The Diocese of Grand Rapids announces the hiring of Charles “Buddy” O’Malley as the new associate director of family and pro-life ministry.
In his new role, O’Malley will lead diocesan efforts to strengthen marriage and family life and advance a culture of life. He will work closely with parishes, priests, diocesan leaders, schools, and community partners to celebrate each family as the domestic Church and proclaim the Gospel of Life throughout West Michigan. One of his first projects will be to establish the Diocesan Framework for Marriage Preparation & Accompaniment.
“Families are witnesses of God’s love and demonstrate the sacredness of human life from conception to natural death. I look forward to working with Buddy on many projects,” said Father Lam Le, vicar for evangelization. “He will see that this proclamation enters every domestic Church: ‘I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly’” (Jn 10:10).
“Families are crucial to our evangelization efforts in the diocese,” said Most Reverend David Walkowiak, bishop of Grand Rapids. “Many activities compete for families’ attention these days. I look forward to seeing how Charles’ ministry can assist families in prioritizing their faith and the faith of their children.”
Originally from Syracuse, New York, O’Malley obtained his bachelor’s degree in communications arts from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has spent the past five years working in Catholic ministry and non-profit work, the last two as the Respect Life Program Coordinator for the Diocese of Syracuse. Buddy and his wife, Allison, enjoy camping, board games, and rooting for Notre Dame and Michigan football (respectively). They are excited to begin this next chapter in Grand Rapids.
Please join us in welcoming Charles “Buddy” O’Malley to this new role and praying for his ministry of service to families and the Church.