Couples Mentor, as she shares her conversion story – when she recognized Christ’s presence in her life in learning about God’s plan for Creation.
Cosponsored by the Catholic Information Center and HELP Pregnancy Aid.
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