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 over 191,000 Catholics, and has 80 parishes and 31 schools.
Overview/History
Beliefs
Administration
Finance
Priests
Deacons
Televised Mass
Cathedral Square Center
Conference Center
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 to 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
Hispanic Ministry
Immigration Legal Services
Liturgical Music
Marriage/Family Life
Marriage Tribunal
Missions
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 priests, 15 priests from religious communities, and 8 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
Schools
Schools
“Where Christ Illuminates Learning and Life”

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 31 vibrant learning communities serving more than 6,550 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 616-243-0491.
Report Abuse
Safe Environment Training
Compliance and Audits
Resources

a woman speak with father lam le following mass at saint john paul ii parish in cedar springs, michigan

Welcome to the
Diocese of Grand Rapids

What's Happening in the Diocese

February 7, 2019 Video message from Bishop Walkowiak on abuse scandal

In a continuing effort to be as transparent as possible, Bishop Walkowiak has taken...

February 6, 2019 Pope, key bishops to discuss abuse prevention at worldwide meeting

Pope Francis and the presidents of Episcopal Conferences from around the world are set to...

February 5, 2019 National Marriage Week: Celebrating the gift & blessing of marriage

Celebrated annually, National Marriage Week, Feb. 7-14, is an opportunity to focus on building a...

February 4, 2019 Upcoming Events: Scout Mass, Women’s Conference & more

Annual Diocesan Scout Mass Date & time: Sunday, February 17, Mass at 10 a.m....

February 3, 2019 U.S. Bishops urge Congressional action on “Born-Alive” Act

In a letter to Catholics of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, Bishop Walkowiak has...

February 2, 2019 Should I attend Mass if I’m sick? Guidelines for flu season

Wherever two or more people gather, some sharing of germs is inevitable. When Catholics...

Latest News Updates

Letter to parishioners regarding the passage of New York's "Reproductive Health Act" - Jan. 2019

Letter to parishioners regarding Retirement Fund for Religious Collection - Nov. 2018

Letter to parishioners regarding annual CCHD collection - Nov. 10/11, 2018

Find answers to frequently asked questions.