Brochure for Lent and Spring 2008

To print PDF Format fliers for our programs, click here

he Catholic Information Center offers a variety of opportunities for prayer, learning and spiritual growth. All interested persons (regardless of religious background) are welcome to participate. There is no registration fee, but we do accept donations (typically $5 per course) from those who are able to contribute. Events run from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, unless otherwise indicated. For registration information, please call the Catholic Information Center office at 459-7267 or visit our website at www.catholicinformationcenter.org.

Up From the Depths: Spirituality and Depression

Priest and clinical psychologist, Fr. Mark-David Janus, CSP offers two different programs specifically tailored for the spiritual growth of people who suffer from depression.

Monthly Group Spiritual Direction (Meets the third Wednesday of every month, December 19, January 16)

This is an opportunity for people who suffer from depression to deepen and share their faith experiences in a small group with a spiritual director. These prayerful gatherings are limited in size so that each person has an opportunity to participate. Consequently, pre-registration is required. To register, please call the CIC Office, 459-7267.

Guilt, Forgiveness and Depression Tuesday, January 29

One of the prime symptoms that accompany depression is the experience of guilt: guilt for things done and not done; guilt for not being able to shake this illness; guilt for being a burden on others. These are but a few of the experiences of guilt common to people with depression. This session examines the relationship between guilt and depression and explores ways in which people who are depressed can claim for themselves the forgiveness God so generously offers.

Spiritual and Religious: The Pros and Cons of Organized Religion in Your Spiritual Life Tuesday, January 22

Many people describe themselves as spiritual but not religious. While treasuring their own spiritual quest, they are either leery of or outright reject organized religion. This evening examines the faults of organized religion as well as what organized religious practice adds to the spiritual life. Presented by Fr. Mark-David Janus, C.S.P.

Isaac Hecker and the Founding of the Paulist Fathers Wednesdays, January 9, 16 and 23

As the Paulists celebrate their 150^th Anniversary join Paulist Father, Tom Tavella as he explores the life of their founder, Fr. Isaac Hecker and the events surrounding the founding of their community.

Little Rock Scripture Study: The Book of Job

This story speaks eloquently of the mystery of human suffering. Listen to God’s Word in the midst of pain. Little Rock is a community based program that leads people to a greater understanding of the Bible, an awareness of God’s living presence in Sacred Scripture, and an appreciation of how the Bible can be applied to daily life. Groups meet weekly, beginning the week of January 14 through the week of March 3 on Mondays, 10:00am – 12:00 noon, 7:00pm – 9:00pm or Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Book fee: $10.00. For more information, call Betty Blodgett at 735-4685.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2008: January 18-25

"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:12a, 13b-18)

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Catholic Information Center and GRACE (Grand Rapids Area Center for Ecumenism), in collaboration with several downtown congregations will offer a service of Prayer for Christian Unity on Friday, January 18, 7:30pm at the Catholic Information Center. Please come and share in this opportunity to reunite our fractured Church.

What the Pope thinks about Jesus Thursdays, January 24 and 31

Pope Benedict XVI has recently written the book, Jesus of Nazareth, his personal reflection on the first half of Jesus’ life. Using his thoughts as a starting point, these two evenings provide us with an opportunity to reflect on our perceptions of Jesus. It will be helpful, but not necessary for participants to have read the book. Presented by Fr. Mark-David Janus, C.S.P.

Lent and Easter Classes 2008

Preparing for Lent Monday, January 28

What are you doing for Lent this year? If you need help answering this question, join Mary Vaccaro as she presents how the season of Lent originated and developed, explores the themes of the Lenten Sunday scriptures and the disciplines of fasting and almsgiving.

Centering Prayer Mondays ongoing, 5:15pm – 6:15pm

Centering Prayer is a method developed from the Christian tradition of silent prayer in communion with God. It is an attempt to present the teaching of earlier times in an updated form with simple and clear guidelines. During the time of Centering Prayer we consent to God’s presence and action within. We open our awareness to the indwelling Spirit of Christ. Each of these sessions includes 20 minutes of Centering Prayer, a video about Centering Prayer and discussion time. Facilitated by Molly Keating, CIC member, certified spiritual director and practitioner of Centering Prayer.

Got Inclusion? Monday February 11, 2008
“Got Inclusion?” is an inspiring two-hour educational opportunity that invites the church to address one of the most controversial questions of our time. Participants will listen to the stories of local gay Christians and engage in dialogue about their place in the Christian community. Should the Church fully include gay members? If so, how can it do so? Everyone is welcome to share in this ecumenical event.

Evening Prayer Wednesdays, February 13, 20, 27 and March 5, 7:00pm – 7:45pm

Evening Prayer is an ancient ritual of the Church - part of the Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office. In earlier centuries, it was common for all Christians to gather daily to worship in this way. Over time the custom fell mostly out of practice, but was restored to us as part of the reforms of Vatican II. The rite includes Scripture, silence, preaching and the singing of psalms and hymns. Because it does not require ordained leadership, the CIC celebrates Evening Prayer as a special means to enrich the vocation of all the baptized. Center members serve as presiders, preachers, lectors, cantors and other musicians. The preachers (Susanna Engbers, Jack Kirkwood, Bob Rose and Juanita Westaby) offer a diverse mix of life experience as they share the ways in which they strive to live their faith.

Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians Thursdays, February 14, 21 and 28

Everyone has heard the famous words from Ephesians: “let wives be subject to their husbands and slaves be obedient to your masters” which is about as far as anyone gets in this letter from Paul. There is much more to this letter than those lines, and in this class with Fr. Mark-David Janus, CSP, we will go line by line as we study the controversial and beautiful letter from Paul to Christians not only in Ephesus but everywhere.

In Over Our Heads Saturday, February 16, 9:00am – 3:30pm

This Lenten Retreat Day, presented by Mary Vaccaro, will focus on the Book of Jonah, the classic film, Captain’s Courageous, and some of the Gospel passages about being at sea. Through the process of reflecting on these sources we will consider the meaning of Baptism and the call to discipleship. The retreat will be held at Dominican Center/Marywood (2025 E. Fulton St.) Please call the CIC office at 459-7267 to register (pre-registration is required). The fee, which includes lunch, is $15.

The Lord’s Prayer Tuesdays, February 19 and 26

We probably all pray the Lord’s Prayer every day but do we really listen to and understand what we are praying? In these two evenings Fr. Tom Tavella, CSP will examine the background and context of the Lord’s Prayer as well as going through the prayer line by line to help us understand the prayer that Jesus taught us.

Peace Making in Turbulent Times: A Christian Response Tuesday, February 19

Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton, founding President of Pax Christi, USA, will present this program at Aquinas College Performing Arts Center. (1607 Robinson Road SE) This event is co-sponsored by Aquinas College, the Cathedral of St. Andrew, the Catholic Information Center, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and Pax Christi of Grand Rapids and Muskegon. There is no charge for this event, but a free will offering will be taken to benefit local peace and justice organization activities.

A Prayer and Support Group for families and friends of all who are in harm’s way due to war meets at the Catholic Information Center (246 Ionia, NW) on the third Tuesday of each month from 7:00pm – 8:00pm. People of any religious affiliation are welcome to join in ecumenical prayer, followed by refreshments and discussion. Meetings are scheduled for February 19, March 18 and April 15. For more information, please contact Mary Vaccaro at 459-7267 or mvaccaro@catholicinformationcenter.org.

Up From the Depths: Spirituality and Depression

Priest and clinical psychologist, Fr. Mark-David Janus, CSP offers two different programs specifically tailored for the spiritual growth of people who suffer from depression.

Monthly Group Spiritual Direction (Meets the third Wednesday of every month, February 20, March 19 and April 16)

Depression and Jesus Tuesday, March 4, 2008

“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so”… so goes the child’s Sunday school song. This basic feeling of closeness to Jesus, one of the consolations, motivations and supports of Christians, is a feeling that escapes many people with depression. In fact, it is not uncommon for people with depression to feel angry at Jesus for not healing them of their illness. Fr. Mark-David Janus explores the different ways people who suffer from depression can develop and cling to their relationship with Jesus.

Strike Three – You’re OUT (On the street)??!! Monday, February 25

How do we solve the problem of homelessness? The City of Grand Rapids and many local agencies are shifting their thrust from providing emergency temporary housing to what is called “Housing First.” This eliminates the need for emergency shelters by putting people into affordable permanent housing FIRST, and then helps them to solve the problems that caused them to become homeless. Come hear and discuss this more efficient, more dignified, and ultimately more permanent way of dealing with the various levels of homelessness. Presented by Janay Brower, Coordinator of Grand Rapids Area Housing Continuum of Care; Lori Fedewa, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Social Justice Committee member and Lisa Mitchell, Program Coordinator of Grand Rapids Area Center for Ecumenism.

Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving: An Interfaith Perspective Tuesday, March 4

During the season of Lent, Christians devote themselves more intensely to prayer, fasting and giving alms. This session will survey these ancient spiritual disciplines as they are practiced by Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. Presented by interfaith panelists, Kamal Neruddin, Leonard Robinson and Fred Stella.

City Wide Mission at St. Andrew's Cathedral March 10, 11 and 12, 7:00pm

In 2008 the Paulist Fathers give thanks to God for 150 years of service to the North American Church. To celebrate this event in Grand Rapids, we are offering a city-wide Lenten Mission to be held at the Cathedral of St. Andrew (267 Sheldon SE). Mission preacher, Fr. John Collins, CSP, will lead us in a Lenten Reflection on the New Evangelization.

Date, time place:

March 8: 4 p.m. Mass with Father John E. Collins at St. Andrew’s Cathedral

March 9: 10 a.m. Mass with Father John E. Collins at St. Andrew’s Cathedral; evening Masses at the CIC.

March 10 – 12: evening mission events led by Father John E. Collins at St. Andrew’s Cathedral

General Evening Mission Format, 7:30 p.m. each night:

March 10: Opening prayer, music highlighted by Hispanic choir from St. Andrew’s Cathedral, talk, and refreshments.

March 11: Opening prayer, music highlighted by Vietnamese group from a Holland parish, talk, and refreshments.

March 12: Opening prayer, music highlighted by combined choirs, talk, and refreshments.

Key themes:

Fr. Collins’ messages - that include humor, real-life experiences and inspiration - will revolve around this question: “Can you describe what happens in those events in your life in which you experience the presence of God?”

March 10: “What Good Is God?”

March 11: “Why Prayers Don’t Work”

March 12: Ten Kinds of People We Don’t Have to Love

Conviction Thursday, April 3

On October 6, 2002, Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters Ardeth Platte, Carol Gilbert, and Jackie Hudson entered a Minuteman Missile site near Greeley, Colorado as a nonviolent, symbolic, civil resistance action. They were arrested, charged with and found guilty in the Colorado federal district court of interference, injury or obstruction to the national defense and depredation of government property. Sr. Ardeth was sentenced to 41 months, Sister Carol 33 months, and Sister Jackie 30 months in prison. Having served their terms, the sisters are now on supervised release. In this session, Sisters Ardeth and Carol will come to tell their story and show the documentary film, Conviction, which was made about them. Plenty of time will be allowed for questions and discussion.

Sunshine, Gelato, Dominic and Friends: A Pilgrimage to Italy Brought Home Thursday, March 6

In November 2007, Dominican Associate, Mary Vaccaro made a pilgrimage to Italy, during which she visited several of the holy sites associated with the Dominican Order of Preachers. In this session she will discuss what she discovered about Sts. Dominic de Guzman, Catherine of Siena, Thomas Aquinas and Fra Angelico as she shares pictures and stories of her travels to several Italian cities.

Make Your Spiritual Dreams Real, Part 4: A Plan for Procrastinators, Perfectionists, Busy People, and People Who Would Really Rather Sleep All Day Monday, March 31

Based on a wonderful book by the well known author, Sark, this series, will be offered in six, one evening segments, every other month. Participating in all segments is most beneficial, but not required. If you think you don't have time for real spirituality, this course is for you! Join Fr. Tom Tavella, C.S.P. as he helps us find the Spirit in our busy lives, at work, at home, at school, and at play.

Why Priests? Why do we have them? What are we going to do without them? Why be one? Tuesday, April 1

In the light of the growing priest shortage, this evening explores the mission, purpose and future of the ordained priesthood and its relationship to the priesthood of the baptized lay person. Presented by Fr. Mark-David Janus, CSP.

Who is Jesus Christ? Mondays, April 7, 14 and 21

In his recent best-seller “Jesus of Nazareth” Pope Benedict offered his personal reflections on Jesus in the light of Catholic tradition and recent Biblical scholarship. As background for this all-important issue, Fr. John Kenny, CSP, will discuss three sources for our reflection.

St. Athanasius and the Early Church Councils

How is Christ divine? How does he relate to the one God? How can he be human too? Interpreted in terms of classical Greek philosophy.

Albert Schweitzer and the Quest of the Historical

Using 19th century scientific historical methods can we discover the real Jesus under the layers of Church dogma in the Gospels?

Fr. John Meier

An American scholar’s attempt to combine the best of contemporary Scripture scholarship with the traditional doctrines about Jesus Christ.

Harry Potter and the Mysterium Tremendum Wednesdays April 16, 23, 30 and May 7

The Harry Potter series, one of the most popular series ever written, has been vilified by many Christians as demonic and leading young people to the occult. Fr. Tom Tavella, CSP thinks differently. He sees a lot of God and His goodness running though these books. Join him as he journeys through the halls of Hogwarts to find the reflection of God.

The Varieties of Religious Experience Tuesdays, April 29 and May 6

Priest/Psychologist Fr. Mark-David Janus looks at William James’s classic psychological examination of religious experience. This series will focus on four of James’ classic lectures: The Religion of Healthy Mindedness, The Sick Soul, The Divided Self, and the Psychology of Saintliness. Originally given 100 years ago, these lectures still present insights on spiritual and psychological health in the 21st Century.

"On The Road"

During this year and into the new year to come, our staff is pleased to continue our popular "Adult Faith Formation Offerings For Your Parish".

Please follow the link at the top of this page to learn more about this program and to download our 2007-2008 "On The Road" brochure.