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  • 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
    People gathered outside after Ordination 2013, Cathedral of Saint Andrew by Dave Taylor

    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
    father stephen durkee gives a blessing to the crowd following his ordination to the priesthood

    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
    Image: Closing procession at Mass

    Parishes

    The Diocese of Grand Rapids includes 80 parishes located in cities and towns throughout our 11 counties. Mass is celebrated in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
    • Parishes
    • Adoration Schedules
  • Schools
    Ludington Area Catholic students 2019

    Schools

    Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 31 vibrant learning communities serving more than 6,000 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 the Michigan Attorney General's hotline, 844-324-3374.
    • Protecting God’s Children
    • Report Abuse
    • Safe Environment Training
    • Compliance and Audits
    • Resources

Child & Youth Protection

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Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids | 360 Division Ave. S. | Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Phone 616 243 0491 | Fax 616 243 4910
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