An Evening in December: A Weary World Rejoices
2025-12-01 06:30 - 20:30 (America/Detroit) | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for this community-wide event of meaningful dialogue, prayer, and reflection as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.
This year’s theme invites us to acknowledge the weariness many feel in today’s world – and to rediscover the hope and renewal that Advent offers. Reconnect with the promise of joy that comes even in difficult times.
Whether you come seeking peace, connection, or simply a moment to pause, Evening in December is a welcoming place to begin your Advent journey.
All are welcome.
Hosted at the Catholic Information Center. Co-sponsored by Bethlehem Lutheran, Cathedral of Saint Andrew, First United Methodist, and Westminster Presbyterian.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Community Service Center at Westminster Presbyterian – a new initiative to provide a warming center in collaboration with downtown area churches and Degage.
Register Here

Stations of the Crèche: A Journey Through the Nativity
2025-12-07 15:00 - 16:30 | All Saints Parish, Fremont Michigan, 500 Iroquois Dr, Fremont, MI, 49412, United States
All Saints Parish, 500 Iroquois Dr, Fremont, Michigan 49412
In-person only
Step into the heart of the Christmas story in this contemplative and immersive experience where we are invited to walk with the Holy Family through the mystery of the Incarnation. Inspired by the tradition of the Stations of the Cross, this program reimagines the journey to Bethlehem through a series of prayerful stations – each one illuminating moments of hope, struggle, and God’s presence. From the Annunciation to the Flight into Egypt, each station includes Scripture, reflection, and visual storytelling that connect the birth of Christ to our lives today.
Presented by Mark Mann, director of programs and institutes for the Catholic Information Center.
Register

Women of Vision: Exploring the Lives and Legacies of Women in the Catholic Tradition
2025-12-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Attend onsite or online
Suggested donation: $20 per event
“Without the generous contribution of many women, the history of Christianity would have developed very differently.”
— Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, Feb. 14, 2007
This fall, we invite you to join us for Women of Vision, a monthly series that celebrates the lives, gifts, and spiritual contributions of women throughout Catholic history. They shaped the Church and the world around them, building a legacy of resilience, vision, and innovation. They mirror for us our missionary discipleship at the service of the world today.
Each month, one of our featured presenters will reflect on the lives of three women in the Catholic tradition, highlighting the historical context and the gifts that they expressed through their leadership – gifts that are still needed today.
Two weeks following each presentation, participants are invited to gather in a Wisdom Circle for a small group experience of prayer and reflection on the presentation. Multiple scheduling options are available.
Featured Presenters
September 3, 2025 – Sister Barbara E. Reid, O.P., Ph.D., a Dominican Sister of Grand Rapids, is the President of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and the Carroll Stuhlmueller Distinguished Professor of New Testament Studies. She is also General Editor for the Wisdom Commentary Series, a new 58-volume feminist commentary on the Bible published by Liturgical Press. Sister Barbara received a Master of Arts from Aquinas College and her Ph.D. from Catholic University of America. Dr. Reid will guide us through the lives of some of the earliest disciples of Jesus named in the New Testament.
October 1, 2025 – Bronwen McShea, Ph.D. is a historian, writer, and speaker, and she is the author of three books, including Women of the Church: What Every Catholic Should Know (2024). She writes a column for The Pillar and has contributed reviews and essays to The Wall Street Journal, First Things, America Magazine, and many other periodicals. She has furthermore held research and teaching positions at Loyola University Chicago, Columbia University, the University of Nebraska Omaha, Princeton University, and several other institutions. She holds a Ph.D. in History from Yale University and an M.T.S. in the History of Christianity from Harvard University, where she also completed her undergraduate studies. She is based in New York City, not far from her hometown of Cornwall in the Hudson Valley. Dr. McShea will offer her reflection on the lives of women from the middle ages.
November 6, 2025 – Dr. Shannen Dee Williams is Associate Professor of History at the University of Dayton. She is an award-winning scholar of the African American experience and Black Catholicism with research and teaching specializations in women’s, religious, and Black freedom movement history. Dr. Williams holds a B.A. in history with magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa honors from Agnes Scott College, a M.A. in Afro-American studies from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and Ph.D. in history from Rutgers University. A lifelong Catholic, Dr. Williams authored the award-winning column, The Griot’s Cross, for the Catholic New Service from 2020 to 2022. Dr. Williams will share her insights on the women religious of the 18th and 19th centuries.
RESCHEDULED TO Tuesday, December 9, 2025 – Patricia Cooney-Hathaway Ph.D. is a professor of spirituality and systematic theology and the chairperson of the licentiate in sacred theology degree committee at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, where she has worked since 1987. She is the author of the award-winning book Weaving Faith and Experience. She also serves as the associate editor of Human Development Magazine. Dr. Cooney-Hathaway will offer her reflections on women of the modern era.

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Wisdom Circles: A Space for Reflection and Growth
Two weeks after each presentation, participants are invited to gather in Wisdom Circles. These small group sessions are designed to deepen your experience and offer the space to:

Pray together

Share insights and personal reflections

Explore how the stories of these women illuminate your own God-given gifts

Multiple scheduling options will be offered each month based on participant interest and availability. Whether you’re seeking spiritual nourishment, community, or discernment, the Wisdom Circles are a place to grow in faith and understanding.
Facilitators:
Cami Beecroft-Mann, trauma informed spiritual director and certified grief care specialist.
Barbara Conklin, marriage preparation coordinator for St. Peter’s parish in Douglas.
Mary Martin, program coordinator for the CIC Leadership Formation Institute.
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With Gratitude

This series is made possible through the generous support of a grant from the Paulist Mission Advancement Office. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to fostering spiritual formation and affirming the leadership of women in the Church today.

Register

Stations of the Crèche: A Journey Through the Nativity
2025-12-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1200 Alpine Church Rd, Comstock Park, 49321, United States
Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1200 Alpine Church Rd. Comstock Park MI 49321
In-person only
Step into the heart of the Christmas story in this contemplative and immersive experience where we are invited to walk with the Holy Family through the mystery of the Incarnation. Inspired by the tradition of the Stations of the Cross, this program reimagines the journey to Bethlehem through a series of prayerful stations – each one illuminating moments of hope, struggle, and God’s presence. From the Annunciation to the Flight into Egypt, each station includes Scripture, reflection, and visual storytelling that connect the birth of Christ to our lives today.
Presented by Mark Mann, director of programs and institutes for the Catholic Information Center.
Register Here

55Plus Series - Stations of the Crèche: A Journey Through the Nativity
2025-12-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Attend onsite or online
Suggested donation $15-25
Step into the heart of the Christmas story in this contemplative and immersive experience where we are invited to walk with the Holy Family through the mystery of the Incarnation. Inspired by the tradition of the Stations of the Cross, this program reimagines the journey to Bethlehem through a series of prayerful stations – each one illuminating moments of hope, struggle, and God’s presence. From the Annunciation to the Flight into Egypt, each station includes Scripture, reflection, and visual storytelling that connect the birth of Christ to our lives today.
This presentation is part of the 55 Plus Series, exploring spirituality and vitality in the second half of life.
Presented by Mark Mann, director of programs and institutes for the Catholic Information Center.
Register Here

55 Plus Series: Hope Beyond the Jubilee
2026-01-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Attend in person or online.
Although the Jubilee Year of Hope concludes on January 6, its message, “Hope does not disappoint” endures. Hope is more than a theme; it is a virtue to be lived every day. Join us for this panel presentation of pilgrims who journeyed to Rome for the Jubilee. They will share their experiences of pilgrimage 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 55 Plus Series, exploring spirituality and vitality in the second half of life.
Register

2026 Vibrant Parish Summit
2026-01-14 18:00 - 20:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
6:00–8:30 PM (Dinner served)
The Vibrant Parish Summit is an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and renew our shared commitment to lay leadership and vibrant parish life in the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
What to expect:

Share in stories of impact from the 2025 LFI cohorts – lay leaders sharing their journey of formation and mission.
Learn about parish ministry projects that are making a difference in local communities.
Take the next steps for those discerning participation in the 2026 cohort.

More than a presentation, the summit is a space for dialogue, encounter, and community. We hope you’ll join us and bring someone from your parish who might benefit from this experience.
Please RSVP on or before January 7, 2026.
Register Here

Road to the Well: Dignity, Identity, Purpose
2026-01-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Discovering Our Path to Jesus and the Eucharist
Rediscover the joy of being fully known and loved by God. Explore how the encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well (John 4) reveals our own path of conversion and deep relationship with him. Through the lens of Theology of the Body and the wisdom of St. John Paul II, we’ll uncover how our faith calls us to become a truly Eucharistic people – rooted in love, renewal, and communion.
January 21: Dignity, Identity, Purpose: What Gives Us Purpose

Melissa Krupp, co-founder of The Abundant Catholic, podcaster, writer, and Catholic Couples Mentor, will share her conversion story when she recognized Christ’s presence in her life in learning about God’s plan for Creation.

February 25: Dignity, Identity, Purpose: You are Seen

Veronica Quintino-Aranda, a TOB Institute Certified Trainer, MSW, and Spiritual Director, will present how God sees us as His beloved children of God as Jesus saw the Woman at the Well.

March 18: Dignity, Identity, Purpose: Jesus’ Redeeming Love Transforms Us

Barbara Scott, Spiritual Director and Master Catechist, will lead us in a reflection on Jesus’ loving redemption as part of God’s plan for Creation, culminating in the Eucharist, which in turns transforms us to participate in His plan.

Series Hosted at the Catholic Information Center, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, 7-8:30 p.m. Attend online or onsite.
All presentations will be available in English and Spanish. Please indicate your language preference when registering.
Sponsored by: Catholic Information Center, HELP Pregnancy Aid, and Theology of the Body West Michigan.
Register

55Plus - Broken Mary: Finding Grace in Brokenness
2026-02-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Attend on site or online
Suggested donation $25
A modern Marian miracle: How a broken statue becomes the means of conversion and a ministry of mercy.
Most Marian stories are rooted in ancient apparitions or centuries-old devotions. Kevin Matthews shows how the Blessed Mother still reaches out to people today, even in a city alley next to a dumpster. That moment led to a powerful journey of faith and hope. No one is too broken to be loved. Discover how grace can be found in unexpected places. Told with Matthews’ signature good humor, this confession of the brokenness of mankind is touchingly honest, personally inspiring, and full of hope.
Kevin Matthews is a Chicago radio legend whose impersonations, pranks, and comedy brought entertainment to millions. Many in Grand Rapids will remember his time as a DJ on WLAV. When his health crumbled and his fame began to fade, Matthews discovered redemption next to a dirty dumpster. Broken Mary is Matthews’ story of his early years in radio and stand-up comedy, his successful career, his struggle with MS, and, most importantly, his divine encounter with a broken statue of Mary that changed his life – and countless others.
This presentation is part of the 55plus Series – exploring spirituality and vitality in the second half of life.
Register Here

La Alegria Del Evangelio (Papa Francisco)
2026-02-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Saint Francis de Sales, 171 W 13th St, Holland, 49523, United States
12 y 19 de febrero
19:00-20:30 h
Asista presencialmente o en línea
Presentación en la parroquia de San Francisco de Sales en 171 West 13th St, Holland, MI.
Donación sugerida de $20 por evento y persona
Después de vivir el año jubilar “peregrinos de la esperanza” quiero que retomemos la exhortación apostólica del Papa Francisco “La alegría del Evangelio” (Evangelii Gaudium). La instauración del reino de Dios es el centro de la predicación de Jesus que nos lleva de fe, esperanza y amor.
En un mundo lleno de retos fue muy importante de reflexionar en la esperanza que viene de Dios. Estamos llamados a vivir y compartir la alegría del encuentro con Jesucristo con todos los demás. Esta alegría viene del encuentro con el resucitado, nos libera de la tristeza y del pecado. Llenos de esperanza participemos en la nueva evangelización.
“Alégrense en la esperanza, muestren paciencia en el sufrimiento, perseveren en la oración” (Romanos 12:12)
Regístrate aquí

Finding Inner Peace in a Noisy World – The Power of Silence
2026-02-15 15:00 - 16:30 | All Saints Parish, Fremont Michigan, 500 Iroquois Dr, Fremont, MI, 49412, United States
Attend in-person at All Saint Parish in Fremont
In the sacred season of Lent, we are invited to slow down and listen – not just to words, but to the silence where God speaks most clearly. It is where the soul finds rest, where prayer deepens, and where we reconnect with God.
Presented by Mark Mann, ofs, director of programs and institutes for the Catholic Information Center.
For additional information, contact Shannon Suida at 231-231-670-4856 or dre@allsaintsfremont.org.
Register Here

Finding Inner Peace in a Noisy World – The Power of Silence
2026-02-22 16:00 - 18:45 | Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1200 Alpine Church Rd, Comstock Park, 49321, United States
Attend in-person at Holy Trinity in Comstock Park
In the sacred season of Lent, we are invited to slow down and listen – not just to words, but to the silence where God speaks most clearly. It is where the soul finds rest, where prayer deepens, and where we reconnect with God.

4:00 Join us for a soup supper
5:00-6:15 p.m. Program
6:15 p.m. Adoration

Presented by Mark Mann, ofs, director of programs and institutes for the Catholic Information Center
For additional information, contact Rebecca Dunnebeck for more information at 616-784-0677 or rdunneback@holytrinitycp.org.
Register Here

Road to the Well: Dignity, Identity, Purpose
2026-02-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Discovering Our Path to Jesus and the Eucharist
Rediscover the joy of being fully known and loved by God. Veronica Quintino-Aranda, MSW, is certified in Theology of the Body by the Theology of the Body Institute, and spiritual director, will use the Scripture passage of Jesus meeting the Samaritan Woman at the well (John 4) to help us see ourselves as God does, as beloved. Through the lens of Theology of the Body and the wisdom of St. John Paul II, uncover how our faith calls us to become a truly Eucharistic people – rooted in love, renewal, and communion.
February 25: Dignity, Identity, Purpose: You are Seen

Veronica Quintino-Aranda, MSW, is certified in Theology of the Body by the Theology of the Body Institute, and spiritual director, will present how God sees us as His beloved children of God as Jesus saw the Woman at the Well.

March 18: Dignity, Identity, Purpose: Jesus’ Redeeming Love Transforms Us

Barbara Scott, Spiritual Director and Master Catechist, will lead us in a reflection on Jesus’ loving redemption as part of God’s plan for Creation, culminating in the Eucharist, which in turns transforms us to participate in His plan.

Series Hosted at the Catholic Information Center, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, 7-8:30 p.m. Attend online or onsite.
All presentations will be available in English and Spanish. Please indicate your language preference when registering.
Sponsored by: Catholic Information Center, HELP Pregnancy Aid, and Theology of the Body West Michigan.
Register

Busy Person's Lenten Retreat: Rooting in the Holy
2026-03-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Online with Zoom
Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Attend Online
Our busy world is constantly testing us, drawing us away from the oasis of God’s love and our true identity. Eventually, we find our spirits feeling muddled, tired, and disoriented. We find it harder and harder to make decisions, let alone discern with wisdom the way of the Lord in our lives!
But God has not left us without resource.
Lent, the forty days before Easter that the world-wide Christian church observes, invite us to step back, breathe deeply, and return to the source of our identity.
We invite you to “come away for a while” (Mk 6:31) – away from the busy and join Jesus in the desert where he roots into his relationship with the Father. That desert clarity is at the heart of Lent–and at the heart of what this retreat offers you.
Over two weeks, you’ll be offered three “oases” of intentional spiritual time – simple, accessible, and renewing:

Three Zoom gatherings (Thursdays, March 5, 12, and 19, 1.5 hours each) where we will learn, pray, and reflect together in a variety of ways.
Daily spiritual practices that you choose and tailor to your schedule.
One or two meetings with a Spiritual Director – in person or online – to help you listen for the movement of the Holy Spirit in your life.

If you’ve been curious about spiritual direction, this retreat is a gentle and meaningful way to experience it.
Come away for a while. Come to the quiet of the desert where Christ meets us.
Come be renewed in your spirit this Lent.
The Busy Person Lenten Retreat is a collaboration of the Catholic Information Center and the Dominican Center Marywood.
Register

55Plus - Finding Inner Peace in a Noisy World: The Power of Silence
2026-03-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Attend in-person or online
Donation of $15 – 25 requested
In the sacred season of Lent, we are invited to slow down and listen – not just to words, but to the silence where God speaks most clearly. It is where the soul finds rest, where prayer deepens, and where we reconnect with God.
This presentation is part of the 55plus Series – exploring spirituality and vitality in the second half of life. Join us after the presentation for lunch and fellowship.
Presented by Mark Mann, ofs, director of programs and institutes for the Catholic Information Center.
Register Here

Road to the Well: Dignity, Identity, Purpose
2026-03-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Discovering Our Path to Jesus and the Eucharist
Rediscover the joy of being fully known and loved by God. Explore how the encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well (John 4) reveals our own path of conversion and deep relationship with him. Through the lens of Theology of the Body and the wisdom of St. John Paul II, we’ll uncover how our faith calls us to become a truly Eucharistic people – rooted in love, renewal, and communion.
March 18: Dignity, Identity, Purpose: Jesus’ Redeeming Love Transforms Us

Barbara Scott, Spiritual Director and Master Catechist, will lead us in a reflection on Jesus’ loving redemption as part of God’s plan for Creation, culminating in the Eucharist, which in turns transforms us to participate in His plan.

Series Hosted at the Catholic Information Center, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, 7-8:30 p.m. Attend online or onsite.
All presentations will be available in English and Spanish. Please indicate your language preference when registering.
Sponsored by: Catholic Information Center, HELP Pregnancy Aid, and Theology of the Body West Michigan.
Register

55Plus Series: Encountering Our Unhoused Neighbors with Compassion and Dignity
2026-04-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Attend in-person or online
Suggested donation of $15 – 25
In Dilexi Te, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that faith cannot be separated from love for the poor, calling all Christians “to recognize Christ in the poor and the suffering.” Love for the poor is not optional; it is “a path to holiness” and a defining dimension of Christian discipleship.
Deepen your understanding of the experiences of our unhoused neighbors in downtown Grand Rapids – those whom the Gospel calls us to see with reverence and love.
A panel of local leaders will share firsthand stories, daily realities, and the challenges and hopes of the people they accompany. Their insights will help illuminate the human dignity, resilience, and sacred worth of each pers+“on experiencing homelessness.

Tenisa Frye, chief executive officer at Family Promise

Thelma Ensink, chief executive officer at Degage Ministries

Adam Lipscomb, senior director of Church Engagement & Ministry at Mel Trotter Ministries

Sommer Jabbar-Pearson, advancement director at AYA Youth Collective

Jeff Hoyh, food and pantry program manager for Catholic Charities West Michigan at God’s Kitchen

Participants will leave with:
Practical, compassionate responses for real-life encounters with our unhoused neighbors
Concrete opportunities for volunteering and advocacy with local ministries
Spiritual insight into how encountering others draws us closer to the heart of Christ, who “continues to speak to us.”
Come to listen, to learn, and to deepen your commitment to seeing Christ in every neighbor. Let us grow together in compassion so that we may more fully live the Gospel’s call to love.
Register Here

55Plus Series: Church Art & Architecture Tour
2026-05-05 10:00 - 15:00 | MI
In-person attendance only
What people believe affects how they pray and how they pray influences the design of the space where they pray. Join Rev. Thomas Simons as we explore three area churches and what they “say” about our prayer and worship as Catholics. This year’s tour will feature three churches in Muskegon. Bus transportation from Grand Rapids and lunch provided. This presentation is part of the 55 Plus Series, exploring spirituality and vitality in the second half of life.
Register Here

Partnering with Parents
2026-05-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
A Four‑Part “Deep Dive” for Parish Volunteers and Lay Leaders on Wednesdays in May, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27
Participate onsite or online
Pre-registration required
Parents 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.
Partnering with Parents begins from a simple but transformative conviction: the way forward is together.
This 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.
Participants 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.
This 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.
This series is offered as part of the Leadership Formation Institute for Missionary Disciples at the Catholic Information Center.
Week 1: Building Strong Catholic Families – Presented by Kristina Beers
Week 2: Christian Vision of Family Life “101” – 4 truths of the family – Presented by Dobie Moser
Week 3: Ministry on the margins – accompanying hurting families – Presented by Debbie Gonzles
Week 4: Generative Listening – Presented by Christine Taylor
Hospitality & Format – Sessions meet onsite at the Catholic Information Center and are also available online.
Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. for in‑person participants.
Registration – All are welcome. Parish groups are encouraged to attend.
Register Here

Bereavement Care Series
2026-05-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
A Four‑Part “Deep Dive” for Parish Volunteers and Lay Leaders on Wednesdays in May, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27
Participate onsite or online
Pre-registration required
The 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.
This series is offered as part of the Leadership Formation Institute for Missionary Disciples at the Catholic Information Center.
Week 1: Catholic Funeral liturgy – Presented by: Father Chris Rouech
Week 2: Grief Care – Presented by Cami Beecroft-Mann
Week 3: Organizing Parish Ministry – Presented by: Rebecca Chicklon
Week 4: Pastoral Care Practices in Bereavement Care Ministry – Presented by: Beth Dake
Hospitality & Format – Sessions meet onsite at the Catholic Information Center and are also available online.
Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. for in‑person participants.
Registration – All are welcome. Parish groups are encouraged to attend.
Register Here

Sharing Our Faith Through Story
2026-05-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
A Four‑Part “Deep Dive” for Parish Volunteers and Lay Leaders on Wednesdays in May, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27
Participate onsite or online
Pre-registration required
Your Story, Our Story, His Story
Sharing 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.
This 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.
Sharing 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
This series is offered as part of the Leadership Formation Institute for Missionary Disciples at the Catholic Information Center.
Week 1: Understanding Your Own Story
Participants 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.
Week 2: Understanding Our Story
This 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.
Week 3: Understanding His Story
Participants 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.
Week 4: Sharing Our Story with Others
The 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.
Hospitality & Format – Sessions meet onsite at the Catholic Information Center and are also available online.
Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. for in‑person participants.
Registration – All are welcome. Parish groups are encouraged to attend.
Register Here

Together in Christ: Skills for Strengthening Community
2026-05-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
A Four‑Part “Deep Dive” for Parish Volunteers and Lay Leaders on Wednesdays in May, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
May 13, 20, 27
Participate onsite or online
Pre-registration required
The 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.
Rooted 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.
This series is offered as part of the Leadership Formation Institute for Missionary Disciples at the Catholic Information Center.
Week 2: Intercultural Communication: Building Bridges Across Cultures
Our 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
Week 3: Conflict Resolution: Navigating Differences with Grace
Explore 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
Week 4: Fostering Communion: Listening, Empathy, and Synodal Leadership
Learn the core skills of synodal ministry: deep listening, empathy, and respectful dialogue. Explore ways to cultivate belonging, unity, and spiritual communion within parish life.
Hospitality & Format – Sessions meet onsite at the Catholic Information Center and are also available online.
Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. for in‑person participants.
Registration – All are welcome. Parish groups are encouraged to attend.
Register Here

Together in Christ: Skills for Strengthening Community
2026-05-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
A Four‑Part “Deep Dive” for Parish Volunteers and Lay Leaders on Wednesdays in May, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
May 20, 27
Participate onsite or online
Pre-registration required
The 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.
Rooted 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.
This series is offered as part of the Leadership Formation Institute for Missionary Disciples at the Catholic Information Center.
Week 3: Conflict Resolution: Navigating Differences with Grace
Explore 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
Week 4: Fostering Communion: Listening, Empathy, and Synodal Leadership
Learn the core skills of synodal ministry: deep listening, empathy, and respectful dialogue. Explore ways to cultivate belonging, unity, and spiritual communion within parish life.
Hospitality & Format – Sessions meet onsite at the Catholic Information Center and are also available online.
Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. for in‑person participants.
Registration – All are welcome. Parish groups are encouraged to attend.
Register Here

Together in Christ: Skills for Strengthening Community
2026-05-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
A Four‑Part “Deep Dive” for Parish Volunteers and Lay Leaders on Wednesdays in May, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
May 27
Participate onsite or online
Pre-registration required
The 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.
Rooted 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.
This series is offered as part of the Leadership Formation Institute for Missionary Disciples at the Catholic Information Center.
Week 4: Fostering Communion: Listening, Empathy, and Synodal Leadership
Learn the core skills of synodal ministry: deep listening, empathy, and respectful dialogue. Explore ways to cultivate belonging, unity, and spiritual communion within parish life.
Hospitality & Format – Sessions meet onsite at the Catholic Information Center and are also available online.
Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. for in‑person participants.
Registration – All are welcome. Parish groups are encouraged to attend.
Register Here

55Plus Series: Show Me the Public Money
2026-06-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Attend in-person or online
Taxpayer 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.
Catholic 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?
This 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.
Bob Sadowski is a representative of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew parish community engaged in the work of Together West Michigan.
Register Here

55Plus Series: The Canticle of Saint Francis: A Song for a Changing World
2026-09-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Attend in-person or online
Lunch provided for in-person attendance
Suggested Donation: $15-25
As we celebrate this Jubilee Year honoring Saint Francis, join us for a reflective exploration of one of the most beloved texts in Christian spirituality. Written near the end of Francis’s life, the Canticle of Creatures emerged during a time of physical suffering, personal challenges, and significant changes within the movement he had founded. Yet its enduring message remains one of gratitude, reconciliation, and praise for God’s presence in all creation. Explore the historical context, spiritual depth, and contemporary relevance of Francis’s great hymn of praise. Discover how the saint’s final verses offer wisdom and hope for navigating change faithfully in our own lives and communities. Presented by Deacon Dennis Rybicki.
Register Here

Finding Clarity in a Noisy World
2026-09-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Attend onsite or online
Suggested donation: $25
Learning to Listen for God’s Voice in Everyday Life
Every day we make decisions that shape our lives, relationships, work, and faith. But how do we recognize God’s voice amid competing desires, expectations, and distractions?
Explore the Christian practice of discernment and how to become more attentive to God’s presence and invitations in everyday life. Drawing from the wisdom of the Church’s spiritual tradition, we’ll examine the movements and desires of the heart, and practice simple tools for prayerful listening.
Whether you are facing a major life decision or simply seeking greater clarity and purpose, this session will help you cultivate habits of listening that can deepen your relationship with God and strengthen your daily discipleship.
Participants will learn how to:

Distinguish discernment from decision-making
Recognize signs of God’s movement in daily life
Practice contemplative listening
Develop a simple prayer practice for ongoing discernment

This program is part of a series, Living Wholehearted: Faith at Work.
Register

School of the Beatitudes
2026-10-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Catholic Information Center, 360 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Are you seeking deeper meaning and purpose in your life? Do you want to move beyond simply hearing the Gospel to truly living it? The Catholic Information Center’s “School of the Beatitudes” offers a transformative journey into the heart of Christ’s teachings. This weekly series, running from October through November, explores the eight Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew through engaging discussions and hands-on service.
You’ll not only gain a richer understanding of the Beatitudes but also experience the joy of putting them into action, making a real difference in the lives of others.
Without a conscious effort to live out the Gospel, we risk drifting through life without a clear sense of purpose, missing the opportunity to experience the fullness of joy that Christ promises. This series offers a unique chance to break free from that cycle, to cultivate a more authentic and impactful faith.
Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your faith, connect with a community of like-minded individuals, and discover the profound rewards of living a life rooted in the Beatitudes. Register now to secure your place and embark on a journey that could change your life forever!
Register

55Plus Series: Following Christ through a Spiritual Family – Discovering New Spiritual Practices as We Age
2026-10-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
In-Person or Online
Lunch served after for those in-person
Did you know that lay Catholics can formally share in the spirituality and mission of communities such as the Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites, and Paulists? Join us for a panel discussion featuring lay Catholics who have embraced these spiritualities while remaining active in family, parish, and professional life. Discover how a rule of life provides a deeper path of prayer, community, discipleship, and service in the Church.
Moderated by Mark Mann, director of programs and institutes at the CIC.
Register Here

Living with Intention
2026-10-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Attend onsite or online
Suggested donation: $25
Creating a Rule of Life for Faith, Work, and Relationships
Many people desire a deeper spiritual life but struggle to create rhythms that support it. Work, family obligations, and constant distractions can leave us feeling fragmented and reactive.
A rule of life is a simple, intentional framework that helps us align our values with our daily choices. Rooted in the Christian tradition, a rule of life is not about a rigid routine. It is about creating sustainable practices that nurture prayer, relationships, work, rest, service, and personal growth.
An interactive workshop to reflect on your current habits, identify areas where greater balance is needed, and begin developing a personalized Rule of Life that can serve as a practical guide for everyday discipleship.
Participants will:

Learn the purpose and history of a Rule of Life
Reflect on their current life rhythms
Explore healthy practices for prayer, work, relationships, and rest
Begin creating a personalized Rule of Life

This program is part of the series Living Wholehearted: Faith at Work.
Register
