June 2026
Dear friends of the Center,
As we enter the beautiful month of June, the Church invites us into a season filled with gratitude, hope, and renewal. The days grow longer, families gather for celebrations and graduations, and our hearts are drawn again to the abiding presence of Christ among us. Here at the Catholic Information Center, we are grateful for the many ways God continues to work through this community of faith in Grand Rapids.
This month the United States Bishops are consecrating our country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a symbol of God’s limitless love and mercy. In a nation filled with anxiety, division, and hate, the Heart of Christ remains open to every person seeking peace and meaning. Each day at the CIC, we encounter people carrying many different questions and burdens: young professionals navigating difficult decisions, visitors curious about the Catholic faith, and longtime believers seeking deeper spiritual grounding. The mission of the CIC has always been to accompany people in those moments and to offer a welcoming place where faith and daily life can meet.
This summer also gives us an opportunity to slow down and rediscover the importance of prayer, study, and authentic friendship. We encourage you to make time in the coming months for spiritual reading, quiet reflection, and meaningful conversations with those around you. And we are excited to continue offering opportunities for learning and fellowship. We hope you will join us for upcoming events and invite friends, coworkers, and family members who may be searching for a place to ask questions and grow spiritually. The Church’s mission of evangelization belongs to all of us. Even a simple invitation can become the beginning of someone’s journey back to God.
We are especially grateful for the generosity of our supporters and volunteers who make this mission possible. Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support allow us to continue serving the broader Grand Rapids community with programs that educate, inspire, and evangelize. Every event hosted, every book shared, and every visitor welcomed through our doors becomes part of a larger story of faith taking root in everyday lives.
Please know of our prayers for you and your loved ones. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus fill you with peace, strengthen in every challenge, and deepen your confidence in God’s. Thank you for being part of the Catholic Information Center community. We look forward to sharing this season of grace with you.
Blessings,
Rev. Mike Cruickshank, CSP
Associate Director
Events & Programs
Show Me the Public Money
Tuesday, June 9
10 — 11:30 a.m.
Attend in-person or online
Taxpayer dollars are meant to shape the future of our communities. Yet often these decisions are made by elected/hired officials with limited public discussion or 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.
We will explore how public financing works, why community voices are important in decision-making, and how people of faith can engage constructively and effectively.
Bob Sadowski is a representative of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew parish community engaged in the work of Together West Michigan.
2026 Gallagher Talk: Featuring Bob Bordone
The CIC is pleased to welcome acclaimed negotiation expert and Harvard Law School professor Bob Bordone as the keynote speaker for the 11th annual Gallagher Talk on October 8, where he will explore the themes of his book Conflict Resilience. This year’s event will not only offer an evening of insight and inspiration but will also invite participants into a deeper, shared experience leading up to the talk.
Beginning June 1, early registrants will have the opportunity to purchase a discounted copy of Bordone’s book as part of a limited-time offer.
The Gallagher Talk promises to be more than a single evening, it is an opportunity to grow together in understanding, dialogue, and resilience in the face of conflict.
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Your generous and regular contributions help ensure a vibrant and enduring future for the Paulist ministry at the CIC. All donations, no matter the size, make a significant impact.
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