Bishop
Bishop
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, J.C.D., is the 12th bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. He was appointed bishop by Pope Francis on April 18, 2013. He was ordained and installed on June 18, 2013 during Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.

Overview
Schedule
Office of the Bishop
Episcopal Coat of Arms
Statements
Homilies
Columns
Bishops of the Diocese
Diocese
Diocese
The Diocese of Grand Rapids was established on May 19, 1882. The diocese comprises 11 counties of Western Michigan: Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa. The diocese serves 175,114 Catholics, and has 80 parishes and 31 schools.

Overview/History
Beliefs
Administration
Finance
Priests
Deacons
Televised Mass
Catholic Services Appeal
Cathedral Square Center
Conference Center
Our Shepherds - Our Future Capital Campaign
Catholic Cemeteries
Affiliated Organizations
Employment
Events
Strategic Plans
Archives
Ministries
Ministries
Diocesan ministries assist in furthering the mission of the Church in West Michigan and serve as a resource to parishes, individual Catholics and the broader community. These offices exist to foster Catholic identity, engage pastoral leadership, recognize and celebrate diversity, and promote evangelization and ecumenism.

Administration
Black Catholic Ministry
Catholic Charities West Michigan
Catholic Foundation of West Michigan
Catholic Information Center
Child & Youth Protection
Courage/EnCourage
Diaconate Program
Faith Formation
Immigration Legal Services
Liturgical Music
Marriage/Family Life
Tribunal
Missions
Hispanic Ministry
Native American Ministry
Prison and Jail Ministry
Respect Life
Stewardship
Vocations
Youth
Young Adult
Worship
Vocations
Vocations
Each of us is called by God to a life of holiness. Our vocation is the way we live out that call. It’s up to each person to discern through prayer, discussion, reading of Scripture, formation and even spiritual direction where God is calling him/her and to respond generously to his call. Some are called to marriage, others to consecrated or religious life, and still others to holy orders which includes deacons and priests. The Diocese of Grand Rapids is blessed with 105 diocesan priests, 15 priests from religious communities, and eight priests from other dioceses, along with 33 deacons, 28 seminarians, and women religious from 10 orders.

Priests
Priestly Vocations
Deacons
Diaconate Formation
Consecrated Religious Life
Parishes
Parishes
The Diocese of Grand Rapids includes 80 parishes located in cities and towns throughout our 11 counties. Mass is celebrated in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Parishes
Adoration Schedules
Schools
Schools
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 31 vibrant learning communities serving more than 6,000 elementary and high school students throughout West Michigan. Our schools inspire young people to grow in Catholic faith and grace, achieve more in school and life, develop creativity and character, and feel welcomed and cherished for their unique gifts. We partner with parents to awaken the whole child to a world of light and life — that grows better and brighter when children reach their potential.

About Catholic Schools
Find a School
Scholarships
Office of Catholic Schools/Resources
Strategic Plan
Protecting Gods Children
Protecting God's Children
The Diocese of Grand Rapids is committed to protecting children and adults from harm. Our safe environment program aims to prevent sexual abuse within our community and to help heal the wounds of past victims. All of our programs are in compliance with the USCCB's Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People. If you need to report an instance of abuse, please call the Michigan Attorney General's hotline, 844-324-3374.

Protecting God’s Children
Report Abuse
Safe Environment Training
Compliance and Audits
Resources

Welcome to the Diocese of Grand Rapids

View of Cathedral spires looking up from ground level

LIVE: Sunday Mass from the Cathedral - Misa domenical desde la Catedral

Catholic Services Appeal 2023

Into the Mystery postcard front - featured image

Eucharistic Revival

Walking with Moms in Need

Mobile phone with text "nothing can replace Mass"

Together is Where We Belong: Come Home To Mass

For a Synodal Church: Synod 2021-2023

What's Happening in the Diocese

May 17, 2023 Remembering our nation’s fallen heroes on Memorial Day

Monday, May 29 is Memorial Day, a day dedicated to honoring and remembering all men...

May 1, 2023 May 31: Pray to entrust to Mary the work of the Synodal Assembly

An invitation to prayer from Bishop Walkowiak on May 31, the feast of the Visitation...

May 4, 2023 Meet the men to be ordained priests for the diocese June 3

On Saturday, June 3 at 10 a.m., during Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew,...

Apr. 19, 2023 Enter “Into the Mystery” on June 10: Register today!

Into the Mystery: A Day of Eucharistic Renewal, Unity, and Adventure June 10, 2023 |...

May 25, 2023 Happy 10th anniversary, Bishop Walkowiak!

Join us in wishing a happy anniversary and birthday to Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak...

May 2, 2023 Parish Festival Guide: Summer-Fall 2023

Welcome! We’re excited to share the following list of parish fairs and festivals taking place...

« Older Posts

News

Bishop Walkowiak welcomes Msgr. Edward Lohse, bishop-elect of Kalamazoo

Legislative majority to impose abortion mandate on Michigan employers (May 3)

Governor, Legislature repeal laws protecting women from dangerous abortion practices

May 2023 FAITH Grand Rapids cover image - homepage feat. Haskell brothers

**May - Mayo 2023 FAITH Grand Rapids magazine**

Cover Story – A focus on the Real Presence: What led the Haskell brothers to seek and share Jesus with their peers
Artículo Principal - ¡Regresa! Yo me hago responsable delante de Dios de tu vocación

Bishop

Diocese

Ministries

Vocations

Parishes

Schools

Protecting God's Children

Welcome to the Diocese of Grand Rapids

LIVE: Sunday Mass from the Cathedral - Misa domenical desde la Catedral

Catholic Services Appeal 2023

Eucharistic Revival

Walking with Moms in Need

Together is Where We Belong: Come Home To Mass

For a Synodal Church: Synod 2021-2023

What's Happening in the Diocese

News

Bishop Walkowiak welcomes Msgr. Edward Lohse, bishop-elect of Kalamazoo

Legislative majority to impose abortion mandate on Michigan employers (May 3)

Governor, Legislature repeal laws protecting women from dangerous abortion practices

FAITH Grand Rapids magazine

**May - Mayo 2023 FAITH Grand Rapids magazine**

Cover Story – A focus on the Real Presence: What led the Haskell brothers to seek and share Jesus with their peers
Artículo Principal - ¡Regresa! Yo me hago responsable delante de Dios de tu vocación

Digital Edition-Edición Digital (English | Español)
Read cover story translations - Lea las traducciones de la historia de portada

FAITH Grand Rapids (Home | Current & archived issues)

Bishop

Diocese

Ministries

Vocations

Parishes

Schools

Protecting God's Children

Welcome to the Diocese of Grand Rapids

LIVE: Sunday Mass from the Cathedral - Misa domenical desde la Catedral

Catholic Services Appeal 2023

Eucharistic Revival

Walking with Moms in Need

Together is Where We Belong: Come Home To Mass

For a Synodal Church: Synod 2021-2023

What's Happening in the Diocese

News

Bishop Walkowiak welcomes Msgr. Edward Lohse, bishop-elect of Kalamazoo

Legislative majority to impose abortion mandate on Michigan employers (May 3)

Governor, Legislature repeal laws protecting women from dangerous abortion practices

FAITH Grand Rapids magazine

May - Mayo 2023 FAITH Grand Rapids magazine

Cover Story – A focus on the Real Presence: What led the Haskell brothers to seek and share Jesus with their peersArtículo Principal - ¡Regresa! Yo me hago responsable delante de Dios de tu vocación

Digital Edition-Edición Digital (English | Español)Read cover story translations - Lea las traducciones de la historia de portada

FAITH Grand Rapids (Home | Current & archived issues)

**May - Mayo 2023 FAITH Grand Rapids magazine**

Cover Story – A focus on the Real Presence: What led the Haskell brothers to seek and share Jesus with their peers
Artículo Principal - ¡Regresa! Yo me hago responsable delante de Dios de tu vocación

Digital Edition-Edición Digital (English | Español)
Read cover story translations - Lea las traducciones de la historia de portada