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
Worship
Vocations
Youth
Young Adult
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

Celebrate Catholic Schools Week: Jan. 29-Feb. 4

View of Cathedral spires looking up from ground level

LIVE: Sunday Mass from the Cathedral – Misa dominical desde la Catedral

Mobile phone with text "nothing can replace Mass"

Together Is Where We Belong: Come Home To Mass

Pregnant mom looks at ultrasound image

Walking with Moms in Need

Eucharistic adoration, monstrance

Eucharistic Revival

For a Synodal Church: Synod 2021-2023

Cathedral congregation at Mass wearing masks, social distancing

COVID-19 Response

What's Happening in the Diocese

Jan. 24, 2023 Celebrate Catholic Schools Week with us: Jan. 29-Feb. 4

More than 6,400 students in 31 Catholic schools across the Diocese of Grand Rapids are...

Jan. 24, 2023 Three men take first formal step in becoming permanent deacons

On Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, three men of our diocese celebrated the Rite of Candidacy...

Jan. 5, 2023 Opportunities in January/February to pray for, promote a culture of life

The Mass for Life with Bishop Walkowiak on Jan. 23 at the Cathedral of Saint...

Jan. 24, 2023 Honoring history, celebrating achievements of Black Americans in February

February’s celebration of Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, originated in...

Jan. 6, 2023 Bishop Walkowiak celebrates Mass for Life Jan. 23

An opportunity to pray for unborn children and support moms in need. CCWM Presentation &...

Jan. 10, 2023 Eucharistic revival continues with hymn festival Feb. 20

All are welcome to “Hearken unto the Mystery: A Eucharistic Hymn Festival” Feb. 20 at...

News

Pope Francis asks for prayers for retired Pope Benedict who is 'very ill'

ADF represents Sacred Heart Parish and Academy in federal lawsuit

Father John LaGoe (1940-2022) remembered as a servant priest

FAITH Grand Rapids magazine

January/February 2023 FAITH Grand Rapids cover image - homepage feat. Mallory Root

January/February-Enero/Febrero 2023
FAITH Grand Rapids magazine

Cover Story – Rooted in faith: Mallory Root brews coffee, tea - and community
Artículo Principal - Una vocación al servicio de la Educación

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FAITH Grand Rapids (Home | Current & archived issues)

Find answers to frequently asked questions.