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.

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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.

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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.

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Black Catholic Ministry
Catholic Charities West Michigan
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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Bishop Walkowiak with Father Ayub, pastor of St. Jude, in group photo with members of the Grand Rapids Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and attendees of their 2022 conference.

Bishop Walkowiak's Schedule

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Schedule

Bishop Walkowiak's public schedule:

Monday, Dec. 9, 2024

5:30 p.m., Mass to open Palestrina500 Jubilee celebration, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Grand Rapids

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024

12:15 p.m., Presbyteral Council Meeting, Cathedral Square Center, Grand Rapids

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024

10 a.m., Michigan Catholic Conference Board Meeting, Lansing
8 p.m., Mass for the solemnity of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Shrine of St. Francis Xavier & Our Lady of Guadalupe, Grand Rapids

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024

4:30 p.m., Blessing and dedication, Our Lady of Guadalupe mosaic in memory of Sandy Lowery, HELP Pregnancy, Grand Rapids

Friday, Dec. 13, 2024

1:30 p.m., Catholic Foundation of West Michigan Trustees Meeting, Cathedral Square Center, Grand Rapids
6 p.m., Knights of Columbus Christmas party, Holy Redeemer Church, Jenison

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