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St. Jude Catholic Church
Grand Rapids, MI
From the Director of Faith Formation
December 20, 2018 Vol. 5 Issue 51
Get this FREE newsletter e-mailed to
you...contact Mary Ellen at the Parish
Office by calling (616) 363-6897 or by
email to [email protected]
In five days Christmas will be here.
Hopefully you are ready.
The schedule is set when
you will meet with family
members and the
Christmas presents have
been wrapped. In the
midst of all the
preparation let us focus on what we
are celebrating...the first coming of the
Lord.
Jesus came to restore our friendship
with God, to pay the price for the sins
we have committed as well as those
sins we may commit in the future. We
have hope today because of the
resurrection of Jesus. and Jesus’
promise of eternal life. That’s right
Jesus is with us, guiding us,
encouraging us to be “the best version
of ourselves” to use Matthew Kelly’s
expression. Be sure to pick up his
latest book this week. More copies of
the book will be out for all those who
come on Christmas eve and day. For
all of us on the Family Faith
Formation team including those many
volunteers who teach your children,
direct our Bible studies, and help us
with the Lord’s Lambs and the
Children’s Liturgy of the Word, have a
blessed and holy Christmas
celebration.
Kindly e-mail your comments and
suggestions to [email protected]
This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Use
the Advent Prayer this week and light the fourth
candle on your Advent wreath. And then use the
Christmas Prayer beginning on Christmas Eve.
Advent Prayer
Lord God,
It's hard to wait. All around me Christmas is in the stores, on radio, and TV.
Give me the patience to await your coming and to recognize you.
O Wisdom, God who teaches us how to live,
O Ruler of the House of Israel, God who gave us the Ten Commandments,
O Root of Jesse, God who is all loving,
O Key of David, God who freed us from sin and darkness,
O King of the Gentiles, God who created us from dust,
O Emmanuel, with the Church and the world I pray,
“Come Lord Jesus, hurry to save us.”
Amen.
“O” Antiphons – O Come, O Come Emmanuel
For so many Christians, "O Come, Emanuel" was
sung from choral sanctuaries and blasted from
organ pipes at the back of the church this past weekend on the first Sunday of
Advent. I’m going to guess that very few services featured such a stirring pairing
of piano and cello. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7ySn-
Swwc.
Here is the same song, same performers but with a different video which asks
What does Christmas mean to you? Use this link for Christmas viewing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugV6QGcafEE
Christmas Time Prayer
God our Father, you brought hope to your people on that night so long ago
when the light of a star told them that you had sent a Savior.
As the days grow lighter around me, help me to remain focused on your Son,
the Light of the World.
When others try to draw me into dark thoughts and
deeds, help me to come back into the light of your love.
Help me always to follow your star in my life.
Help me to stay on the path of righteousness, to
work for justice, and always to live in expectant
hope for your kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord Amen.
Table of Contents Advent/Christmas 1
Parish Calendar 3
Gospel Summaries 5
Vatican News 6
Living the Word 7
Weekly Lesson Plans 8
CIC Schedule 10
Clem Schwartz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4U2pGgrsC0
Christmas in a Nutshell
Admit it, you've given some terrible gifts. There's someone who has never given a bad gift, though...GOD! For Christmas,
however, He gave us something no one could've imagined. This video illustrates the miracle of Christmas in a fun and
poignant way. One could argue with this two (2) minute video because of the last line but I do not believe the creator, Dan
Stevers, meant to imply that God wasn’t here before.
Check it out for yourself at http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=QXgH8ZIz9jQ
The Nativity Story Movie - A Short Edited Version for Christmas (about 17 minutes)
Take the opportunity to watch this short video clip sometime before Christmas if you can. This fourth week of Advent is
all about Mary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDCppAnelDI
Check out the DVD’s in the Kelly Conference Room
Since the children will be home this week after Christmas, why not check out the DVD’s we have in the Kelly Conference
Room. Check out all the titles in the Kelly Conference Room. The children will receive their personal copies of the January –
March 2018 Living Faith booklets when they return to classes on January 7th if they were not passed out at the December 17th
class. Be sure to watch the video clip “Christmas in a Nutshell” in this week’s newsletter.
Check out the links to some Christmas music on You Tube in this week’s newsletter as well as a Christmas Prayer which we
encourage parents to pray as a family at the dinner during the Christmas season. There is also a reading for parents to use on
Christmas Eve or Day. Why not use it as a prayer before opening the Christmas gifts.
Christmas Songs
O Come, O Come Emmanuel – Piano Guys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugV6QGcafEE
Immanuel, God is with us! by Michael Card https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-cTyDtqpmU
O Come, O Come Emmanuel – Enya https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPHh3nMMu-I
Do You Hear What I Hear? - Carrie Underwood https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYGAd4pd2vg
Mary, Did You Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Uki0dkthzI
Little Drummer Boy – Pentatonix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ_MGWio-vc
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbdvo019mgM
O Holy Night - Josh Groban https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zh-yR0pbmU
Breath of Heaven - Amy Grant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8_475FKJWQ
The First Noel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANUV9vD1zg8
Joseph's Song -Michael Card https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BARVAg0gl6w
Joseph's Lullaby--MercyMe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgcGmgrNuLM
Silent Night - Casting Crowns with lyrics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k21nvLlhwc
A Christmas Version of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4U2pGgrsC0
Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah
Bishop Barron’s Sunday Radio Homily
In today's readings we see the Theo-drama, the great story being told by God, confronting the ego-drama,
which is the self-centered play we attempt to write, produce, direct, and star in ourselves. What makes
life thrilling is to discover our role in the Theo-drama. This is precisely what has happened to Mary.
She found her role—indeed a climactic role—in the Theo-drama, just as King David had several
centuries before.
https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/mary-david-and-the-theo-drama/5022/
Go online to www.stjudes.net/mothers-of-grace-calendar to
view the calendar of events or contact Sue Wuorinen at: (616)
363-6885, ext. 1166 or email [email protected]
Go online to www.stjudes.net/thaddeus-society or
contact Sue Wuorinen at: (616) 363-6885, ext. 1166 or
email [email protected]
Sue Wuorinen,
Evangelization & Youth
Coordinator
(616) 363-6885
Cell: (616) 560-8107
Email: [email protected]
December 20th Thursday
* 8:30 am Mass in chapel
* 7:00 to 8:45 pm K of C Meeting - Brophy Center
* 8:00 to 10:00 pm Men’s Basketball in the ASA Gym
December 21st Friday
* 8:30 am Mass in the chapel
December 22nd Saturday * 2:00 pm Confessions
* 4:00 pm Vigil Mass
December 23rd Sunday
* 8:30 and 10:30 am Masses
* 9:00 to 11:00 am Northview Community Church of Christ
Sunday Service in the ASA Gym/Family Center
* 10:30 am Mass: Lord’s Lambs and CLOW
* 12:00 to 2:00 pm Adult Choir in the church lower level
* No Sunday evening classes for public school students in
grades 1-8
December 24th Monday Christmas Eve
* Parish Office is Closed
*Two Masses: 4:00 pm
- Mass in the Brophy Center with Fr. Tom Page
- Mass in the Church with Fr. Larry King.
* 6:30 pm in the church
*10:00 pm in the church
December 25th Tuesday Christmas Day
* 10:00 am Mass in church
December 26th Wednesday * 8:00 am Senior Men’s Club - Thaddeus Center
* 8:30 am Mass in the chapel
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Saturday December 29 Noon - 3 PM
Set up the Dance Floor, Lights and Photo area, Arrange Tables.
Sunday December 30 11 AM - 4 PM
Put up Decorations, Place Tablecloths on Tables.
Monday December 31 10 AM - 3 PM
Put up Decorations, Place Tablecloths on Tables.
Monday December 31 6:30 PM - 12:30 AM
Baskets, games, plate desserts, set-up the bar, raffle and buckets.
Tuesday January 1 11 AM - 1 PM
Next day clean-up after the event.
We appreciate any assistance you
can offer to help set up, run and
clean up after the annual New
Year's Party at St. Jude.
Check out the times and the
opportunities in the box to the
right then complete and return
the form below...
Clip this form and drop in the Collection Basket or Return to the Parish Office During Normal Business Hours
NAME
PHONE
email Address:
Please check the Day(s) and Times you can be available to help....
Dec. 29 Set-Up Sun., Dec. 30
Decorations &
Tables
Mon. Dec. 31
Bar Set-Up,
Plate Desserts
Mon. Dec. 31
Baskets &
Games
Mon. Dec. 31
Raffle
Bucket Area Mon. Dec. 31
Bar Set-Up
Mon. Dec. 31
Games/Raffle
Mon. Dec. 31
Check-In Mon. Dec. 31
Desserts
Tues. Jan. 1
Clean-up
4th Sunday of Advent
December 23
https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-
faith/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/fourth-
sunday-of-advent-cycle-c-sunday-connection
On this the last Sunday before Christmas, our
Gospel reading prepares us to witness Christ's
birth by showing us how Jesus was recognized
as Israel's long-awaited Messiah even before
his birth. The Gospel turns our attention from
the ministry of John the Baptist to the events
that preceded John the Baptist's birth. The story
of John the Baptist and his parents, Elizabeth
and Zechariah, are reported only in Luke's
Gospel. Luke pairs the birth of John the Baptist
and Jesus, establishing John's early connection
to the Messiah.
Our Gospel reading recalls Mary's actions after
the announcement of Jesus' birth by the angel
Gabriel. Mary goes to visit Elizabeth, her
cousin, who is also with child. Elizabeth greets
Mary with full recognition of the roles that they
and their unborn children will play in God's
plan for salvation. If we were to continue to
read the verses that follow in Luke's Gospel,
we would hear Mary respond to Elizabeth's
greeting with her song of praise, the
Magnificat. Both women recall and echo God's
history of showing favor upon the people of
Israel.
In Luke's Gospel the Holy Spirit helps reveal
Jesus' identity as God to those who believe.
Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and
sings Mary's praise because she bears the Lord.
We sing these words of praise to Mary in the
Hail Mary. Even John the Baptist, the unborn
child in Elizabeth's womb, is said to recognize
the presence of the Lord and leaps for joy.
It is appropriate in this season of Advent that
we consider the role of Mary in God's plan of
salvation. Elizabeth describes Mary as the first
disciple, as the one who believed that God's
word to her would be fulfilled. Mary's faith
enabled her to recognize the work of God in
her people's history and in her own life. Her
openness to God allowed God to work through
her so that salvation might come to everyone.
Because of this, Mary is a model and symbol of
the Church. May we be like Mary, open and
cooperative in God's plan for salvation.
Read the Sunday Gospel…
Read the Gospel from your Bible, or go to USCCB.org for the readings:
Luke 1:39-45 http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122318.cfm
Read the Gospel
Mary visits Elizabeth, who sings praise to Mary and her child.
What is the message and how can you respond to it?
In the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth described in today's Gospel,
we learn that other people can help us recognize God's presence and action
in our lives. Mary traveled to see Elizabeth because Elizabeth's pregnancy
was a sign that everything the angel told Mary would truly happen.
Elizabeth recognized Mary as the mother of her Lord because her unborn
child, John the Baptist, leapt at the sound of Mary's greeting. Elizabeth and
Mary rejoiced together at the wonderful things God was doing in their lives.
We too are blessed when we have people who help us recognize God's
action in our lives. We pray that our family can be this for one another.
Apply that message to change your attitude or behavior.
As you gather as a family, work together on a word search or hidden-picture
puzzle. Help one another until everyone has found each of the words or
pictures in the puzzle. Talk about this experience, noticing how some people
found words or pictures more easily than others and how easy it was to see
the word or picture once someone else pointed it out. Observe that
sometimes we need the help of others to recognize God's presence and action
in our lives. Read together today's Gospel, Luke 1:39-45. Ask: What did
Elizabeth recognize about Mary? (that she was to be the mother of Jesus, the
Lord) How did Elizabeth know this? (Her baby, John the Baptist, leapt with
joy at Mary's greeting) Pray together that as we share our faith together as a
family, we may help one another recognize God's presence and action in our
lives. Pray together the Hail Mary.
https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/sunday-
connection/fourth-sunday-of-advent-cycle-c-sunday-connection
Did You Know…
... that both Mary and Elizabeth will bear
children who will have important roles in
God's plan for Salvation?
Examination of Conscience...
Like Mary, am I obedient to the will of God?
Do I believe that God's word is fulfilled in
the birth of Christ?
Am I an example of being open and
cooperative in God's plan for salvation?
We would like to acknowledge the following publisher we have used with permission sections from its publication:
Celebrating the Liturgy for Junior High Copyright, 2017 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications. All
rights reserved. Orders 1-800-933-1800. Permission to publish granted by the Most Reverend Francis J. Kane, DD,
Vicar General Archdiocese of Chicago, on February 6, 2017
'/
The cycle of porn and loneliness
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/holy-see-affirms-
enduring-importance-of-un-human-rights-declaration-85212
Richmond, Va., Dec 16, 2018 / 04:46 pm (CNA/EWTN News).-
Andy*, a devout Catholic and recently married man in his
twenties, encountered a vicious cycle of pornography in high
school and some college – a cycle of porn and loneliness.
“[Porn] would create this whole loneliness, but then, [because
of] that loneliness itself, I was seeking for some sort of
connection and I was seeking that through the use of
pornography, like this reciprocating cycle,” he told CNA.
Starting sophomore year of high school and ending sometime in
college, Andy’s porn use would also make him feel shame about
interacting with people. It would lead him to be more anti-
social, then to loneliness, and ultimately to more porn use. He
said it was real, human connection which broke that cycle.
“I found that one of the things that actually helped me break that
cycle was actually more interaction with people that were really
good friends and people that were there for me.”
Andy’s experience is not uncommon, according to a recent
study from the Institute of Family Studies.
IFS linked greater porn use to increased loneliness and higher
levels of loneliness to more porn use, pointing to a vicious and
unhealthy cycle. One of the men behind the study, Mark Butler,
wrote an article describing the research.
“If loneliness can lead to pornography use, and pornography use
may bring about or intensify loneliness, these circular linkages
may create a vicious cycle, pulling the user even further from
health-promoting relationship connections,” he wrote July 3.
The study surveyed more than 1,000 people from around the
world, and a statistical model was developed to analyze the
potential reasons behind this cycle of loneliness and porn use.
Butler wrote that “each incremental increase in loneliness
was associated with an increase in pornography use (by a
factor of 0.16), and each incremental increase in pornography
use predicted a significant increase in loneliness (by a factor
of 0.20).”
For his 82nd birthday party, Pope Francis
hosts sick children
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-advent-demands-conversion-recognizing-our-mistakes-61498
Vatican City, Dec 16, 2018 / 03:05 pm (CNA/EWTN
News).- Ahead of his 82nd birthday, Pope Francis held
a party and ate birthday cake with children under the
care of a free health clinic inside the Vatican.
The celebration took place inside the Paul VI hall before
the Sunday Angelus. It included a surprise birthday cake
for Pope Francis, whose Dec. 17 birthday falls on
Monday. Joined by the children’s families, the Pope
spent about an hour with children receiving care at the
“Santa Marta” Pediatric Dispensary. In addition to
dessert, there was singing and music at the papal
audience.
“I’m happy to be with you. I wish you a Merry
Christmas, a good holy Christmas to all, and I thank you
very much for what you do, really,” the Pope said.
“And, also, I hope that there is no indigestion with that
cake so big!”
A sign hung on the table holding the Pope’s cake read:
“We cannot get used to the situations of degradation and
misery that surround us. A Christian must react.”
Francis said he thought that if the Holy Family had been
living in Rome and the Baby Jesus had a cold, Mary
would have surely brought him to the dispensary to be
treated.
The Pope thanked all of the doctors, nurses, and
volunteers of the clinic, as well as the “collaboration of
the kids, and of the dads and the moms of the children.”
The clinic is “a body,” he continued, “and there is life in
the body. It is seen in the spontaneity of the children.”
It is not easy to work with children, he noted, but he
stressed that to do so helps people to understand the
reality of life and that “we must lower ourselves, as we
lower ourselves to kiss a child. They teach us this.”
LIVING THE WORD: December 23, 2018 Fourth Sunday of Advent
Micah 5: 1-4 a Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45
Click on Bishop Barron’s Radio homily: https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/mary-david-and-the-theo-drama/5022/
Pray with the Word (Pray with this text before and after attending Mass.)
Loving God, you established the world in your goodness and sustain it in your care. May these last days of Advent find us
ready to receive you into our hearts. Open our hearts in your love! May we always serve you in faith. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Gospel Prepare for the Word (Before attending Mass, reflect on these questions to help prepare to hear the
readings.)
What do today’s readings teach you about the Christian life?
What kind of a person do you want to become?
Do you doubt God’s presence in your life, or do you believe that he has a plan and a future for you?
In what areas of your faith do you need to be strengthened? Do you really believer that God can bring about anything?
Reflect on the Word (After attending Mass, read this reflection.)
Sometimes life can seem very disappointing and without instruction. We question why bad things happen and how to make
sense of God’s will. Readings like those we heard at today’s Mass, offer us hope for our lives, especially when we try to
make sense of things! First, we hear the prophet, Micah predicting that the Savior of the world would come from Bethlehem.
In the Gospel, Elizabeth tells Mary she is blessed because she believed that the Lord’s Word is true and the he would fulfill
it. Mary’s steadfastness in her belief in the Lord is a model for our own lives. God promised Mary that she would bring them
a Savior – he fulfilled that promise. God also has a dream - and a will – for each of our lives. It may be different dream than
what we expect or long for right now but God’s dream for us is every bit as real as the promised he made to Mary and the
Israelites. Discerning what he intends for us will make us happy beyond anything we could plan for ourselves.
Act on the Word (Use these ideas to act on the readings during the week.)
Putting your hope in God and then discerning his dream for your life takes time. If you are just starting to discern your
vocation, it’s unlikely you will have answers immediately. If you are older it might be a good idea to look at what you can do
now that the kids have grown up. One of the things older people all need to do is to discern what God is calling them to do
now since they no longer have the responsibility to provide for the children. You may have more time as you enter retirement
to do things you never had the time for when the children was home.
Many thanks for giving us permission to use this copy of The Living Word 2017-2018 Copyright 2017 Archdiocese of
Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications. All rights reserved.
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Saint Alphonsus Programs & Activities for Seniors 55 + St. Alphonsus Parish at 224 Carrier NE provides activities on Mondays and Wednesdays each week.
All programs take place in the Parish Center. Everyone 55+ is welcome including non-parishioners.
For more information or to RSVP contact the Senior Program Voicemail at 616-913-4419 or phone
this number to obtain the Calendar of Events or e-mail [email protected]
Weekly Lesson Plans for Dec. 23, 2018 Fourth Sunday of Advent
Making the Connection (Grades 1, 2, and 3)
Begin with song: Hail Mary, Gentle Woman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsvgrYBeXMo
Younger children are learning about trusting others and being trustworthy. Hearing how others trust God can support them in
learning to trust God. Mary and Elizabeth both trusted in God’s promise that Mary would become the mother of Jesus.
Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings
Say: Today’s Gospel reading is about two women who trusted God. One of them is Mary.
Ask: Who is Mary? (Jesus’ mother)
Say: Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of his Son, Jesus. Ask: What did Mary say when God asked her to be Jesus’
mother? (Yes.)
Say: Mary trusted God. After she said yes to God, she went to visit Elizabeth. Let’s hear about their visit.
Read today’s Gospel, Luke 1:39–45. Then watch this video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM4cL1gP24I
Say: Elizabeth was so happy! She trusted God. She knew Mary was going to be Jesus’ mother.
Ask: What did Elizabeth call Mary? (blessed) Say: Mary was blessed because she was going to be Jesus’ mother. Mary trusted
God and said yes to God. God took care of Mary, and he takes care of us. We can trust in God’s promises, just as Mary did.
Pray together, telling God that you trust in his promises, just as Mary did.
Pray the Hail Mary.
Conclude by singing Mary Did You Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYe7odIJLF0
Making the Connection (Grades 4, 5, and 6)
Begin with song: Hail Mary, Gentle Woman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsvgrYBeXMo
One way that older children learn to trust God is by witnessing the ways others in their lives trust God. In the story of Mary's
visit to Elizabeth, we find an opportunity to observe ways in which people show their trust that God's promises will be
fulfilled.
Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings
Say: You know that Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. We will understand today's Gospel better if we take
some time to remember the story about how Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. Let's work together to tell this story.
Ask your children to recall how Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. Help as needed until the story of the Annunciation is told (Luke 1:26-38).
Say: Mary trusted that God's promises to her would be fulfilled. Today's Gospel tells the story of what Mary did next. Let's listen carefully to this Gospel.
Invite one of your children to read today's Gospel, Luke 1:39-45. Then watch this video clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM4cL1gP24I
Ask: What did Elizabeth call Mary? (blessed) Why do you think that Elizabeth called Mary blessed? (because she was to be the mother of Jesus; because Mary trusted God and said yes when God asked her to be the mother of his Son, Jesus)
Say: There is another word that we use to call someone blessed; that word is happy.
Ask: Are there people in your life who trust God? Who are they? How do you know that they trust God? (Accept all reasonable
answers.) We can be happy like Mary if we trust that God is always taking care of us.
Pray together that Mary will help us trust in God's promises as she did.
Pray the Hail Mary.
Conclude by singing Mary Did You Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYe7odIJLF0
Making the Connection (Grades 7 and 8)
Begin with song: Hail Mary, Gentle Woman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsvgrYBeXMo
Young people are still learning how to put the events and circumstances of their lives into perspective. One way we can help
them learn to do this is to teach them to look for and recognize God's action in their daily lives.
Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings
Say: Sometimes finding God in our lives can feel like doing a word search or hidden-picture puzzle. Our faith tells us that God
is present in our lives, but we may not readily see God or God's actions. When that happens, we may need help to find God.
Often we can find that help from other people. In today's Gospel, we hear about Mary's visit to her cousin, Elizabeth. These women helped one another see God working in their lives. Let's listen to this Gospel.
Invite one of your children to read today's Gospel, Luke 1:39-45. Then watch this video clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM4cL1gP24I
Ask: Do you remember what led Mary to visit Elizabeth? (The angel Gabriel told her that her cousin, Elizabeth, was with
child.) What was this a sign of?(that Mary herself was to bear a child; that nothing is impossible with God) What did Elizabeth
say happened at the sound of Mary's greeting? (Elizabeth's child leapt for joy.) Note that this child was John the Baptist.
Say: Mary traveled to see Elizabeth because Elizabeth's pregnancy was a sign that everything the angel told Mary would truly
happen. Elizabeth and Mary rejoiced together at the wonderful things God was doing in their lives. We too are blessed when
we have people who help us recognize God's action in our lives. Think now if there are people in your life who help you in this
way. This is one of the things people try to do for one another in our Church community.
Conclude in prayer thanking God for people who help us recognize God's presence and action in our lives.
Pray together the Prayer to the Holy Spirit.
Conclude by Mary Did You Know
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYe7odIJLF0
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
for
January , 2019 Located inside Cathedral Square – Suite 2A
360 Division Ave South, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The following is a partial list of events scheduled at the Catholic Information Center located in Cathedral Square on
Division at Wealthy in downtown Grand Rapids. For information, phone the CIC at (616) 459-7267. Register online:
http://www.catholicinformationcenter.org/course-registration
Couple to Couple League Natural Family Planning - Main Class Series $135 per Couple
Monday, January 7 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Register at http://register.ccli.org/class_series/11841
Financial assistance available – contact Julie Cook at [email protected]
CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267
The Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a Fertility Awareness-Based Method for tracking
fertility. Engaged & married couples are invited to learn this 99% effective, 100% natural alternative to birth control that
is church-approved. Single women are also encouraged to register and gain insight into their cycles and overall health.
Holy Brew for Adults in their 20s and 30s: What’s Brewing in Your Life? (Jan.)
Thursday, January 10 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
With Fr. René Constanza, CSP, Sr. Maria Serra Garcia, FSE & Fr. Michael Hennessy, CSP
CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267
“I Believe in the Holy Spirit.” They are words we say together in the Creed every Sunday. We say it when we make the
sign of the cross: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”. Yet, how much do we really know
about the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity? Actually, here’s a better question: how much can we know about the
Holy Spirit? Together we’ll look at and discuss what scripture says about these questions. We’ll reflect on ways that we
can pray to and with the Holy Spirit. Advance Registration Required: Call 616-459-7267 or email
Music, Memory & Alzheimer's Disease
Tuesday, January 15 10:00 am - 11:30 am
With Emily Smith, MT-BC Cost $15 (Includes Lunch after the Presentation)
CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267
Music has the incredible power to make connections, promote positive coping, bring comfort & hope, and foster
cherished memories; but how exactly? In this multi-media presentation focusing on music therapy and Alzheimer’s
disease, participants will learn and experience the research and practice behind this exciting field. This one-hour seminar
includes live demonstrations, original songs, and a review of current music therapy interventions with patients and
caregivers touched by Alzheimer’s disease. $15 - Lunch is included. You Must Pre-Register.
Freedom to Love: A Gospel Guide to Moral Decision-Making
January 15, 2019 @ 7:00 pm - January 22, 2019 @ 8:30 pm
With John Graveline
CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267
Every day we are given opportunities to choose love. However, moral deliberation is not always clear and simple.
Sometimes, it’s not clear what the right thing to do is in a particular situation. or we leave the good undone and add to
the woundedness of our world, despite our intentions. Where do we look for guidance to recognize the good and the
courage to live compassionately? These sessions will seek a Gospel approach though prayer, reflection, and dialogue to
place the gift of freedom at the service of love. ($10 donation per session requested)
