Yoga Unveiled: My Spiritual Journey from Darkness to Light
2026-05-11 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Catholic Information Center, 1501 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 20005, United States
We invite you to join us on May 11 at 6:00 PM EDT as former yoga instructor Linda Carl explores the dangers of yoga in her newest book, Yoga Unveiled: My Spiritual Journey from Darkness to Light.
RSVP to join us in-person or virtually through the livestream.
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May 11th Schedule:

5:45 PM Check-in
6:00 PM Book talk by Linda Carl
7:00 PM Booksigning and social
8:00 PM Event concludes

For nearly twenty years, Linda Carl lived and breathed yoga. She taught it, practiced it, promoted it, and truly believed she was helping people find peace. Then, after one terrifying event, everything slowly began to change. A spiritual awakening unfolded that shattered her assumptions, exposed the hidden forces behind yoga’s serene façade, and ultimately led her back to God: the mercy of Christ.
This powerful book throws back the curtain on what yoga really is — its religious origins, its spiritual dangers, and the misleading philosophies it has helped weave into American culture. Today, thirty-six million Americans practice yoga believing it offers mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical wellness. But few understand that yoga is, at its core, a Hindu spiritual system designed to awaken forces incompatible with the Christian faith.
Drawing from years of research, personal experience, Scripture, and the words of Hindu teachers themselves, Linda reveals how yoga’s postures, mantras, breathing practices, and meditative techniques are not neutral — they are acts of devotion to other gods. She shows why even “yoga as exercise” can open spiritual doors Christians are never meant to open.
Along the way, Linda exposes the troubling beliefs of yoga instructors in the West, the seductive lure of “energy healing” practices such as Reiki, and the subtle idolatry embedded in language about the “divine,” “the universe,” and “spiritual energy.”
Yet this book is far more than just a warning. It is an electrifying testimony of deliverance.
With disarming honesty and deep compassion, Linda recounts how Christ rescued her, healed her, and filled the emptiness yoga could never reach. She offers a clear side-by-side comparison of yoga’s teachings and the truths of the Catholic Faith, helping readers discern rightly and avoid spiritual harm.
Most importantly, she points the way forward — to Christ-centered prayer, holy stillness, reverence for the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, and the peace that comes not from self-emptying techniques but from surrender to the living God.
If you desire physical well-being without jeopardizing your soul; if you’ve struggled with confusion, anxiety, or spiritual darkness; or if you simply long for authentic peace and harmony, this book is your guide.
Linda Carl’s story will shake you, steady you, and ultimately refresh you in the liberating power of God’s love.

Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) Executive Panel Discussion: Real Estate & Homeownership (In-Person Only Program)
2026-05-20 18:30 - 20:30
The CIC and Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) Washington, DC invite you to our upcoming co-hosted Executive Panel Discussion on Wednesday, May 20th at 6:30 pm.
This conversation, “Real Estate and Homeownership,” will feature an all-Catholic all-star cast of folks who will present on every aspect of the home buying process, from financially planning to afford a home, to finding a good house, to the tax advantages of homeownership.
Our panelists are Jose Semorile—a DC-based real estate broker with over 20 years of local real estate experience and board member with The Catholic Business Network; David Latimer—a seasoned Mortgage Sales Manager with Wells Fargo with over 20 years of mortgage banking industry experience overseeing billions of dollars in loan production; and Brandon Hines—a skilled Financial Advisor and one of the only advisors within the firm to hold designations as both an Institutional Consultant and a Retirement Plan Advisor. You won’t want to miss this inspiring and educational discussion designed for the young professional.
Drinks and complimentary appetizers will be available. Dress code is business casual or work uniform.
This presentation is offered in-person only and designed for young adult Catholic professionals (ages 20s-30s).
Please register through YCP DC’s registration page. The program is free to YCP members and clergy; $5 for non-YCP members.
Schedule:

6:30 PM – Doors Open + Networking with drinks and hors d’oeuvres
7:00 PM – Panel Begins
7:55 PM – Small Group Discussion
8:10 PM – Table Summaries
8:20 PM – Closing + Prayer
8:30 PM – Event Ends

Our Panelists are:
Jose Semorile, Associate Broker at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
Jose grew up in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and arrived in Washington, D.C., in 1990. After more than 35 years in the Washington Metropolitan Area, Jose has gained a unique perspective on life in the nation’s capital. His experiences have allowed him to witness the evolution of its neighborhoods and the diverse communities within this dynamic and transient city. He is dedicated to helping people feel at home in the Washington Metropolitan Area, whether their stay is short or long-term.As a trusted real estate advisor, Jose understands that buying or selling a home is one of life’s most significant decisions. His extensive background and market knowledge have enabled him to confidently guide clients through the real estate process in the Washington Metropolitan Area for over 20 years, earning their trust and fostering repeat business.Beyond his professional achievements, Jose is deeply involved in charitable initiatives. He serves on the board of The Catholic Business Network, Annunciation Catholic School in DC, and Trinity Missions, which supports 43 missions serving parishes in inner-city neighborhoods and isolated rural communities across seven countries. Additionally, he is a Knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, an organization dedicated to serving the poor, sick, refugees, and marginalized communities in 122 countries worldwide. When he is not working or serving his community, Jose enjoys traveling with his family.
Brandon Hines, Financial Advisor at The Monument Group at Wells Fargo Advisors
Brandon Hines joined Wells Fargo Advisors in 2010. Since then, Brandon has earned firm and industrywide recognition for his service to institutional and select private clients. He is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) and a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS®), the latter designation through the College for Financial Planning. Within the firm, Brandon is one of a select few advisors to hold designations as an Institutional Consultant and a Retirement Plan Advisor. Brandon consults on all aspects of investment policy, risk assessment, asset allocation, manager selection, and on-going communication with non-profits, retirement plans, and private clients. Brandon graduated with a degree in Economics and Public Policy from the George Washington University. He has been named on the Forbes-Shook list of Top Next Gen Wealth Managers Best-In-State three years in a row 2022-2024. Brandon resides in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and two children.
David Latimer, Mortgage Sales Manager at Wells Fargo
David brings over 20 years’ experience in mortgage banking, having begun his career at National City Mortgage in Washington, DC. Following his time at National City, he had a brief tenure at Waterfield Financial before joining Wells Fargo, where he has spent the last 18 years. Soon after joining Wells Fargo, David transitioned into a management role as a Private Mortgage Banker, leading the DC office for over a decade and overseeing billions of dollars in production. His exceptional contributions have earned him recognition as a member of Wells Fargo’s Private Banker Leadership Council, as well as the prestigious President’s and Leaders Club recognition for outstanding mortgage production. David has been a member of the MBAMW for over ten years and previously served on the executive committee and was the 2025 President. David and, his wife, Amanda, live in Potomac with their three kids.
This program is co-sponsored by the Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) Washington, DC.
Register today!

On the CIC's Rooftop: Alison Cheperdak and "Was It Something I Said?" (IN-PERSON ONLY) — NOW ON WAITLIST!
2026-05-27 19:00 - 21:00
5/27 UPDATE: Registrations are now closed as we have reached maximum capacity. Complete the RSVP form for the waitlist.
THIS ROOFTOP EVENT IS OFFERED IN-PERSON ONLY (No Livestream)
The CIC is delighted to bring back our programs to our building’s rooftop. For our first rooftop program, we are delighted to welcome internationally certified etiquette expert and coach Alison M. Cheperdak for a discussion of her new book, Was It Something I Said?: Everyday Etiquette to Avoid Awkward Moments in Relationships, Work, and Life, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM EDT. Interviewing Alison will be another DC Catholic young professional, Jane Kennedy.
You must RSVP in advance as there is limited space available on the rooftop. There will be no walk-ins allowed. On the day-of starting at 7:00 PM, you may check-in at the CIC building’s main foyer with the Security team. Once checked in, you will be escorted to the elevator.
FAQS:
MAY 27th SCHEDULE?

7:00 PM: Check-in begins in the main foyer of the 1501 K Street Building (The Investment Building); our Rooftop Happy Hour(s) bar opens. You may also purchase Was It Something I Said from CIC bookstore manager, Kevin.
7:30 PM: Was It Something I Said? interview of author Alison Cheperdak by Jane Kennedy.
8:30 PM: Booksigning by Alison Cheperdak. The Happy Hour(s) continues.
9:00 PM: Evening concludes; please exit down the elevator.

BAD WEATHER?
In the event of very rainy weather forecast, a decision will be made a couple days before the program to move into the CIC’s space on the first floor of the 1501 K Street building or change the date. If registered, check your email for updates.
VIDEO OF THIS TALK?
This program is offered in-person only, and will not be livestreamed. However, we will record Alison’s talk to be placed later on our YouTube Channel. If you would like to be emailed the recording, make your request through this online form: https://forms.gle/i3SNJ93uiR2Y1iSLA.
PARKING OPTIONS?
The CIC building’s garage at 1501 K Street NW (Atlantic Parking) will offer you a discounted rate of $6 to park. When arriving, tell the garage attendant you are attending the CIC’s program. Please note that the garage will close this evening at 8:00 PM.
NEED TO CANCEL YOUR REGISTRATION?
Email the CIC Event Team at events@cicdc.org.

About Alison Cheperdak’s Book:

The modern etiquette guide you’ll actually use

Inspired by years spent navigating high-pressure rooms, from live TV studios to the West Wing of the White House, Alison M. Cheperdak has learned one thing: how we treat people matters more than ever. And most of us were never truly taught how to do it well.
As an etiquette expert who has taught seminars everywhere from Harvard Law School to the White House to the U.S. Congress, as well as for some of the largest global companies, Alison has helped thousands of people build confidence, clarity, and connection in their everyday lives.
Now she has gathered her top tips, most-asked questions, and real-life scripts into a book created for you. Was It Something I Said? is a modern, practical, confidence-building guide to every social moment life offers, whether big, small, awkward, or high-stakes.
If you have ever wondered what to say to a new colleague, how to handle a tricky conversation with grace, or whether your text sounded a little off, this book is for you.
With warmth and expertise, Alison shows that etiquette is not about perfection or performance. It is about respect, emotional intelligence, and making people feel at ease, including yourself.

Was It Something I Said? will guide you in learning to:

Start conversations, sustain them, and exit gracefully.
Navigate the moments everyone dreads, including awkward encounters or forgotten names.
Handle tricky topics with thoughtfulness, from money to family dynamics to meeting your partner’s parents.
Understand dress codes, dining etiquette, and everyday social cues without any snobbery.
Show up with polished presence while staying true to who you are.
Whether you are giving a toast, interviewing for your dream job, traveling abroad, texting a friend, or hosting a dinner that brings people together, this book helps you move through life with heart, clarity, and gracious ease.

Etiquette is not old-fashioned. It is a soft-skill superpower, and it is needed now more than ever.
Was It Something I Said? is your companion for feeling confident wherever life takes you, from boardrooms to brunch tables to the moments that matter most.

Making Sense of "Magnifica Humanitas"
2026-06-01 18:00 - 19:30
Join the CIC on Monday, June 1 at 6:00 PM EDT for a discussion of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical on AI, “Making Sense of Magnifica Humanitas.” Our panelists are Fr. Michael Baggot, LC, a theologian and leading voice on AI ethics, and Mark Ryland, Catholic technology strategist and Vice President of AI at Istari Digital.
Our discussion will explore the pope’s emerging vision for the Church and humanity in an age of algorithms, automation, and machine intelligence. Drawing from theology, ethics, technology, business, and Catholic social thought, Fr. Baggot and Mark Ryland will discuss how the encyclical speaks to pressing contemporary questions:

What does it mean to defend human dignity in the era of generative AI?
How should Catholics think about work, creativity, and economics amid rapid technological disruption?
Can technological progress remain human-centered?
What unique moral and spiritual contributions can the Catholic tradition offer to the global AI conversation?
How should we understand Magnifica Humanitas within the larger historical context of Catholic Social Teaching?

Register to attend either in-person or virtually through our YouTube livestream.
June 1 Schedule:

5:45 pm: Doors Open
6:00 pm: Panel Discussion and Q&A on Magnifica Humanitas with Fr. Michael Baggot and Mark Ryland — this portion of the evening will be livestreamed
7:00 pm: Happy (Half) Hour
7:30 pm: Event Concludes

The CIC’s 2026 Eucharistic Procession in Washington, DC
2026-06-06 09:00 - 12:00
You’re invited to join us for the CIC’s 4th Annual Eucharistic Procession in Our Nation’s Capital on the morning of Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 9:00am-12:00pm. This year, we are partnering with the National Eucharistic Congress as part of the Archdiocese of Washington’s activities on the “One Nation Under God” St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Pilgrimage that celebrates the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding.
June 6 Schedule:
9:00 AM: Mass
10:00 AM: Eucharistic Procession will begin
12:00 PM: Conclusion
The night before on Friday, June 5, our director Fr. Charles Trullols will bring the Pilgrimage’s Blessed Sacrament from the Diocese of Arlington to the Archdiocese of Washington. The CIC will offer a Holy Hour at our chapel from 9:30 PM – 10:30 PM with music by singer-songwriter Marie Miller.
View full details at www.cicdc.org/procession.

Margarita Mooney Clayton's "When Mary Calls"
2026-06-10 18:00 - 20:00
The CIC is delighted to welcome Dr. Margarita Mooney Clayton for a presentation of her book, When Mary Calls: Surprising Encounters with the Mother of God, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM EDT. After the talk, stay for a booksigning with Dr. Clayton and a light happy hour social.
RSVP to join this program in-person or virtually through the livestream.
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June 10th Schedule:

5:45 PM: Doors open for check-in
6:00 PM: When Mary Calls presentation by Dr. Margarita Mooney Clayton (in-person and livestreamed).
7:00 PM: Booksigning by Dr. Clayton and happy hour
8:00 PM: Evening concludes

When Mary Calls will be available for purchase at the CIC bookstore.
About the Book:

A young Protestant man from the Bible Belt experiences miraculous healing at a Marian shrine in Ireland. A Methodist woman sees Mary through “a tear in the world” and receives a life-saving warning. A world-renowned composer discovers that every musical composition “is a little incarnation.”
In an age of spiritual hunger and cultural confusion, people from Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox backgrounds are turning to Mary as their spiritual mother.
Part spiritual memoir, part theological exploration, When Mary Calls is an emotionally resonant narrative tapestry of deeply personal, testimonial-style stories of Marian encounters today, reflecting Margarita Mooney Clayton’s unique voice as both scholar and spiritual witness. Through seven compelling personal stories—including Clayton’s own dangerous missions to help dissidents in her mother’s homeland of Cuba—this book reveals Mary’s maternal protection at work and explores how she binds believers to authentic faith communities.
Through these contemporary encounters with Mary, Clayton shows how the Mother of God offers what our disenchanted age desperately seeks: an alternative to sterile rationalism and a path to authentic spiritual renewal. Each chapter shares a “Pentecost moment” that leads not just to personal transformation but to binding with the living community of faith. Mary emerges as a model of true creativity rooted in humility rather than self-assertion. The diverse expressions of love for Mary offer embodied devotional practices that bridge time-tested traditions and our mysterious longings for personal encounter with the divine.
When Mary Calls demonstrates how the Mother of God continues to draw seekers into deeper relationships with Christ, transforming extraordinary encounters into sustained spiritual practices which offer meaning and to a world searching for hope.

On the CIC's Rooftop with Architect James McCrery - WAITLIST ONLY (IN-PERSON ONLY)
2026-06-24 19:00 - 21:00
6/24/26 Update: We have reached maximum registration capacity. Complete the waitlist form, and should a spot open up we will email you.
THIS ROOFTOP EVENT IS OFFERED IN-PERSON ONLY (No Livestream)
Well-known classical architect and Catholic University professor James McCrery redesigned the Catholic Information Center in 2022—but he has never before spoken at the CIC!
On Wednesday, June 24, 2026 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM EDT, join the CIC for an evening on our building’s rooftop with Mr. McCrery in a conversation with art critic William Newton. Mr. McCrery will discuss some of his significant ecclesiastical projects, including his work for the CIC, and shares his views on why classical church architecture is experiencing a significant revival.

You must RSVP in advance as there is limited space available on the rooftop. There will be no day-of, walk-in registrations allowed. On the day-of starting at 7:00 PM, you may check-in at the CIC building’s main foyer with the Security team. Once checked in, you will be escorted to the elevator.

FAQS:
June 24th SCHEDULE?

7:00 PM: Check-in begins in the main foyer of the 1501 K Street Building (The Investment Building); the Rooftop Happy Hour(s) bar opens.
7:30 PM: Interview of James McCrery by William Newton.
8:30 PM: The Happy Hour(s) continues.
9:00 PM: Evening concludes; please exit down the elevators.

BAD WEATHER?
In the event of a very rainy weather forecast, a decision will be made a couple days before the program to move into the CIC’s space on the first floor of the 1501 K Street building or change the date. If registered, check your email for updates.
VIDEO OF THIS TALK?
This program is offered in-person only, and will not be livestreamed. However, we will record this interview to be placed later on our YouTube Channel. If you would like to be emailed the recording, make your request through this online form: https://forms.gle/qmtXYfTbc4G4uxqm7.
PARKING OPTIONS?
The CIC building’s garage at 1501 K Street NW (Atlantic Parking) will offer you a discounted rate of $6 to park. When arriving, tell the garage attendant you are attending the CIC’s program. Please note that the garage closes at 7:00 PM on Wednesdays. We are presently seeking to have the garage extend their close time on on June 24. Should there be a change, we will update the website and email all registrants.
NEED TO CANCEL YOUR REGISTRATION?
Email the CIC Event Team at events@cicdc.org.

"The American Book of Fables" with Matthew Mehan
2026-06-30 18:30 - 20:30
The Catholic Information Center invites you to join us on Tuesday, June 30 at 6:30 PM EDT as author Matthew Mehan presents on his newest book, The American Book of Fables.
From the Everglades to the Great Lakes, from the sequoias of California to the rocky islands of Maine, The American Book of Fables invites us to rediscover the beauty of America – her lands, her people, and her principles of liberty, law, and love.
In this heirloom collection of original and adapted fables, bestselling author and educator Dr. Matthew Mehan reimagines Aesop for the New World, replacing lions and tigers with buffalo, eagles, and many more animals from across our own beautiful country. Each tale – crafted in the rhythms of classic verse and prose – reveals the joyful and hard-won harmony of freedom and friendship that can, if we wish, continue to guide the hearts of Americans in their pursuit of happiness.
With sections “for Littles, Middles, and Bigs,” this family companion speaks to all ages. The youngest will delight in its playful rhymes and humorous characters; older children will ponder its amusing moral tales; and adults will savor Dr. Mehan’s rich wit, historical wonder, and layered reflections on the human heart. Taken together, the stories recapture that wit and wisdom, that warm gratitude, kind decency, and frontier spirit that have made America a republic unlike any other the world has ever known.
This volume features luminous illustrations of our nation’s natural wonders in watercolor, ink, and oil by acclaimed realist-impressionist artist John Folley. It is all at once a work of beauty, a treasury of virtue, a handbook of liberty, and a joyful, unapologetic love letter to America.
For families seeking to renew their love for nature, neighbor, God, and country, The American Book of Fables is the quintessential keepsake for our nation’s 250th anniversary and a celebration of the people, places, and principles that shaped America and that still call her – and us – to greatness today.
RSVP to join us in-person or virtually through the livestream.
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June 30th Schedule:

6:15 PM: Doors open for registrant check-in
6:30-7:30 PM: Presentation by Dr. Mehan (this portion of the evening will be offer also through a livestream)
7:30-8:30 PM: Booksigning & Light Happy Hour
8:30 PM: Evening concludes

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About the Book:

CIC's World Cup Quarter Final Happy Hour ⚽
2026-07-09 16:00 - 18:00
Come to the CIC on Thursday, July 9 at 4:00 PM EDT to watch the World Cup Quarter Final between France and Morocco on our big screen and enjoy a happy hour and light refreshments! In the spirit of St. Luigi Scrosoppi, the patron saint of soccer players, we invite you to enjoy the game, build community, and celebrate teamwork, perseverance, and good sportsmanship.
Event Schedule
🕞 3:30 PM – Check-in begins
⚽ 4:00 PM – Quarter Final match begins between France and Morocco
🏁 Event concludes at the end of the match

"Training the Tongue" with Fr. Gregory Pine, OP (Waitlist Only)
2026-07-29 18:00 - 20:00
7/29/2026 Update: We have reached maximum in-person capacity for tonight’s program. You are welcome to sign up for the waitlist with the RSVP online form. We will email you if a spot opens.
Furthermore, you are welcome to view the program on through the YouTube livestream at https://youtube.com/live/RgRUmio-XUA?feature=share.

The CIC, Godsplaining, and the Thomistic Institute invite you to join Fr. Gregory Pine, OP, for a presentation on his latest book, Training the Tongue and Growing Beyond Sins of Speech. This program takes place on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at the Catholic Information Center at 6:00 PM EDT.
Register to attend either in-person or virtually through a YouTube livestream. Training the Tongue is available for sale at the CIC’s bookstore.
July 29th Schedule:

5:45 pm: Doors open for registrant check-in
6:00 pm: “Training the Tongue” presentation (this portion of the evening will be offered both in-person and virtually via a livestream)
7:00 pm: Booksigning with Fr. Pine and a light happy hour social
8:00 pm: Evening Concludes

About Fr. Pine’s Book:
Gossip. Lying. Flattery. Crass words. As we grow in Christian maturity, many of us are aware that we fall frequently into sins of speech. We realize instinctually that these faults are holding us back from the fullness of life. But what can we do about them?
Training the Tongue and Growing Beyond Sins of Speech promises to help us attain verbal virtue. As this brief book shows, by cultivating healthy habits, we can effectively crowd out sinful speech and experience the gift of our tongue as God intended. Dynamic preacher and teacher Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., directs our attention to the primary purpose of speech—communion with God and each other—and considers a whole range of methods to develop our humanity in service of that end.
Fr. Gregory invites us to consider the importance of practices like truth-telling, correction, humor, and prayer within the context of our earthly and heavenly conversations. Enter more whole-heartedly (and freely) into relationships. Harness the power of speech for the good of your soul. And, with Training the Tongue as a delightful guide, reclaim communication as a tool for true communion with God and man alike.
The CIC thanks the Thomistic Institute and Godsplaining for co-sponsoring this event.

On the CIC's Rooftop: Luke Burgis' The One and the Ninety-Nine (IN-PERSON ONLY)
2026-09-09 18:00 - 20:00
THIS ROOFTOP EVENT IS OFFERED IN-PERSON ONLY (No Livestream)
On Wednesday, September 9, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT, join the CIC as we host Luke Burgis on our building’s rooftop for a presentation on his new book, The One and the Ninety-Nine.

You must RSVP in advance as there is limited space available on the rooftop. There will be no day-of, walk-in registrations allowed. On the day-of starting at 6:00 PM, you may check-in at the CIC building’s main foyer with the Security team. Once checked in, you will be escorted to the elevator.
The One and the Ninety-Nine and Luke’s previous books will be available for purchase on the CIC’s rooftop—from the CIC’s bookstore.

FAQS:
9/9/26 SCHEDULE?

6:00 PM: Check-in begins in the main foyer of the 1501 K Street Building (The Investment Building); the Rooftop Happy Hour(s) bar opens; the book is available to purchase of the rooftop.
6:30 PM: Luke Burgis’ presentation of The One and the Ninety-Nine with time for Q&A
7:30 PM: Booksigning with Luke Burgis; the Happy Hour(s) continues.
8:00 PM: Evening concludes; please exit down the elevators.

BAD WEATHER?
In the event of a very rainy weather forecast, a decision will be made a couple days before the program to move into the CIC’s space on the first floor of the 1501 K Street building or change the date. If registered, check your email for updates.
VIDEO OF THIS TALK?
This program is offered in-person only, and will not be livestreamed. However, we will record this interview to be placed later on our YouTube Channel. If you would like to be emailed the recording, make your request through this online form: https://forms.gle/NLiQEqDHcEv9bD8A8.
PARKING OPTIONS?
The CIC building’s garage at 1501 K Street NW (Atlantic Parking) will offer you a discounted rate of $6 to park. When arriving, tell the garage attendant you are attending the CIC’s program. Please note that the garage closes at 7:00 PM on Wednesdays. Those who park will be able to access the garage from inside the CIC’s building.
NEED TO CANCEL YOUR REGISTRATION?
Email the CIC Event Team at events@cicdc.org.

About Luke Burgis’ New Book, The One and the Ninety-Nine:
It’s not hard to find your tribe. The real challenge today is not losing yourself within one.

We are surrounded by tribes: political, professional, online, ideological. Each offer belonging at a price. Join, and you risk dissolving into a ready-made identity. Refuse, and you risk drifting into isolation. Either way, the modern person is pulled toward the same end: forming a fragmented self that is easier to manage, easier to sell to, and easier to recruit.
In The One and the Ninety-Nine, bestselling author Luke Burgis argues that the great crisis of our time is not simply polarization or loneliness, but a crisis of formation: it’s difficult to form an identity that is solid enough to withstand the pressure of the crowd, and modern institutions don’t reward the effort. Drawing from psychology, philosophy, and personal experience, Burgis shows how groups shape our desires, how “social contagion” spreads through families and institutions, and why the hunger to belong can turn ordinary people into instruments of movements they barely understand.
This book is about the missing skill that makes real community possible: learning how to remain oneself while staying connected to others. Burgis offers a practical map for recognizing false belonging, escaping coercive dynamics, and passing through the rites of passage that produce people with integrity and courage.

The One and the Ninety-Nine is a timely and inspiring wake-up call, an invitation to reject counterfeit community and develop depth of personality—to become someone who can stand alone—so that we can finally stand together.
This book is available to purchase at the CIC bookstore.

“Luke Burgis shares a story of tragedy and loss, and how it led to a life of compassion and hope. The One and the Ninety-Nine is a guide to living with virtue in the hardest circumstances, and finding deep joy.”
—Arthur C. Brooks, Harvard professor and #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Luke Burgis takes his title from the Lord’s parable of the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one lost sheep—and builds from this an urgent case for why, in an age that dissolves us into the crowd or subsumes us into the cruelty of the mob, an individual, unrepeatable person matters infinitely. This is a humane, learned and courageous retrieval of an essential personalism that is necessary reading for our technological age.”
—Bishop Robert Barron

“Me or we? Both. I’ve learned so much from Luke Burgis and his new book The One and the Ninety-Nine. The solid self, he says, is knowing who you are as an individual while also being connected to and shaped by your community. Amen, amen!
—Angela Duckworth, author of Grit

“Fascinating. A very well written and conceived book.”
—Sebastian Junger, author of Tribe

“Burgis shows us how to resist the siren call of false identification, which targets us every moment of every day from all our devices. Joining his own experience to the testimony of the ages, he reveals how we discover our true selves in a personal response to the call of the good and the beautiful.”
—Michael Clune, author of Pan

“Social contagion is the most important phenomenon of our time. The One and the Ninety-Nine is the place to go to learn about it.”
—Tyler Cowen, author of The Complacent Class

“A book about the problem beneath all our other problems: how to become a person capable of truth, courage, and belonging in a culture that dissolves all three. Burgis manages to be both humane and unflinchingly honest, which is not only rare, but invaluable.”
—Katherine Dee, internet culture reporter

“One of this year’s most important books. [Burgis is] training people to shun conformity and resist totalitarianism. Absolute must-read!”
—Rod Dreher, author of Living in Wonder

“The One and the Ninety-Nine is nothing short of courageous. Luke Burgis has risked much in his boldness of form and content, in making it personal. In a time when the stakes could hardly be higher, this book could lead you to great rewards. Take it personally.”
—Andrew McLuhan, founder of the McLuhan Institute

“The strength of the team is the self. The strength of the self is the team. Burgis shows you how to be authentically yourself and consider the impact you’re having on others so you can do your best work and build your strongest relationships.”
—Kim Scott, author Radical Candor and Radical Respect

“The One and the Ninety-Nine is an ambitious, illuminating book, wherein its insights about perception, rites of passage, and the personal character of life, are mirrored in its form—through ‘probes,’ interconnected ‘thresholds,’ and more. Most books in this genre remain at the level of head-knowledge, but Burgis achieves something more ambitious—a book of ideas that operates at the level of perception, and the heart.”
—Jordan Castro, novelist

“Developing a healthy truth-seeking identity in an age of both isolation and digital saturation based on tribal identities is rapidly becoming a core issue for young people. The One and the Ninety-Nine is a guide for both individuals and parents on how to foster one through healthy relationships.”
—Michael Strong, founder of the Socratic Experience, author of The Habit of Thought and Be the Solution

“A warm, wonderful account of how to develop a healthy self—based in community—for the age of digital distraction. It combines personal reflections from key transitions with longer-term principles on how to live a satisfying life.”
—Magatte Wade, entrepreneur and author of The Heart of the Cheetah

“The One and the Ninety-Nine offers a compelling exploration of how to develop a healthier sense of self in an age of social contagion and fragmented identities. A timely and much-needed book.”
—Anne-Laure Le Cunff, neuroscientist and author of Tiny Experiments

“I never hesitate to recommend a Luke Burgis book! His wisdom is hard won, and The One and the Ninety-Nine immerses readers in the task of unpacking the complex and nuanced truths that require that we live better than we did before we read it. Because of Burgis’ book, communal interdependence may return to public discourse, and the high calling of a life of virtue once again appears reachable.”
—Jessica Hooten Wilson, Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University, and author of The Scandal of Holiness

“Highly readable and entertaining… This book should be read by anyone interested in understanding one of the most fundamental dilemmas of the human predicament: how to balance individualism against sociability in our increasingly fragmented and anonymous mass societies.”
—Joseph P. Forgas, DPhil, DSc. (Oxford), Scientia Professor, University of New south Wales

“The One and the Ninety-Nine pushes us to think past the idea of belonging as an end in itself.”
—Mere Orthodoxy

“Luke Burgis’ first book made big waves. This one will create a tsunami.”
—Cynthia L. Haven, author of Evolution of Desire

“Burgis has a knack for making complicated concepts accessible to a general audience and for proposing solutions that can be applied daily to one’s life. But above all, the book speaks to real problems plaguing our times.”
—First Things

“An absorbing book.”
—The Wall Street Journal

On the CIC's Rooftop: Noelle Mering's No Contact (IN-PERSON ONLY)
2026-09-16 18:00 - 20:00
THIS ROOFTOP EVENT IS OFFERED IN-PERSON ONLY (No Livestream)
Join the CIC on our building’s downtown DC rooftop on Wednesday, September 16 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT, as we host Noelle Mering for the launch of her new book, No Contact: How a Seductive Ideology Broke Families and Friendships and How We Can Repair Them.
This program is co-sponsored with the Ethics & Public Policy Center (EPPC).

You must RSVP in advance as there is limited space available on the rooftop. There will be no day-of, walk-in registrations allowed. On the day-of starting at 6:00 PM, you may check-in at the CIC building’s main foyer with the Security team. Once checked in, you will be escorted to the elevator.
No Contact and Noelle’s previous books will be available for purchase on the CIC’s rooftop—from the CIC’s bookstore.

FAQS:
9/16/26 SCHEDULE?

6:00 PM: Check-in begins in the main foyer of the 1501 K Street Building (The Investment Building); the Rooftop Happy Hour(s) bar opens; the book is available to purchase of the rooftop.
6:30 PM: Noelle Mering’s presentation of No Contact with time for Q&A.
7:30 PM: Booksigning with Noelle Mering; the Happy Hour(s) continues.
8:00 PM: Evening concludes; please exit down the elevators.

BAD WEATHER?
In the event of a very rainy weather forecast, a decision will be made a couple days before the program to move into the CIC’s space on the first floor of the 1501 K Street building or change the date. If registered, check your email for updates.
VIDEO OF THIS TALK?
This program is offered in-person only, and will not be livestreamed. However, we will record this interview to be placed later on our YouTube Channel. If you would like to be emailed the recording, make your request through this online form: https://forms.gle/T9cCqCtQfXd1Sae47.
PARKING OPTIONS?
The CIC building’s garage at 1501 K Street NW (Atlantic Parking) will offer you a discounted rate of $6 to park. When arriving, tell the garage attendant you are attending the CIC’s program. Please note that the garage closes at 7:00 PM on Wednesdays. Those who park will be able to access the garage from inside the CIC’s building.
NEED TO CANCEL YOUR REGISTRATION?
Email the CIC Events team at events@cicdc.org.

About Noelle Mering’s New Book, No Contact:
From the acclaimed author of Awake, Not Woke comes this incisive exposé of the widespread, politically motivated no-contact movement that deconstructs the ideology behind this trend and equips readers to avert estrangement and repair broken relationships.

A new form of relationship estrangement is afoot. Whereas, in the past, relationships tended to rupture over issues like abuse, today, people are increasingly estranged because of politics. More than 68 million Americans are currently alienated from close family members. Though going no contact is frequently framed as an act of empowerment and self-care, behind the numbers are millions of hurting people—and an ideology that threatens not only relationships but the entire fabric of society.
In No Contact, author Noelle Mering weaves together interviews with historical research to identify five major factors that have given rise to the no-contact movement: identity politics, demythologization of the family, therapeutic culture, infallibility of victimhood, and cultural narcissism alongside spiritual decline. By laying bare the forces behind this destabilizing movement—and how they affect us on personal, familial, and social levels—Mering helps readers see clearly what is happening, confront it, and work with their families to heal, repair, and strengthen relationships.
More than just a critique, this book is a call to action. By bringing light to an experience that is often shrouded in shame or presented far too reductively to a cheering online audience, No Contact empowers readers with a clear-eyed and compassionate perspective that rejects the pernicious ideology undermining our most intimate and necessary relationships. The stakes are high. If we cannot hold fast to one another in the face of disagreement, we risk losing not only our most intimate bonds but also the foundation of a free and humane society.
No Contact is available to purchase at the CIC bookstore.

1571 Spanish Jesuit Martyrs of Virginia
2026-09-24 18:00 - 20:00
Join Fr. Andrew Fisher and William Newton at the CIC for a discussion of the little known history of the Spanish Jesuit Martyrs of Virginia. This program will be offered on Thursday, September 24 at 6:00 PM. Register to attend either in-person and virtually through a livestream.
Who were these Spanish missionaries who arrived in Virginia several decades prior—37 years—to the earliest English Settlement of Jamestown? They arrived in September 1570 to proclaim the Gospel. They built the first Christian Chapel in Virginia and celebrated the first recorded Mass and baptism. But within a few months, all but one was killed.
Following his rescue, the lone survivor told the story of these heroic martyrs and their attempt to evangelize the indigenous people. Today these eight Jesuits martyrs are now included among a larger group of 58 martyrs known as the Martyrs of La Florida, whose cause of canonization is under consideration in Rome.
September 24th Schedule:

5:45 pm: Doors open for registrant check-in
6:00 pm: “1571 Spanish Jesuit Martyrs of Virginia” (this portion of the evening will be offered both in-person and virtually)
7:00 pm: Light happy hour social
8:00 pm: Evening Concludes

RSVP today!

"My Days Are in Your Hands" with Cardinal Fernando Filoni
2026-09-30 18:30 - 19:45
The CIC is pleased to welcome His Eminence Cardinal Fernando Filoni for a discussion of his new book, My Days Are in Your Hands: Men and Women in the Footsteps of Jesus. This program will take place on Wednesday, September 30 starting at 6:30 PM EDT. Opening the presentation will be the book’s Italian-to-English translator and Vice President and Editorial Director of EWTN News, Matthew Bunson.
This program will be offered both in-person at the CIC and virtually through a YouTube livestream, and the Cardinal’s presentation will be followed by a booksigning with His Eminence and a light happy (half) hour.
About the Book:
What story will you write on the remaining pages of your life?
That question – simple, searching, and profound – is at the heart of this luminous book by Cardinal Fernando Filoni. In My Days Are in Your Hands, one of the Church’s leading shepherds walks you through the lives of great saints and biblical figures who answered that question by going all-in and giving everything they had.
You’ll see in turning these pages that these are not distant heroes in stained glass. They are friends, witnesses, people who faced fear, doubt, and failure – and who discovered, in the depths of their surrender to God, the greatest consolation the human heart can know.
Cardinal Filoni writes not as an armchair theologian but as a pastor who has seen, and lived, in the world. With the precision of a scholar and heart of a mystic, he opens up, among many others:

The astonishing faith of Abraham – and what it really means to trust God with the unknown
Moses, “caressed by God,” whose entire life foreshadowed Christ
John the Baptist, the thunderclap, whose sacrificial life became an eternal proclamation
Mary’s tenacious presence with her children, especially in the world’s darkest places
The quiet moral greatness of Joseph, who left nothing undone for those in his care
Mary Magdalene, whose life demonstrated that “the faith I prefer is hope”
Peter, whose faith slowly incubated – becoming the witness of Jesus in Rome
Paul’s untiring spiritual fatherhood, and the self-emptying love that drove him to the ends of the earth

Saint after saint, century after century, encountered Christ and fell wholeheartedly in love with Him. Their lives are not a museum exhibit — they are an invitation.
My Days Are in Your Hands will not just inform you; it will stir something inside you. It will make you want to be the kind of person whose days, like theirs, are surrendered to the One who holds them in His hands.
The book will be on sale at the CIC bookstore.
9/30/2026 Schedule:

6:15 pm: Doors open for registrant check-in
6:30 pm: Cardinal Filoni and Matthew Bunson presentation (this portion of the evening will be offered both in-person and virtually via a livestream)
7:15 pm: Booksigning and a light happy (half) hour social
7:45 pm: Evening Concludes

Please RSVP today!

Resurrection on Trial
2026-10-08 18:00 - 20:00
Join attorney and law professor Peter Martino for a presentation of his book, Resurrection on Trial: A Judicial Inquiry into the Christian Claim of the Resurrection of Jesus on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM EDT. Resurrection on Trial examines the Resurrection through a distinctive legal framework: it treats the historical evidence as an appellate record and asks what would happen if the case for the Resurrection came before the U.S. Supreme Court. The question is not whether belief in the Resurrection is spiritually meaningful, but whether the conclusion that Jesus rose from the dead is supported by the evidence under the standards courts actually apply. The book carries endorsements from Scott Hahn, George Weigel, Michael Licona, and Bishop Joseph Coffey.
Register to attend either in-person and virtually through a livestream. Resurrection on Trial will be available for purchase at the CIC bookstore.
10/08/26 Schedule:

5:45 pm: Doors open for registrant check-in
6:00 pm: “Resurrection on Trial” with Peter Martino (this portion of the evening will be offered both in-person and virtually)
7:00 pm: Booksigning and light happy hour social
8:00 pm: Evening Concludes

RSVP today!

Not to Caesar but to Peter
2026-10-14 18:00 - 20:00
We invite you to join author William Haun for the launch of his book, Not to Caesar but to Peter: Remembering why the Catholic Church is a perfect society, on Wednesday, October 14 at 6:00 PM EDT. This program will be offered both in-person at the CIC and virtually through a YouTube livestream.
About the Not to Caesar but to Peter:
Drawing on the Catholic Church’s self-understanding as a complete, self-sufficient (in the Aristotelian sense, “perfect”) society, William Haun’s new book explains how the Catholic Church’s claimed legal authority provides a stable basis for religious liberty in civil law. If the Church were to remember this traditional claim of her legal authority, she could improve U.S. law’s commitment to protecting religious liberty for religious institutions and communities. In so doing, the Church can both grow in American life and, by being who she truly is, respond to common misunderstandings about the proper relationship between the Catholic Church and the state that threaten her presence in public life—ranging from those who see the Church as just another social club in civil society, to those who treat the Church as an instrument of power that should be “integrated” with the state “from within.”
Not to Caesar but the Peter will be on sale at the CIC bookstore in October.
10/14/2026 Schedule:

5:45 pm: Doors open for registrant check-in
6:00 pm: William Haun presents “Not to Caesar but to Peter” (this portion of the evening will be offered both in-person and virtually via a livestream)
7:00 pm: Booksigning and a light happy hour social
8:00 pm: Evening Concludes

RSVP today!

CIC Family Day Book Party: "The American Book of Fables" by Mr. Mehan
2026-10-31 10:00 - 12:00
The CIC invites DC-area kids and parents to our family-friendly book party on Saturday, October 31 from 10:00 am-noon. A 9:00 AM family Mass will be offered as well, followed by a snack time for the children and a coffee break for moms and dads.
We will be joined by best-selling author, Matthew Mehan, who will kick the morning off with a reading and lesson of his The American Book of Fables. Mr. Mehan will also display John Folley’s beautiful watercolor paintings that tell the tale.
The presentation will be followed by the CIC’s Family Day Book Party with crafts, food, and fun. During the party, parents will also have a special opportunity to buy the book and get it signed by the author.
On this All Hallows Eve, your kid(s) are invited to wear their Halloween costumes—or dress up as their favorite Saint or come in an outfit with and Americana theme.
The CIC is located at 1501 K Street, NW, Suite 175, Washington, DC 20005. Please note that the CIC building’s garage is closed on Saturday mornings, but street parking is available or use an app like Spothero to locate open garages.
This program is offered in-person only and will not be livestreamed.
9/12/26 Schedule:

8:45 AM: Doors open for check-in
9:00 AM: Family Mass
After Mass: Snack and coffee break for kids and parents
10:00 AM: Mr. Mehan presents The American Book of Fables
10:30 AM: Kid party with crafts and food
Noon: Party concludes

About The American Book of Fables:
From the Everglades to the Great Lakes, from the sequoias of California to the rocky islands of Maine, The American Book of Fables invites readers to rediscover the beauty of America—her lands, her people, and her principles of liberty, law, and love.
In this heirloom collection of original and adapted fables, best-selling author and educator Matthew Mehan reimagines Aesop for the New World, replacing lions and tigers with buffalo, eagles, manatees, and other creatures of our own blessed land. Each tale—crafted in the rhythms of classic verse and prose—reveals the joyful and hard-won harmony between faith, virtue, and freedom, showing how the gifts and laws of nature and nature’s God can continue to guide and free the hearts of all Americans in their pursuit of happiness.

With sections “for Littles, Middles, and Bigs,” the book speaks to all ages. The youngest will delight in playful rhymes; older children will ponder and laugh with amusing moral tales; adults will savor Mehan’s rich wit, historical wonder, and layered reflections on the human heart. Together, the book will help Americans to recapture that wit and wisdom, that gratitude and self-government, which are the foundations of both a good life and a great republic.

Featuring luminous realist-impressionist illustrations by acclaimed painter John Folley—each an homage to American art, history, and landscape—this volume is both a moral treasury and a work of beauty.
For families seeking to renew their love for nature, neighbor, God, and country, The American Book of Fables is more than a book—it is a keepsake, a handbook of liberty, and a celebration of the providence and the inspired generations that shaped America and that still calls her—and us—to greatness today.

View this trailer of the book…

"Justice" with Fr. Gregory Pine, OP
2026-11-09 18:00 - 20:00
The CIC, Godsplaining, and the Thomistic Institute invite you to join Fr. Gregory Pine, OP, for a presentation on his latest book, Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely. Fr. Pine’s talk takes place on Monday, November 9, 2026 at the Catholic Information Center at 6:00 PM EST.
Register to attend either in-person or virtually through a YouTube livestream. Justice is available for sale at the CIC’s bookstore.
11/9 Schedule:

5:45 pm: Doors open for registrant check-in
6:00 pm: “Justice” presentation by Fr. Pine (this portion of the evening will be offered both in-person and virtually via a livestream)
7:00 pm: Booksigning with Fr. Pine and a light happy hour social
8:00 pm: Evening Concludes

About Fr. Pine’s Book:
Upon hearing justice, you might imagine a cold legal standard or perhaps a contentious issue in contemporary debates on civil liberties. But, truth be told, justice is less about what others owe us and more about becoming a genuinely free person. Authentic justice is a life-giving cardinal virtue that shapes all our relationships—with God and with others—one that empowers us to become the kind of people who can freely give what is right.
In this rich and practical exploration, Fr. Gregory Pine shows how justice—rightly understood—anchors our relationships, orders our interactions, and empowers us to live with purpose.
In this book, you will discover:

How to cultivate just habits that root you in authentic freedom.
Why seeing life as gift changes everything, including how you respond to injustice.
The power of law—eternal, natural, divine, and human—to guide you toward a good and joyful life.
What we owe to our communities, and why seeking the common good liberates the individual.
Why love and mercy go beyond justice, fulfilling it rather than replacing it.
Grounded in Sacred Scripture, the wisdom of the Church, and the realities of lived human experience, Justice offers a clear path to judging rightly, giving freely, and flourishing in the life God desires for you.

The CIC thanks the Thomistic Institute and Godsplaining for co-sponsoring this event.
