Worship
Office for Worship
The Office for Worship promotes and supports liturgical life in the Diocese of Grand Rapids by means of ministry training and catechesis. It also collaborates with the staff of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, the mother church of the diocese, to host liturgical celebrations that unite Catholics from throughout the diocese in prayer.
Decree of Promulgation of Diocesan Liturgical Norms for Christian Initiation of Adults
After renewing norms for Eucharistic Worship during the National Eucharistic Revival, Bishop Walkowiak has continued the careful review of diocesan liturgical norms with revision of policies governing Christian Initiation of Adults. These updated norms, which form Section 100 of the Sacramental Handbook, were published on November 1, 2024, and come into force on December 1, 2024. The decree of promulgation and the norms themselves can be found at the link below, or by clicking the title above.
Sacramental Handbook of the Diocese of Grand Rapids
Section 100 – Christian Initiation of Adults (promulgated November 1, 2024)
Section 500 – Eucharistic Worship (promulgated September 14, 2023)
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Training for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
As part of the Eucharistic Revival, all Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will undergo training on these Diocesan norms:
2023 Norms for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy CommunionNormas 2023 para Ministros Extraordinarios de la Sagrada Comunión
Diocesan training for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will continue to be offered on approximately a quarterly basis. See below training dates and locations. Check back periodically as new dates are added.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Certificate of Mandate
In addition to diocesan training, potential ministers must receive formation provided by their parish or institution specific to their desired mandateand the customs and procedures observed where they will serve. Those who have been trained will receive a certificate card from the diocese. Names should be submitted either by the pastor or director of the parish in consultation with those in charge of training new ministers. Cards can be produced in English, Spanish, or both. Please specify your need.
To receive certificates of mandate for newly trained extraordinary ministers of holy Communion:
Submit names hereParish Resources
Communion of the Sick
English Leader CardEnglish Participant CardSpanish Leader CardSpanish Participant card
Instructions for Deacons Assisting at Mass
View Booklet
Church Art and Architecture Commission
The Church Art and Architecture Commission is a committee of Catholic professionals that serves the bishop by helping to create appropriate spaces for Catholic worship in keeping with Church guidelines and liturgical principles.
Part of the Office for Worship, this commission is the primary review body and resource for the construction and renovation (including restoration) of churches and chapels in the diocese, from the early discernment process to the completion of the work. The committee meets as needed, generally on the second Thursday of the month.
Church Projects
Pastors considering projects involving their parish worship space, please contact Dr. Aaron Sanders, director of the Office for Worship.