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 79 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
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 diocesan priests, priests from religious communities, and from other dioceses, as well as deacons, seminarians, and women religious.

Priests
Priestly Vocations
Deacons
Diaconate Formation
Consecrated Religious Life
Parishes
Parishes
The Diocese of Grand Rapids includes 79 parishes located in cities and towns throughout our 11 counties. Mass is celebrated in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Parishes
Weekend Mass Times
Adoration Schedules
Schools
Schools
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 31 vibrant learning communities serving more than 6,400 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
School Board 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

Mass at the June 10, 2023 Into the Mystery eucharistic event by Jaymie Perry.

National Eucharistic Congress: Go Forth!

View of Cathedral spires looking up from ground level

Live: Sunday Mass at the Cathedral/Misa dominical en la Catedral

Parish festival guide web graphic

Parish Festivals

Diocesan eucharistic procession, monstrance, Eucharist, adoration - June 2023, by Jaymie Perry

National Eucharistic Congress: Go Forth!

Together is Where We Belong featured graphic no text

Together Is Where We Belong: Find a church year you

Catholic Services Appeal 2024

Faithful Citizenship - Vote sign, polling place, elections

Faithful Citizenship: Election Year Guidance

What's Happening in the Diocese

Sept. 12, 2024 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept. 15 – Oct. 15

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15—dates that coincide...

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Sept. 7, 2024 Gather in our churches Sept. 25 for an evening of prayer for priests

The priests of the diocese attend a retreat together every fall. This fall convocation is...

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Aug. 27, 2024 Welcoming the stranger: National Migration Week is Sept. 23-29

Around the world, 26.4 million refugees have fled their homes due to persecution, human rights...

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Sept. 3, 2024 St. Peter Claver, help us to see Christ in one another

The Church celebrates the feast day of St. Peter Claver on Sept. 9. Known as...

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Sept. 3, 2024 And we’re officially back to school!

Our Catholics schools have started the 2024-25 school year! For weeks, our Office of Catholic...

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July 22, 2024 National Eucharistic Congress 2024: Go Forth!

At the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis July 17-21, an estimated 60,000 Catholics gathered...

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News

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United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

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Vatican News

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FAITH Grand Rapids magazine

September 2024 FAITHGR cover, homepage size - Pablo and Maricela Olvera

September 2024

Cover Story – Living the fruits of the Christian life: How Cursillo transformed the Olveras

Read the Digital Edition

FAITH Grand Rapids (Home | Current & archived issues)