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 79 parishes and 31 schools.

Overview/History
Beliefs
Administration
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Cathedral Square Center
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Our Shepherds - Our Future Capital Campaign
Catholic Cemeteries
Affiliated Organizations
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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
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 diocesan priests, priests from religious communities, and from other dioceses, as well as deacons, seminarians, and women religious.

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
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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

Native American Ministry

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MINISTRIES
Native American Ministry

Tekakwitha Conference

The Tekakwitha Conference is a religious non-profit organization that advocates for evangelization among the Indigenous Catholics of North America and for all who desire to walk humbly with God.
The Annual Tekakwitha Conference, a gathering of All Nations, is dedicated to St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

Native American Catholics at the New Millenium

“The Catholic community is blessed, enriched and profoundly challenged by the faith of Native Americans in our midst. We ask the Catholic community to join us in seeking new understanding and awareness of their situation and in committing our church to new advocacy and action with our Native American brothers and sisters on issues of social justice and pastoral life which touch their lives.”

Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholics - Knights of Columbus

Enduring Faith explores the rich legacy of faith among Native Americans. Discover how in the 16th century, Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to an Indigenous elder as a mestiza woman and generated the largest conversion in world history. Hear the inspiring story of the first canonized Native American saint, St. Kateri Tekakwitha. Learn about a 20th century Lakota healer, Nicholas Black Elk, whose cause for canonization is currently open in Rome. Click here to watch the video.

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