Serious Catholic Learning

MMGSI offers Catholic education that’s
local, affordable, and in person.
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Summer 2026 Course

Communion of Saints: The Church as the Mystical Body of Christ

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Summer 2026 Course

Christ and the Apostolic Witness: Understanding the New Testament

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For many Catholics, faith formation ends at high school

Few have the time and resources to dive into graduate theology classes.

Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Institute

is an initiative of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland to develop, promote, and enhance the intellectual formation of adults throughout northeast Ohio.

MMGSI provides

undergraduate-level courses, seminars and lectures for adults asking serious questions about God, faith, and themselves.

How can we train ourselves and others to be missionary disciples, knowing our faith and explaining it in ways that are understandable, true, and appealing?

Bishop Edward Malesic

Upcoming Events

MMGSI is committed to ensuring that our courses and events are accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay.

Christ and the Apostolic Witness: Understanding the New Testament

Dates: June 2-August 11 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Standard Rate: $300.00
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Communion of Saints: The Church as the Mystical Body of Christ

Dates: June 10-August 12 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Standard Rate: $300.00
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2026 Mullen Lecture

Date: November 8, 2026
Free
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Serious Catholic Intellectual Formation

We are Catholic.

We are a faithfully Catholic institute serving Christians from diverse backgrounds across the greater Cleveland region.
About MMGSI

Rooted in real places.

MMGSI is based at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe but offers in-person events across northeast Ohio.
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Committed to wisdom.

MMGSI exists to help you grow in wisdom, think clearly about the faith, and love God with all your mind and heart.
Meet MMGSI

Adults Seeking More

Vocational Discerners

Men and women exploring God’s call on their lives. Laity discerning how to live their baptismal vocations more fully.

Ministry Leaders

Pastoral Associates, Youth Ministers, Parish Life Coordinators, Catechists…everyone who supports or leads parish ministries.

Curious Seekers

People who are seeking yet skeptical. Curious and critical. On fire but unsure. Anyone who wants to go out into the deep and explore the riches of the Catholic intellectual tradition.
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Who Supports MMGSI

The Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Institute is a tremendous resource for our Diocese. I encourage anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith—anyone who wants to be equipped to minister effectively in this apostolic age—to take advantage of these opportunities for intellectual growth.
Bishop Edward Malesic
Bishop of Cleveland
Bishop Malesic’s vision for the Diocese of Cleveland calls for more opportunities for adult education, formation, and evangelization. MMGSI is answering this call in all sorts of creative, faithful, intelligent, and intentional ways through courses, lectures, and workshops.
Father Damian Ference
Vicar of Evangelization
Diocese of Cleveland
What an opportunity we have to put the tools of knowledge and understanding into the hearts and minds of all those in our Diocese who are called to further Jesus’s calling and mission! We tell our newly confirmed that their formation is not over; that they are called to continue growing in the faith, but we have not had an intentional, consistent, and organized diocesan-wide opportunity readily available to all. MMGSI is that opportunity.
Very Reverend John A. Valencheck
Pastor, St. Sebastian, Akron

Forming Missionary Disciples

MMGSI is truly an outstanding resource for Catholics in the greater Cleveland area and beyond. Its lectures, reading groups, events, and other initiatives have challenged me to engage deeply with the big ideas of our faith—alongside other inquisitive, faith-filled people. I'm thrilled to see this work blossom and offer my wholehearted recommendation!
Ben Baran
St. Mary Catholic Church, Hudson
I have taken a couple of courses through MMGSI and I gained a great deal of knowledge from them. The courses are much more affordable than a college class, but the quality of the material and the learning experience is just as strong. I really enjoyed the class discussions and the reading selections, and it was clear that the teachers are passionate about both the subject matter and their students’ growth. I would highly recommend these courses to anyone, whether you are new to the faith, have been studying for years, or simply want a refresher or to learn something new. You won't be disappointed.”
Ashley Rosenberg
Queen of Heaven Parish, Green
MMGSI is a real blessing to our diocese! Having taken multiple MMGSI courses, I can say with confidence that anyone and everyone can benefit from these opportunities. I have learned an enormous amount and find myself leading a better Christian life as a result. The courses are affordable and the variety of locations are very helpful.
David Schnell
St. Joseph, Strongsville

Get Started

1
Explore upcoming courses, seminars and lectures.
2
Register for an affordable, in-person course.
Financial aid is available.
3
Grow in understanding, wisdom, and confidence.

Learn in Community, Not Online

Participate in engaging events and courses held across the Diocese of Cleveland.
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