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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260318T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260318T203000
DTSTAMP:20260415T001225
CREATED:20251020T181811Z
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UID:231250-1773860400-1773865800@grcic.org
SUMMARY:Road to the Well: Dignity\, Identity\, Purpose
DESCRIPTION:Discovering Our Path to Jesus and the Eucharist \nRediscover 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. \nMarch 18: Dignity\, Identity\, Purpose: Jesus’ Redeeming Love Transforms Us  \n\nBarbara 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.\n\nSeries Hosted at the Catholic Information Center\, 360 Division Ave S\, Grand Rapids\, MI 49503\, 7-8:30 p.m. Attend online or onsite.  \nAll presentations will be available in English and Spanish. Please indicate your language preference when registering.  \nSponsored by: Catholic Information Center\, HELP Pregnancy Aid\, and Theology of the Body West Michigan. \nRegister
URL:https://grcic.org/event/road-to-the-well-dignity-identity-purpose-4/
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:20260416T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260416T113000
DTSTAMP:20260415T001225
CREATED:20260305T200216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T172824Z
UID:231476-1776333600-1776339000@grcic.org
SUMMARY:55Plus Series: Encountering Our Unhoused Neighbors with Compassion and Dignity
DESCRIPTION:Attend in-person or online \nSuggested donation of $15 – 25 \nIn 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.  \nDeepen 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.  \nA 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.   \n\nTenisa Frye\, chief executive officer at Family Promise \n\n\nThelma Ensink\, chief executive officer at Degage Ministries \n\n\nAdam Lipscomb\, senior director of Church Engagement & Ministry at Mel Trotter Ministries \n\n\nSommer Jabbar-Pearson\, advancement director at AYA Youth Collective \n\n\nJeff Hoyh\, food and pantry program manager for Catholic Charities West Michigan at God’s Kitchen \n\nParticipants will leave with:  \nPractical\, compassionate responses for real-life encounters with our unhoused neighbors  \nConcrete opportunities for volunteering and advocacy with local ministries  \nSpiritual insight into how encountering others draws us closer to the heart of Christ\, who “continues to speak to us.”   \nCome 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.  \nRegister Here
URL:https://grcic.org/event/55plus-series-seeing-christ-in-our-unhoused-neighbors/
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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260505T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260505T150000
DTSTAMP:20260415T001225
CREATED:20260306T170935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T170935Z
UID:231479-1777975200-1777993200@grcic.org
SUMMARY:55Plus Series: Church Art & Architecture Tour
DESCRIPTION:In-person attendance only \nWhat 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. \nRegister Here
URL:https://grcic.org/event/55plus-series-church-art-architecture-tour/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:55 Plus Series
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260506T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260506T203000
DTSTAMP:20260415T001225
CREATED:20260306T174225Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T163421Z
UID:231482-1778092200-1778099400@grcic.org
SUMMARY:Together in Christ: Skills for Strengthening Community
DESCRIPTION:Attend in-person or online \nFree to attend although registration is required. \n  \nA Four‑Part “Deep Dive” for Parish Volunteers and Lay Leaders \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. \nMay 6 – 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. \nMay 13 – 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. \nMay 20 – 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. \nMay 27 – 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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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260506T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260506T203000
DTSTAMP:20260415T001225
CREATED:20260408T170117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T163445Z
UID:231510-1778092200-1778099400@grcic.org
SUMMARY:Partnering with Parents
DESCRIPTION:Attend onsite or online  \nFree to attend although registration is 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.  \nSession topics:  \n\nBuilding Strong Catholic Families (May 6) \n\n\nChristian Vision of Family Life “101” – 4 truths of the family (May 13) \n\n\nMinistry on the margins – accompanying hurting families (May 20) \n\n\nGenerative Listening (May 27) \n\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:20260415T001225
CREATED:20260413T133045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T163508Z
UID:231517-1778092200-1778099400@grcic.org
SUMMARY:Bereavement Care Series
DESCRIPTION:Attend in-person or online \nFree to attend although registration is 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. \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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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260609T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260609T113000
DTSTAMP:20260415T001225
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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