Catholic Information Center

A Mystery to be Celebrated
2022-10-27 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
$10 donation suggested
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Thursday, October –, 7-8:30 p.m. EST A Mystery to be Celebrated. In the Bible, we read about the Last Supper Jesus has with his friends and followers. He says, “I have greatly desired to eat this Passover with you.” (Luke 22:15) These words are an invitation to discover the depth of desire that God has for each and all of us.
Presented by Paul Fahey, catechist, retreat leader, speaker, and co-founder of Where Peter Is. This presentation is part of the series celebrating the National Eucharistic Revival (eucharisticrevival.org).
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55plus Series: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts in the Second Half of Life
2022-10-11 10:00 - 11:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
$15 donation suggested, lunch included
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God has given each of us several unique talents called spiritual gifts that allow us to make the world a better place. When we share our gifts with others, we become fully alive. We co-create with God bringing divine love and compassion into the universe.
Discovering our spiritual gifts provides a roadmap to living the second half of life with joy, purpose, and fulfillment.
Join us for this interactive workshop where you’ll have an opportunity to take a Spiritual Gifts Inventory and discover how you can use your gifts in life-giving ways. Download the free Spiritual Gifts Inventory with this link: Spiritual Gifts Inventory.
Brian Plachta is an author, spiritual mentor, and holds a Masters in Pastoral Counseling. After taking a spiritual gifts inventory in his 30’s, he discovered God was inviting him to a life of writing, teaching, and mentoring others on the spiritual path. Over the course of several years, he moved from a full-time attorney to “Of Counsel” at the law firm he established so he could follow the call to serve others in new ways during the second half of his life. Learn more about Brian on his website: https://brianplachta.com.
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Behold God in Everything!
2022-10-04 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
$10 donation suggested, proceeds go to Catholic Climate Covenant.
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Ecological spirituality springs from a profound ecological conversion and helps us to “discover God in all things” – both in the beauty of creation and in the sighs of the sick and the groans of the afflicted. Explore the meaning and practice of an eco-spirituality – aware that the life of the spirit is not dissociated from worldly realities.
Facilitated by Mark Mann, director of programs and institutes for the Catholic Information Center.
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Interfaith Celebration of Peace
2022-09-18 14:00 - 15:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center, 360 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Sunday, Sept. 18, 2-3:30 p.m. EST
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In anticipation of the International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21, the Institute for Global Education will co-host a panel of speakers reflecting on the theme of “End racism. Build peace.” Achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms. It requires building societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race. All are welcome.
Sponsored by the Catholic Information Center and the Institute for Global Education

55 Plus Series: What the Camino Taught Me about Life
2022-09-15 10:00 - 11:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
$15 donation suggested, lunch included
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Before moving to Grand Rapids, Father Dat Tran, the new rector at the Cathedral spent the spring and summer walking the length of the Camino de Santiago. Join Father Dat for a reflection on pilgrimage as a way of living everyday as a Christian disciple. This presentation is part of the 55plus series, exploring spirituality and vitality in the second half of life.
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Catholic Inquiry Class
2022-09-13 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center, 360 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Tuesdays, September 13 – November 15, 7-8:30pm EST
This 10-week program is designed for seekers who wish to learn more about the Catholic faith. It is geared towards those who have never been baptized, or who have been baptized but worship in a different Christian tradition. Its purpose is to help individuals discern whether becoming Catholic is right for them. This class is also open to those who are already Catholic and who want to deepen or renew their understanding of Catholic teaching. Specific topics presented each week. Participants are encouraged to bring their questions and issues of faith on any topic for discussion.
September 13: God, Community & Me – Invitation to Relationship & Prayer
September 20: The Bible – Source of God’s Self-Revelation
September 27: Jesus the Christ – God’s Son, Messenger, & Message
October 4: The Church – Sacramental Presence of Christ on Earth
October 11: The Sacraments – General Principles, Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism & Confirmation
October 18: Sacraments of Initiation: Holy Communion (Eucharist) & the Mass
October 25: Death & the Afterlife
November 1: Morality – Sin & Grace, Virtue & Vice
November 8: Sacraments of Healing – Reconciliation & Anointing of Sick
November 15: Saints, Holiness & Missionary Discipleship – Why It Matters

To Register or for questions: Call or email Sean Donovan at 616-459-7267 ext. 1913 or sdonovan@grcathedral.org

Finding Flow - A Field Guide to Discover Inner Peace, Balance, and Wholeness
2022-09-13 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
$10 donation suggested
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What does inner peace look like to you? How do you feel when you experience wholeness? Unpack these questions and discover a field guide for making a personal spiritual journey to your inner self and God. Learn four ancient practices that spiritual teachers incorporated into their lives to live in the Divine Flow. Presented by Brian Plachta, spiritual mentor, and author of Finding Flow – Spiritual Practices to Reclaim Inner Peace, Balance, and Wholeness (Paulist Press).
Brian Plachta is an author, spiritual mentor, and holds a Masters in Pastoral Counseling. His newest book, Finding Flow – Spiritual Practices to Reclaim Inner Peace, Balance, and Wholeness provides practical spiritual tools for your journey into the heart of God and your True Self. His book will be available for purchase at the workshop, or you can save by purchasing it on Amazon with this link: Purchase Finding Flow on Amazon. Learn more about Brian on his website: https://brianplachta.com.
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Synod Story: Companions on the Journey
2022-08-16 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
$10 donation suggested
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As members of the Church, we are called to “journey together” with others in our communities, towns, and cities. Is our peripheral vision wide enough to include those we don’t always think of as our companions? This is the first in a new series of ecumenical dialogues inspired by the Synod 2021-23.
Co-presented by Dr. Amanda Osheim, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Loras College, and Dr. Ben Durheim, Visiting Assistant Professor at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.
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Revolutions of the Heart: The Dorothy Day Story
2022-07-21 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center, 360 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
$10 donation suggested
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The movie “Revolutions of the Heart: The Dorothy Day Story” details Dorothy Day’s journey from young journalist, to co-founding The Catholic Worker newspaper and “houses of hospitality,” sheltering and feeding New York City’s homeless during the Great Depression, emerges a portrait of a selfless woman who followed her heart to better the lives of those less fortunate. Participants will view the movie followed by conversation about her life and her cause for sainthood.
Fr. Paul Milanowski is a priest of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. He has had a lifelong interest in the Catholic Worker Movement. Kate Villaire, retired college professor, is a member of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.
Co-sponsored by the Catholic Information Center and the Institute for Global Education
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Celebrating 75 years of Paulist mission in Grand Rapids
2022-07-10 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | Cathedral of St. Andrew
The first of three events, join us for Mass on July 10 at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. Father René Constanza CSP will be presiding.

Afterward, connect with friends: past, present, and future, for a reception at the Catholic Information Center.

Question in our Hearts: A Catholic Response to Social Issues in our Time
2022-07-07 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
$10 donation suggested
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In the wake of the pandemic, recent concerns about mental health, economic stability, and gun violence can leave many feeling anxious and frustrated. What is an answer to our questions about these events and issues, to the questions of our hearts? Catholic Social Teaching provides vital insight into such issues but remains largely untapped. This presentation introduces some of the principles behind Catholic Social Teaching and how they can guide a response to these challenges.
Presented by Zachary C. Turner, CSP, Paulist seminarian, currently on summer assignment at the Cathedral of St. Andrew.
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JustFaith - Sacred Water: Oceans and Ecosystems
2022-06-13 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Online with Zoom
Monday’s, June 13 – August 8, 7-8:30 pm
Facilitated by Deacon Dennis Rybicki
$15 donation suggested
(Registration required) Zoom Presentation
How can we protect our oceans and waterways? Sacred Water: Oceans & Ecosystems is a small group program that explores the impact of the climate crisis on God’s creation and God’s people. Topics include watershed discipleship, natural disasters and the climate crisis, ocean health, clean water access, pollution, plastics, and environmental racism. For more information contact: dennis@cathderalofsaintandrew.org.

This program is co-sponsored by the Catholic Information Center and the Cathedral of Saint Andrew Social Action Team.
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A Mystery to be Believed
2022-06-09 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
$10 donation suggested
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On Corpus Christi Sunday (June 19), the Diocese will celebrate the beginning of the National Eucharistic Revival – a three-year grass roots movement culminating in a National Eucharistic Congress. Reflect on the many ways the Lord accompanies us, but none as profound as when we encounter him in the Eucharist. Eucharist provides us with a most intimate, meaningful, and transformative encounter with our God in Christ Jesus.
Sister Mary Kay Oosdyke, OP, PhD is a Dominican Sister of Grand Rapids currently involved in adult faith education and spiritual formation, after years of teaching theology and ministry in colleges and seminaries. She also served as director of Dominican Associates Formation for her congregation. The Dominican Order’s mission is to seek (through serious study and consistent prayer), to teach and to preach Truth, encompassing Jesus Christ and all created reality, for the glory of God and the salvation of the world.
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Encore: A Mystery to be Believed
2022-06-09 10:00 - 11:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
$15 donation suggested, lunch included
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On Corpus Christi Sunday (June 19), the Diocese will celebrate the beginning of the National Eucharistic Revival – a three-year grass roots movement culminating in a National Eucharistic Congress.
Throughout Christ’s journey on earth, he nourished his followers, with bread, wine, and fish. Christ continues to accompany, sustain, and nourish us in multiple ways in our life journey toward our eternal life. Join Sister Mary Kay Oosdyke in a reflection on our encounter with Christ in the Eucharist. Following the presentation, attendees enjoy continued conversation on the theme.
Sister Mary Kay Oosdyke, OP, PhD is a Dominican Sister of Grand Rapids currently involved in adult faith education and spiritual formation, after years of teaching theology and ministry in colleges and seminaries. She also served as director of Dominican Associates Formation for her congregation. The Dominican Order’s mission is to seek (through serious study and consistent prayer), to teach and to preach Truth, encompassing Jesus Christ and all created reality, for the glory of God and the salvation of the world.
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What Dobbs v Jackson means for people of faith
2022-05-26 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Detroit) | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Presented by John Bursch
$10 donation suggested
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Media sound bites vying for our attention do not always provide a thorough analysis. At the same time legislative proposals and judicial briefs, readily accessible through the internet, are thick with technical and legal language. Between the two, navigating civil discourse on any issue can be challenging. The Catholic information Center stands at the intersection of faith and life and offers this program to assist people of faith to deepen their understanding of the significance of the Supreme Court case that directly challenges the central holding in Roe v. Wade.
John Bursch has argued 12 U.S. Supreme Court cases and more than 30 Michigan Supreme Court cases since 2011. He served as solicitor general for Michigan from 2011-2013. John defends religious liberty, free speech, and the right to life while also representing Fortune 500 companies, foreign and domestic governments, and top public officials in high-profile cases, primarily on appeal. He was inducted into the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and serves as a member of the American Law Institute.
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A Heart for People, A Heart for Justice: the life and times of Bishop Francis Haas
2022-05-19 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | St. Sebastians Parish Center, 9408 Wilson Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI, 49315, United States
$10 donation suggested
Hosted at St. Sebastian Parish Center, Byron Center
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Before becoming the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, Monsignor Francis Haas was a professor and dean at the Catholic University of America and served on the U.S. Fair Employment Practices Committee, appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. “He was an academic and an activist, a Midwesterner from Wisconsin. …Social justice to him was the heart of the gospel. Those who knew him and admired him said that was what gave him such a great heart.” (Where the Star Came to Rest) After the end of World War II, Bishop Haas seized opportunities to create new apostolates and ministries to strengthen the faith of the people of his diocese. One of these apostolates was the mission of the Paulist Fathers, who were invited in 1947 by Bishop Haas to establish an outreach ministry to non-Catholics and working people in downtown Grand Rapids. Join Monsignor Gus Ancona for an evening reflection on the life and times of Bishop Francis Haas and the beginnings of the Catholic Information Center.
Monsignor Gaspar Ancona is a priest of the Diocese of Grand Rapids and author of the book, “Where the Star Came to Rest: Stories of the Catholic People in West Michigan.” He is a regular columnist for FAITH Grand Rapids and will be celebrating his 59th year of ordained ministry in June. His seminary education was at the Catholic University of America (Washington DC) and the Gregorian University (Rome, Italy). Monsignor Ancona resides in Byron Center, Michigan.
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Encore: Stages of Faith, Stages of Life
2022-05-17 10:00 - 11:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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Our faith matures over our lifetime, just as we do mentally, physically, and emotionally as human beings. Explore aspects of growing as a faith-filled person as older adults. This presentation is part of the Encore series, sharing faith and wisdom in the second half of our lives.
Presented by Father Bill Edens, CSP, associate pastor of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.
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Wholly Ourselves, Our Holy Selves
2022-05-05 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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Each person is a “system” of mind/body/spirit, thinking/feeling/behaving, and past/present. They all impact one another. So, when we experience danger, harm, loss, or trauma, the whole system is impacted. We can learn and develop skills to care for our whole self, our holy self, so we can manage the present better, including our ongoing experience of the pandemic and its effects.
Father Ken Schmidt is the Advocate for Priestly Ministry and Support for the Diocese of Kalamazoo. He is also a Licensed Professional Counselor and co-founder of the Trauma Recovery Program in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. For the past 20 years, he has worked with individuals and small groups of childhood trauma survivors, and also led training for mental health professionals, canonists, formators for religious communities, and congregations. He is a co-founder and serves as Clinical Director of Trauma Recovery Associates.
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José: Cómo Nos Habla Este Santo Silencioso
2022-05-03 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Detroit) | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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Los evangelios no nos proporcionan ni una sola palabra que haya dicho San José, pero si las acciones hablan más que las palabras, entonces su vida grita fe y fidelidad. En esta charla vamos a explorar cómo el José silencioso — esposo y padre, obrero y soñador, defensor valiente de su familia — nos habla fuerte y elocuentemente.
Padre Steve Cron es un sacerdote de la Diócesis de Grand Rapids, ahora jubilado y más recientemente se desempeñó como párroco de la parroquia San José Obrero en Wyoming. Un verdadero fanático de los Tigres, el padre Steve también se desempeñó como capitán del equipo para el juego de béisbol anual “Let’s Go to Bat for Kids, Catholic Charities All Stars”. Como San José, el P. Steve es un padre adoptivo. Tiene dos hijos, 13 nietos y cinco bisnietos.
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Rhythms of Nature, Rhythms of Faith
2022-04-19 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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A profound ecological conversion helps us to “discover God in all things” – in the beauty of creation and in “the joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties. Life in the Spirit is not dissociated from worldly realities. Explore the paschal mystery as the pattern in the life-death-new life rhythms in the world today.
Presented by Anna Robertson, director of Youth and Young Adult Mobilization at the Catholic Climate Covenant.
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The Stations of the Cross: Through the Eyes of Jesus
2022-04-13 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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This centuries old devotion has guided christians to be present with Jesus in his final moments. A common Lenten practice, we may take for granted the power that it contains. In this talk we will explore how the Stations of the Cross continue to be relevant today especially when they are imagined through Jesus’ point of view.
James A. Márquez is a seminarian with the Paulist Fathers. Born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, he met the Paulists at UCLA. Prior to joining the seminary he was a Catholic high school teacher. He enjoys playing table tennis and learning foreign languages.
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Listening as Prayer
2022-04-07 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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Lent is a time when Christians practice a variety of spiritual disciplines, such as giving up or abstaining from a certain food, social media, or behavior. And of course, there are the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. But after Lent? Discover how the daily practice of listening prayer, based on the Examen as taught and inspired by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, can become a spiritual discipline year-round.
Presented by Josh Banner, host and creator of the Invitation Podcast, certified spiritual director, and adjunct professor at Hope College.
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El Vía Crucis: A través de los ojos de Jesús
2022-04-06 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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Ésta antigua devoción ha guiado a los cristianos a estar presente con Jesús en los últimos momentos de su vida. Siendo una práctica popular durante la Cuaresma, es fácil subestimar el poder que contiene. En ésta charla, vamos a explorar cómo la devoción del Vía Crucis sigue siendo relevante en nuestros días, especialmente cuando se ven por el punto de vista de Jesús.
James Alexander Márquez es un seminarista con los Padres Paulistas. Proviene de Los Angeles de una familia mexicana. Antes de entrar al seminario fue maestro de preparatoria católica. Le gusta jugar tenis de mesa y aprender otros idiomas.
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Making Room: Soul-Deep Satisfaction Through Simple Living
2022-04-05 10:00 - 11:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is credited with the saying, “Live simply so that others may simply live.” An interactive dialog about the benefits of living more simply – for ourselves, for others, and for the good of our common home. This presentation is part of the Encore series, sharing faith and wisdom in the second half of our lives.
Kyle Kramer is the executive director of the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center (www.earthandspiritcenter.org), which offers interfaith educational programming in meditation, ecology, and social compassion. He is the former director of graduate theology programs and spiritual formation for Saint Meinrad, a Benedictine monastery and Roman Catholic school of theology. Kyle and his family spent fifteen years as organic farmers in Spencer County, Indiana, also building a net-positive green home. Kyle serves as a Catholic Climate Ambassador for the Catholic Climate Covenant and is the author of A Time to Plant: Life Lessons in Work, Prayer, and Dirt (Ave Maria Press, 2010) and Making Room: Soul-Deep Satisfaction Through Simplicity (Franciscan Media, 2021). He is a former columnist and essayist for America magazine, a current columnist for St. Anthony Messenger magazine, and the host of the Earth & Spirit Podcast. He speaks across the country about the intersection of ecology, community, and contemplative spirituality.
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Passion Narratives according to Saint Luke and Saint John: Jesus as Rejected Prophet and Birthing New Life
2022-03-31 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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Each of the four Passion Narratives presents a different portrait of Jesus and a different explanation for his death. On Palm Sunday this year we hear the Lukan account, which emphasizes Jesus as faithful prophet who brought good news to the people most in need, but was rejected by those whose power, privilege, and status he threatened. On Good Friday, the Johannine account gives us powerful images of how death and new life are juxtaposed as believers are born anew. Participants are encouraged to bring their Bibles and to read ahead of time Luke 22-24 and John 18-21.
Barbara Reid, OP, PhD, a Dominican Sister of Grand Rapids Michigan, is the President and Carroll Stuhlmueller, CP, distinguished professor of New Testament Studies at Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in Chicago. Sister Barbara has been a member of the faculty of CTU since 1988 and served as Vice President and Academic Dean at CTU. Sister Barbara is the author of 12 books, most recently, two volumes on the Gospel of Luke co-authored with Professor Shelly Matthews in the Wisdom Commentary series (Liturgical Press), for which she is also General Editor. She has led numerous study tours and retreats in the Holy Land.
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CANCELLED: Songs, Psalms, and Silence – the Music of Lent
2022-03-28 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Detroit) | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event will not be happening. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please call the Catholic Information Center at 616-459-7267 with any questions.

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Join members of the Grand Rapids Chapter of the National Pastoral Musicians for an evening of reflection, celebrating the music and sounds of the season of Lent, sharing the “mystery of our faith.”
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Caring for our Common Home: Conversation with Artist Theresa Bravata
2022-03-24 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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Come and contemplate our common home – above and below the surface.
Artist Theresa Bravata has exhibited at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, The Holland Area Arts Council, Moynihan Gallery, and now at the Catholic Information Center. When she’s not doing art, you’ll find her buried deep in the woods somewhere taking pointers from nature on pattern, color, and flow. She currently lives in Holland, Michigan and works in the Events and Conferences Office at Hope College.
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Joseph: How This Silent Saint Speaks to Us
2022-03-15 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Detroit) | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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The gospels do not record a single word that Saint Joseph ever spoke, but if actions speak louder than words, then his life shouts faith and faithfulness. In this talk, we will explore how the silent Joseph — husband and father, worker and dreamer, courageous defender of his family — speaks loudly and eloquently to us.
Father Steve Cron is a priest of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, now retired, and most recently served as pastor of St. Joseph the Worker parish in Wyoming. A true Tigers fan, Father Steve has also served as the team captain for the Annual Let’s Go to Bat for Kids, Catholic Charities All-Stars Baseball Game. Like Saint Joseph, Fr. Steve is an adoptive father. He has two sons, 13 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
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Equal in Dignity & Dearly Loved
2022-03-10 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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Every March, our nation observes Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Despite decades of progress, persons with disabilities and their families continue to fight for inclusion in our society. Some families even struggle with participating in the Church. How can we ensure that all are welcome and have the opportunity to encounter Christ?
Explore the viewpoints of six persons with disabilities present in the Bible and how some continue to shape our attitudes today. We will also explore the rich body of Catholic teaching on the dignity of persons with disabilities and their participation in the life of the Church, identifying ways we can support families and create communities of welcome.
Mark Butler, MTS, OPA, is the Director of Founded Ministries for the Dominican Sisters of Peace. He spent 20 years working in religious education and youth ministry on the parish and diocesan levels. A parent of two young adults with disabilities, he advocates for the rights of parents and youth with disabilities across Ohio. In 2019 he received the Champion of Children and Youth Award from the Ohio Children and Family First Coordinators Association for his multi-system youth advocacy.
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Encore: Renewing our Faith - Reconciling with God and Others
2022-03-09 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | Catholic Information Center and online with Zoom, 360 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
$15 donation suggested (lunch included)
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An annual theme for Catholics during the season of Lent is seeking forgiveness and reconciling with God and others. Join Paulist Father Frank Desiderio for a reflection on the sacramental aspects of reconciliation in our daily living, including how to celebrate the sacrament today. This presentation is part of the Encore series, for those exploring spirituality and sharing wisdom in the second half of life.
Frank Desiderio, C.S.P., is celebrating 40 years as a priest this year. As President of Paulist Productions, he executive produced more than twenty-five hours of television documentaries including “The Big Question: A Film About Forgiveness” which launched him into a ministry of retreats on the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation. He is the author of “Can You Let Go of a Grudge: Learn to Forgive and Get on With Your Life” from Paulist Press (2014). He also has an audio series from Learn25, “Letting Go: Five Steps to Forgiveness.” He holds a B.A. in English from the University of Maryland, an M.A. in Theology from The Catholic University of America and an M.A. in Communications Management from The Annenberg School at USC.
Starting as a parish priest in Los Angeles, Father Desiderio has served as director of campus ministry at UCLA, director of the Paulist Seminary, St. Paul’s College, in Washington, D.C., and director of the Paulist Center in Boston. Currently, he is First Consultor of the Paulist Fathers and lives in New York City. During the summer, he serves as director of St. Mary’s of the Lake, the Paulist summer home. Father Desiderio’s poetry has appeared in various journals and newspapers throughout the US and Canada. You can find his weekly video poems at “Fr. Frank’s Poetry” on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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