Lent 2010


Lenten Programs for Spiritual Growth: The Catholic Information Center will offer a variety of opportunities for prayer, learning and spiritual growth this Lent. All interested persons (from any religious background) are welcome to participate. There is no registration fee, but we do request donations (typically $5 per class) from those who are able to contribute. 

Registration Options:                                                                Email us at register@catholicinformationcenter.org.  Please include the name and time of the class, your name, address, phone number and preferred email address.

Call us at 459-7267, ext 1803

For more information, please call the Catholic Information Center office at 459-7267, ext. 1801 or visit our website at www.catholicinformationcenter.org.

Parking:  Free, secure parking is always available for those who attend our classes.  Please park in the lower level of the Cathedral Square Parking Ramp, entering from Wealthy Street, just east of Division Avenue.  (Handicap parking is available in the ramp and also in the front parking lot facing Division Ave)

Classes in Spanish: The CIC has recently begun offering some courses in Spanish.  These course descriptions will be listed in Spanish, within the context of this brochure.  We will also publish a separate flier, entirely in Spanish, listing only those courses which will be taught in Spanish.  If you are able to read this in English and know someone who might benefit from our offerings in Spanish, please let them know about this new endeavor.  If you would like copies of our “Spanish only” fliers, please let us know. 

Clases en Español:  El Centro de Información Católica empezó a ofrecer algunos cursos en español, la descripción aparecerá en dicho idioma a lo largo de este folleto. Vamos a publicar también un volante separado, totalmente en español, con la lista de los cursos mencionados.  Si usted conoce a alguien que se puede beneficiar con los cursos en español, por favor compártale esta información. Comuníquese con nosotros para obtener los volantes o búsquelos en su respectiva parroquia.

Note to Catechists: Did you know that Catholic Information Center courses may be taken for credit toward Catechist Certification for the Diocese of Grand Rapids?  The content dimension for which a course qualifies will be listed at the end of each description as follows:

  • CFD = Catechist Formation Dimension
  • CFD: Catechist = Catechist as a Person of Faith/Spirituality of the Catechist
  • CFD: Learner = Understanding the Person Being Catechized/The Learner
  • CFD: Method = Context and Process of Catechesis/Method
  • CFD: Content = Message or Content of Catechesis

Nota para Catequistas:  Sabía usted que las clases que ofrece el Centro de Información Católica son aceptadas por la Diócesis de Grand Rapids para la Certificación del Catequista?  La dimensión de contenido a la que pertenece cada clase aparecerá al final de la descripción de la misma y en el siguiente orden:

  • CFD =  Dimensión Formación del Catequista
  • CFD:  Catequista = El Catequista como persona de Fe/Espiritualidad del Catequista
  • CFD:  Estudiante = Entender a la persona catequizada/El Estudiante
  • CFD:  Método = Contexto y Proceso de la Catequesis/Método
  • CFD:  Contenido = Mensaje o Contenido de la Catequesis

 


Jesus Today Study Group                                               Thursdays, February 11, March 11 and April 8, 7:00 – 8:30pm          Presented by Mary Vaccaro

“On the whole we don’t take Jesus seriously – whether we call ourselves Christian or not.  We don’t love our enemies, turn the other cheek, forgive limitlessly, bless those who curse us, share with the poor or put all our trust and hope in God.”   Fr. Albert Nolan, O.P. begins his book, Jesus Today, with these challenging observations.  He further asserts that in this day and age, we need to take Jesus seriously more than ever.  This study group (begun in January) will meet once a month, through April.  Each session will include time for prayer, study and discussion of one of the book’s four parts. New members are welcome.

  • 2/11     Jesus’ Spirituality

  •  3/11     Personal Transformation Today

  • 4/8       Jesus and the Experience of Oneness

Participants are asked to read one part of the book, prior to each session.  Jesus Today is available for purchase (at a 20% discount) at the CIC and at all Schuler Books locations (in the Book Club Section.)  CFD: Catechist

Como Enamorarse de Dios                                                          el jueves, febrero 11, 18*  y marzo 4, 7:00 – 8:30pm                    Presentatdo por Padre Joaquín Lally, C.S.P.

Este curso de tres semanas va a ofrecer un bosquejo histórico acerca de cómo nos hemos relacionado con Dios a través de las Sagradas Escrituras y en la Historia de la Iglesia, haciendo énfasis en las enseñanzas sobre el por qué Cristo se hizo uno de nosotros y fue crucificado. Juntos vamos a explorar el papel de la liturgia y la oración personal en ralación con nuestra respuesta personal y comunitaria al amor de Dios. Nos vamos a enfocar también en algunas prácticas clásicas de espiritualidad y cómo se relacionan con las Sagradas Escrituras. Nuestra relación con Dios va a ser comparada con todas nuestras otras relaciones. 

Importante: La invitación para todos los temas va dirigida solo a personas adultas. No podemos proveer cuidado de niños durante las clases. No hay costo de inscripción pero sugerimos una donación mínima de $5.00 por participante.  CFD:  Catequista

*Class does not meet on February 25.

How to Fall in Love with God                                             Mondays, February 15, 22, and March 1, 7:00 – 8:30pm                     Presented by Fr. Joachim Lally, C.S.P.

This three week course will offer an historical sketch of how we have related to God through the Scriptures and in Church History, outlining the teachings about why Christ became one of us and was crucified.  We will explore the role of liturgy and personal prayer in relationship to our communal and personal response to God's love for us. We will also focus on some of the classical spiritual practices over the years and how they relate to the Scriptures. Our relationship with God will be compared to all our other relationships. CFD: Catechist

Bernstein’s Mass                                                                Tuesdays, February 16, 23 and March 2, 7:00 – 8:30pm

Presented by Fr. Tom Tavella, CSP  Originally commissioned for the opening of the Kennedy Center in 1971, this theater piece, while a secular work about a core Christian event,  comes from the hand of a Jewish  composer.  As we listen to it today, parts of it seem very dated, reflecting the turbulence of the early 70’s.  Yet, much of it offers a timeless insight into the psychology and spirituality that is the Mass and the priesthood.  Using selections from this work, we will examine Bernstein’s insights and what they can say to us today.  CFD: Content

Curso Cuaresma                                                                  miércoles, febrero 17, 10:00 – 11:30am                                              Presentado por William Cardona Arias

Historicidad, sentido e importancia de la cuaresma en el cristianismo.  Conoceremos a través de la historia las diversas celebraciones cuaresmales que los cristianos realizaron en cada época; esto con el objetivo de comprender el sentido e importancia de vivir cuarenta días en el desierto, en oración y ayuno, tal como lo entendió Jesús de Nazaret.  CFD:  Contenido

Importante: La invitación para todos los temas va dirigida solo a personas adultas. No podemos proveer cuidado de niños durante las clases. No hay costo de inscripción pero sugerimos una donación mínima de $5.00 por participante.

The Creed: What Christians Believe and Why It Matters  Thursdays, February 18, 25, March 4* and 18, 7:00pm – 8:30pm          Presented by Fr. Mark-David Janus, C.S.P, PhD

Christianity as a creedal religion is much criticized, especially by a growing number of creedless evangelical churches who find creeds artificial, restraining and irrelevant to modern life.   Fr. Mark-David takes the position that the Christian creed tells us a story about the origin and destiny of the world that often challenges contemporary society with radical truth.  In this four part series, we will walk through the story of the Nicene Creed and why it still matters in the 21st century.  CFD: Content

*Class does not meet on March 11.

Dios en la Danza de la Vida: Oración, Espiritualidad y Creación                                                                                      viernes, febrero 19 y marzo 19, 9:00 – 11:00am o lunes, febrero 22 y marzo 22, 6:00 – 8:00pm                                                                               Presentado por Zulema Moret

Encuentros  a partir de la oración, de acuerdo con lo que cada mes trae consigo.  Un proceso creativo acompañará la reflexión del grupo de participantes. Vamos a tomar como  punto de partida  el libro de Joyce Rupp, quien desde la “Introducción”  nos invita a hacer que cada mes ‘la vida de Dios baile en cada uno de nosotros, en los espacios de silencio que podamos encontrar en nuestras ocupadas vidas’.  (Una reunión mensual, enero-diciembre 2010)    CFD:  Catequista

Importante: La invitación para todos los temas va dirigida solo a personas adultas. No podemos proveer cuidado de niños durante las clases. No hay costo de inscripción pero sugerimos una donación mínima de $5.00 por participante.

Just Food?                                                                                    Tuesdays, February 23 and March 2, 7:00 – 8:30pm                       Presented by Living Justice

During this season of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, it’s appropriate to reconsider our relationship with food.  As Christians, we are called to move beyond simply counting the calories, fat, and nutrients in our food; indeed, we must reckon the social, economic, and environmental costs of our food choices.  In this 2-part series, we will view selections from the 2008 documentary Food, Inc, consider how the principles of Catholic Social Teaching can inform our decisions about food, and explore various local options for buying and eating responsibly. CFD: Content

The Scrutinies: An Inward Search for Conversion and Enlightenment                                                                     Tuesdays, March 2, 9 and 16, 7:00 – 8:30pm                                  Presented by Matt Berrios and René Constanza, C.S.P.

Every year on the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent we pray something called “the scrutinies” with our catechumens.  This ritual helps not only them, but all of us who yearn to fill our spirits with Christ - the living water, the light of the world, the resurrection and the life.  In this course we will sing, reflect and pray with the Gospel passages for those Sundays.  CFD: Catechist

  • 3/2       The Samaritan Woman at the Well  John 4
  • 3/9       The Man Born Blind John 9
  • 3/16     The Raising of Lazarus John 11

 

The Passion according to Luke                                         Mondays, March 8, 15 and 22- 7:00-8:30pm                                        Presented by Fr. Tom Tavella, C.S.P.  

This liturgical year, the Gospel of Luke forms the core of our Sunday readings.  Fr. Tom will lead us through an in depth examination of the Passion narrative as found in Luke’s gospel.    CFD: Content

Education and Evangelization: The Life and Legacy of St. Katherine Drexel                                                                            Tuesday, March 16, 7:00 – 8:30pm                                                        Part 4 of a Series on Race and Catholic Social Teaching                       Presented by Sister Mary Roger Thibodeaux, SBS

St. Katherine Drexel led a fascinating and inspiring life.  As a wealthy heiress, she could have had a life of leisure.  Instead she devoted her energy and fortune to serving the needs of the poor.  Most notably, she traveled the country establishing schools for African and Native American children.  In this evening session, Sr. Mary Roger will share stories of St. Katherine Drexel’s life and the legacy of her work, helping us to understand the vital connection between education and evangelization. CFD: Content

An Evening with the Cross                                                      Monday, March 22, 7:00 - 8:30pm                                                       Presented by Fr. Mark-David Janus, CSP, PhD

The Cross is the central element in Christian life, and is certainly the object of much reflection in Lent and Holy Week. Join Fr. Mark-David for an evening of readings, reflections, discussion, music and prayer on Jesus Christ crucified. CFD: Catechist

Curso de Semana Santa                                                   miércoles, marzo 24, 10:00 – 11:30am                                          Presentado por William Cardona Arias

Historicidad, sentido e importancia de la Semana Santa en el cristianismo. Conoceremos a través de la historia las diversas celebraciones  que los cristianos realizaron durante la Semana Santa; esto con el objetivo de comprender el sentido e importancia de la pasión, muerte y resurreción de Jesús de Nazaret.  CFD:  Contenido

Importante: La invitación para todos los temas va dirigida solo a personas adultas. No podemos proveer cuidado de niños durante las clases. No hay costo de inscripción pero sugerimos una donación mínima de $5.00 por participante.

Our Priests Share Their Stories                                        Thursdays, March 25, April 15, May 20 and June 17, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

In this Year of the Priest we will host four evenings during which a few of our local presbyters will tell a bit about their calling to and experience of priestly life.  Each evening will feature speakers from a variety of life experiences – some who have come From Afar, those Made to Order - the Newbies, those In Their Prime and the Well Seasoned.  CFD: Content

The first session will feature:

  • From Afar Fr. Godfrey Onyekwere, Pastor, St. Mary Magdalen, Kentwood

  • Made to Order Fr. Fred Hoesli, O.P., Priest in Residence, St. Francis de Sales, Holland

  • Newbie Fr. Tony Pelak, Pastor, Prince of Peace, North Muskegon

  • In His Prime Fr. Thomas G. Simons, Pastor, Holy Trinity, Alpine

  • The Well Seasoned Fr. Paul A. Milanowski, Pastor, St. Stephen, East Grand Rapids


"On The Road" Faith Formation for Parishes

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 2009-2010  "On The Road" brochure.

 

Catholic Information Center "On the Road" 

Click here to view Adult Faith Formation Offerings for your parish

"Education forms the common mind. Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclined."

~Pope Alexander


"Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one."

~Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990)


"Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance."

~Will Durant (1885-1981)


"Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do."

~Saint Thomas Aquinas, Two Precepts of Charity


"To teach is to create a space in which obedience to truth is practiced."

~Abba Felix

 

 

 

"Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do."

~Saint Thomas Aquinas, Two Precepts of Charity

 

 

 

"Education forms the common mind. Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclined."

~Pope Alexander

 

 

 

 

"Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one."

~Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990)

 

 

 

"Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance."

~Will Durant (1885-1981)

 

 

 

"Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do."

~Saint Thomas Aquinas, Two Precepts of Charity

 

 

 

 

"To teach is to create a space in which obedience to truth is practiced."

~Abba Felix

 

 

 

 

"Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one."

~Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990)

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Education forms the common mind. Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclined."

~Pope Alexander

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one."

~Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


"Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one."

~Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990)

 


"Education forms the common mind. Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclined."

~Pope Alexander


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360 Division Ave. S, Suite 2A -
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-459-7267