Parroquia San Francisco de Sales

Mary Vaccaro serves as Associate Director for Program Design at the Catholic Information Center and an Adjunct Faculty Member in Theology and Women’s Studies at Aquinas College. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Aquinas College and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College.  She served on the board of Grand Rapids Area Center for Ecumenism (GRACE) from 2002-2006 and is a member of the speakers’ bureau for the Interfaith Dialogue Association. Mary has served for several years in various types of parish ministry in the Diocese of Grand Rapids.  She is an Associate of the Grand Rapids Dominicans.

Mary has been on staff at the Center since May of 1999.  Her ministry includes preaching, teaching and various kinds of public speaking.  She also coordinates the Center’s education and formation programming.  As a teacher, she especially enjoys offering courses on Scripture, Sacraments, Social Justice, Ecumenical/Interfaith Dialogue, Vatican Council II and Women’s Studies.  Mary integrates theology and human experience into all of her teaching through exploring works of literature, art, music, storytelling and humor.   She also strives to inspire and foster critical thinking, theological reflection, contemplative prayer and social activism in all capacities of her ministry.

When she is not involved with all of the above, Mary enjoys, cooking, entertaining, reading, crossword puzzles, exercising and walking with her dog, Grace.  She loves to spend time with her family, especially her nieces and nephews.