CIC: Reconciliation

Reconciliation

esus, the Good Shepard, was always looking for those who felt excluded from the church and community of his time. The CIC, following in his footsteps, is also searching out those people who for whatever reason feel alienated or unwelcome in the Catholic family. Our clear and unwavering message is that all are welcome at the table of the Lord. Pope John Paul II has made us aware that the Church is a human institution, and as such we have often sinned against the members of our own body. We are prepared at every moment to meet people where they find themselves in their faith journey. We will listen to and talk about whatever doubts and reservations people have. We will do all within our power to heal whatever wounds people may have experienced at the hands of the Church.

esus befriended the poor and the outcasts of his society. The people of the CIC embrace the words of the gospel of Matthew, “That whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do to me.” The CIC is engaged in multiple efforts to alleviate the suffering of the poor and is committed working to resolve the sources of injustice in our society.

Specific CIC Programs for Reconciliation

New Life Group

ew Life is a support group which ministers primarily to separated, divorced, widowed and never married Catholics. They have monthly meetings with a speaker or a educational video, special retreats, stations of the cross, annual outdoor mass and potluck, a special Mass with Bishop Rose, and several other activities published in a monthly newsletter.

he New Life Divorce Support Group hosts ten-week sessions. Men and women who are divorced or going through a divorce will help you learn ways to cope with the stress and strains.

For more information about New Life and/or to register for Support Groups, call the Center at 616-459-7267.

New Life Mission Statement
To support, enrich and give one another hope consistent with our Christian values; to provide social, spiritual and educational activities to meet our needs; to inform, educate, persuade and create empathy with the church for the problems we face. New Life encompasses all ages, genders and religious backgrounds.

The work of healing and compassion calls us to reach out to our Catholic brothers and sisters who are alienated from the Church community; and calls us to respond to the wounds of society and the hunger for peace and justice. We recognize that action on behalf of justice is constitutive of the preaching of the Gospel.