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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260506T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260506T203000
DTSTAMP:20260506T071155
CREATED:20260306T174225Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T165946Z
UID:231482-1778092200-1778099400@grcic.org
SUMMARY:Together in Christ: Skills for Strengthening Community
DESCRIPTION:A Four‑Part “Deep Dive” for Parish Volunteers and Lay Leaders on Wednesdays in May\, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. \nMay 6\, 13\, 20\, 27 \nParticipate onsite or online \nPre-registration required \nThe life of a parish depends on the gifts\, generosity\, and faith of its people. Whether you serve on a parish pastoral council\, volunteer in a ministry\, participate in a small group\, or simply feel drawn to support your parish in new ways\, this four‑week series is designed to help you grow in confidence\, skills\, and spiritual grounding. \nRooted in the Gospel and the Church’s call to synodality\, each session explores practical tools for strengthening community life and working together in the spirit of Christ. Participants may attend the full series or select individual sessions. \nThis series is offered as part of the Leadership Formation Institute for Missionary Disciples at the Catholic Information Center.  \nWeek 1: Collaboration: Working Together in Christ\nDiscover habits and practices that foster shared mission\, teamwork\, and a culture of co‑responsibility—essentials for vibrant parish life. Presented by: Robert Siegel \nWeek 2: Intercultural Communication: Building Bridges Across Cultures\nOur parishes are increasingly diverse. This session introduces tools for communicating across cultural boundaries with humility\, curiosity\, and Christ‑centered hospitality. Presented by: Father Stephen Dudek \nWeek 3: Conflict Resolution: Navigating Differences with Grace\nExplore how conflict can be part of God’s work of transformation. Learn about personal conflict styles\, strategies for healthy communication\, and ways to seek understanding rather than division. Presented by: Dr. David Weinandy \nWeek 4: Fostering Communion: Listening\, Empathy\, and Synodal Leadership\nLearn the core skills of synodal ministry: deep listening\, empathy\, and respectful dialogue. Explore ways to cultivate belonging\, unity\, and spiritual communion within parish life. \nHospitality & Format – Sessions meet onsite at the Catholic Information Center and are also available online.\nDinner is served at 6:00 p.m. for in‑person participants. \nRegistration – All are welcome. Parish groups are encouraged to attend. \nRegister Here
URL:https://grcic.org/event/together-in-christ-skills-for-strengthening-community/
LOCATION:Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom\, 360 Division Ave S\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260506T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260506T203000
DTSTAMP:20260506T071155
CREATED:20260408T170117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T170115Z
UID:231510-1778092200-1778099400@grcic.org
SUMMARY:Partnering with Parents
DESCRIPTION:A Four‑Part “Deep Dive” for Parish Volunteers and Lay Leaders on Wednesdays in May\, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. \nMay 6\, 13\, 20\, 27 \nParticipate onsite or online \nPre-registration required \nParents are the first and most influential faith educators of their children. Yet today many feel isolated\, uncertain\, or overwhelmed by the task of raising children in a complex world. At the same time\, parish leaders and staff carry a growing sense of urgency – and often fatigue – around how best to accompany families beyond traditional programs.  \nPartnering with Parents begins from a simple but transformative conviction: the way forward is together.  \nThis series invites lay leaders\, parish staff\, and parents themselves to reimagine ministry not to families\, but with parents – as partners in forming the next generation of missionary disciples . Grounded in Catholic vision\, pastoral realism\, and practices of listening and outreach\, the series creates space to wrestle honestly with today’s challenges while cultivating practical hope.  \nParticipants will explore the cultural and ecclesial context shaping family life today\, reflect on the Christian vision of the family\, and learn concrete approaches for accompaniment – including with families on the margins.   \nThis training is not about adding “one more program.” It is about deepening trust\, affirming gifts\, and strengthening shared responsibility for a faith that truly matters – now and for the next generation.  \nThis series is offered as part of the Leadership Formation Institute for Missionary Disciples at the Catholic Information Center.  \nWeek 1: Building Strong Catholic Families – Presented by Kristina Beers \nWeek 2: Christian Vision of Family Life “101” – 4 truths of the family – Presented by Dobie Moser \nWeek 3: Ministry on the margins – accompanying hurting families –  Presented by Debbie Gonzles \nWeek 4: Generative Listening – Presented by Christine Taylor \nHospitality & Format – Sessions meet onsite at the Catholic Information Center and are also available online.\nDinner is served at 6:00 p.m. for in‑person participants. \nRegistration – All are welcome. Parish groups are encouraged to attend. \nRegister Here
URL:https://grcic.org/event/partnering-with-parents/
LOCATION:Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom\, 360 Division Ave S\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260506T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260506T203000
DTSTAMP:20260506T071155
CREATED:20260413T133045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T165839Z
UID:231517-1778092200-1778099400@grcic.org
SUMMARY:Bereavement Care Series
DESCRIPTION:A Four‑Part “Deep Dive” for Parish Volunteers and Lay Leaders on Wednesdays in May\, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. \nMay 6\, 13\, 20\, 27 \nParticipate onsite or online \nPre-registration required \nThe Catholic Information Center’s Bereavement Care series offers a compassionate and faith-filled approach to supporting those who are grieving. Sessions will explore the significance of the Catholic Funeral Liturgy\, providing insight into its rituals and pastoral care. Participants will also learn about grief care\, gaining an understanding of the emotional and spiritual journey of mourning. Practical guidance will be offered on organizing a parish ministry\, equipping attendees with the tools to establish and sustain bereavement support within their communities. Additionally\, the series will cover strategies and best practices in bereavement ministry\, helping parish leaders accompany the grieving with empathy and faith. Designed to equip lay people with the skills and knowledge to organize bereavement care in your parish. \nThis series is offered as part of the Leadership Formation Institute for Missionary Disciples at the Catholic Information Center.  \nWeek 1: Catholic Funeral liturgy – Presented by: Father Chris Rouech \nWeek 2: Grief Care – Presented by Cami Beecroft-Mann \nWeek 3: Organizing Parish Ministry – Presented by: Rebecca Chicklon \nWeek 4: Pastoral Care Practices in Bereavement Care Ministry – Presented by: Beth Dake \nHospitality & Format – Sessions meet onsite at the Catholic Information Center and are also available online.\nDinner is served at 6:00 p.m. for in‑person participants. \nRegistration – All are welcome. Parish groups are encouraged to attend. \nRegister Here
URL:https://grcic.org/event/bereavement-care-series-2/
LOCATION:Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom\, 360 Division Ave S\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260506T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260506T203000
DTSTAMP:20260506T071155
CREATED:20260421T201529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T170734Z
UID:231535-1778092200-1778099400@grcic.org
SUMMARY:Sharing Our Faith Through Story
DESCRIPTION:A Four‑Part “Deep Dive” for Parish Volunteers and Lay Leaders on Wednesdays in May\, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. \nMay 6\, 13\, 20\, 27 \nParticipate onsite or online \nPre-registration required \nYour Story\, Our Story\, His Story\nSharing Faith Through Story is a four-week evangelization process that helps participants recognize\, name\, and share how God is at work in their lives. Through guided reflection\, prayer\, and conversation\, participants learn simple and approachable steps for sharing their faith with family members\, parishioners\, neighbors\, and coworkers in natural and authentic ways. \nThis program is rooted in the understanding that faith is most often shared through relationship and story. By reflecting on our own experiences\, listening to the stories of our families and parishes\, and grounding ourselves in the story of Jesus\, participants gain confidence to speak about their faith with clarity\, humility\, and hope. \nSharing Faith Through Story equips participants to witness to the Gospel not through argument or pressure\, but through authentic storytelling\, relationship\, and love. It is an accessible and welcoming pathway for parishioners who desire to share their faith with confidence and joy in everyday life. Presented by: Mary Martin \nThis series is offered as part of the Leadership Formation Institute for Missionary Disciples at the Catholic Information Center.  \nWeek 1: Understanding Your Own Story \nParticipants reflect on their personal journey of faith and the moments\, people\, and experiences that have shaped their relationship with God. This week focuses on learning to recognize God’s presence in everyday life and articulating that story in simple language. \nWeek 2: Understanding Our Story \nThis session explores the faith journey of our families and our parish community. Participants reflect on shared traditions\, struggles\, and graces\, and how faith has been lived and passed on through relationships and community life. \nWeek 3: Understanding His Story \nParticipants deepen their understanding of the story of Jesus and reflect on how his life\, death\, and resurrection continue to impact their own lives\, their families\, and the world today. This week connects our personal and communal stories to the larger story of salvation. \nWeek 4: Sharing Our Story with Others \nThe final session focuses on practical and gentle ways to share faith with others. Participants learn easy steps for faith conversations\, how to listen well\, and how to respond with respect and compassion\, trusting the Holy Spirit to do the work of transformation. \nHospitality & Format – Sessions meet onsite at the Catholic Information Center and are also available online.\nDinner is served at 6:00 p.m. for in‑person participants. \nRegistration – All are welcome. Parish groups are encouraged to attend. \nRegister Here
URL:https://grcic.org/event/sharingourfaith/
LOCATION:Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom\, 360 Division Ave S\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://grcic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Sharing-our-Story-EVENT-400-x-240-px.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260609T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260609T113000
DTSTAMP:20260506T071155
CREATED:20260409T192424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T131437Z
UID:231514-1780999200-1781004600@grcic.org
SUMMARY:55Plus Series: Show Me the Public Money
DESCRIPTION:Attend in-person or online \nTaxpayer dollars are meant to shape the future of our communities. In Kent County\, major public investments are being made in private and quasi‑public developments such as the Acrisure Amphitheater\, the Amway Soccer Stadium\, and the Three Towers. Yet often these decisions have been made with limited public discussion or meaningful community input. \nCatholic social teaching insists that public resources exist for the common good\, especially for those most vulnerable\, and that decisions about economic life must respect human dignity\, solidarity\, and subsidiarity. When public money is used without transparency or broad participation\, we have a moral responsibility to ask difficult questions: Who benefits? Who bears the cost? What kind of community are we becoming? \nThis presentation will explore how public financing works\, why community voices are important in decision‑making\, and how people of faith can engage constructively and effectively. Rooted in Catholic social doctrine and civic responsibility\, Show Me the Public Money proposes participation in local decision‑making not as partisan activity\, but as a faithful expression of discipleship and care for the common good. \nBob Sadowski is a representative of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew parish community engaged in the work of Together West Michigan. \nRegister Here
URL:https://grcic.org/event/55plus-series-show-me-the-public-money/
LOCATION:Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom\, 360 Division Ave S\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:55 Plus Series
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