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
Vocations
Youth
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 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 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

FAITH Grand Rapids: 2015 - 2016

Home
Our Blog
FAITH Grand Rapids: 2015 – 2016

January/February 2015

Cover Story - The Work of Mercy is a Family Affair for Tim Ryan (Tim Ryan)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

March 2015

Cover Story - Lori Hastings Believes in Miracles: She is Living Proof (Lori Hastings)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

April 2015

Cover Story - Meahgan Pear Fights to End Human Trafficking (Meahgan Pear)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

May 2015

Cover Story - Mental Illness: A Journey from Heartbreak to Hope (Robin and Nathan Klay)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

June 2015

Cover Story - Two-Part Harmony: Mother and Daughter Share Faith Through Music (Mary and Caitlin Cusack)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

July/August 2015

Cover Story - God Called. They Listened: Six Men Ordained in the Diocese. (Father Bill Vander Werff, Father Douglas Braun, and transitional deacons)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

September 2015

Cover Story - Art Prized as an Expression of Faith: West Catholic Art Teacher Sees God at Work in the Creative Process (Lisa Nawrocki)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

October 2015

Cover Story - Faith Amid Sorrow: 25 Years After Their Son's Brutal Murder, Love Endures for Jerry and Gail Battaglia (Jerry and Gail Battaglia)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

November 2015

Cover Story - Pope Francis: A Visit to Savor (Pope Francis)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

December 2015

Cover Story - Putting Her Faith in Her Community: For Elissa Hillary, everyday transactions can be a force for good (Elissa Hillary)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

January/February 2016

Cover Story - His Joy in the Lord is Contagious: Mr. Jose Inspires Students with Hard Work, Encouragement and High Fives (José Anleu)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

March 2016

Cover Story - Architect of Hope: Faith Inspires Cancer Survivor Amanda Winn to Design a Place Where Children can Draw Strength From Each Other (Amanda Winn)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

April 2016

Cover Story - "Hi, (How a conversation during a parish work trip changed Darby Fuller's perspective) I'm Darby." (Darby Fuller)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

May 2016

Cover Story - 'I Feel Blessed': Melissa Gary Builds Bridges Between Tutors, Spanish Speakers at Sister Parishes (Melissa Gary)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

June 2016

Cover Story - Broken Mary: How a Cast-Off Statue Brought Hope, Healing to Kevin Matthews (Kevin Matthews)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version

July/August 2016

Cover Story - 'Follow Me': Our Diocese's Four New Priests Share Their Vocation Stories (Father Thomas J. Cavera, Father Patrick Jegar N. Fickel, Father Colin J. Mulhall, and Father Daniel P. Schumaker)

Digital Edition
Mobile Version