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 80 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
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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 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.

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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.

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Black Catholic Ministry

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Black Catholic Ministry

Statements from
Bishop David Walkowiak
Against Racism

A homily from the celebration of Mass on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020, the memorial of St. Peter Claver, during a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Racial Healing.

Watch the Video

In August of 2017, Bishop David Walkowiak released a letter to all parishioners in the Diocese of Grand Rapids speaking out against racism in our society and our Church.

Read the Letter

Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love

In their new pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love, the Catholic bishops of the United States invite conversion of hearts, minds, and institutions in order to address the evil of racism that still exists in our communities.

Read the Pastoral Letter

The National Black Catholic Conference

The National Black Catholic Congress, comprised of member organizations, represents African American Roman Catholics, working collaborating with national Roman Catholic organizations.

Learn More

The National Black Catholic Congress Calendar of Events

More Resources

Black Catholic Saints and Martyrs (NBCC)
Subcommittee on African American Affairs (USCCB)
Read the Black Bishops' Pastoral Letter on Evangelization, "What We Have Seen and Heard"
"Brothers and Sisters to Us" - a pastoral letter against racism from the U.S. Bishops (1979)
"Responding to the sin of racism" - a resource guide from the USCCB
Remembering the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Black History Month
Celebrations Recognizing the Cultural Diversity of the Catholic Church

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Protecting God's Children