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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Office of the Bishop
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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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Our Shepherds - Our Future Capital Campaign
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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.

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
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Hispanic Ministry
Native American Ministry
Prison and Jail Ministry
Respect Life
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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
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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

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In the News

Did you miss one of our recent appearances? Find out what is happening in the diocese by visiting the links below.

Catholic Central HS students on the National Mall before start of March for Life 2020

March for Life 2020

WZZM 13 coverage
January 22, 2020

Bishop Walkowiak pours holy oil onto the altar during dedication Mass for St. John Paul II Church, Cedar Springs

New Church opens in Cedar Springs

Cedar Springs Post
December 13, 2019

Rev. Robert Mulderink

Why do Catholics celebrate Advent?

FOX 17 and WGVU Morning Show
December 2019

CNS photo by Bob Roller, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle attends afternoon prayer, spring assembly 2019

USCCB Fall General Assembly and Our Shepherds - Our Future Capital Campaign

Holy Family Radio and iHeart West Michigan Weekend
November 7, 2019

Catholic Charities West Michigan building new detox center

MLive (Muskegon Chronicle)
October 22, 2019

Shrine of Saint Francis Xavier and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Grand Rapids

Parish building Arch of Hope

MLive (Grand Rapids Press) and
WOOD TV 8
September 15, 2019

CNS image of a man looking across the border holding his child by Mohammed Salem, Reuters

Immigration Legal Services comments on GRPD's foreign nationals policy

Grand Rapids Business Journal
September 13, 2019

Let's Go to Bat for Kids

FOX 17
June 13, 2019

Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Rockford

Parish breaks ground on new rectory/school expansion

WZZM 13
June 7, 2019

Group photo on cathedral steps - Ordination of Deacons Couturier and Orris, May 18, 2019 by Eric Tank

Local man ordained to transitional diaconate

WKTV
May 18, 2019

Bishop Walkowiak receives NCEA Award, April 2019

Bishop Walkowiak receives national recognition for support of Catholic schools

MLive (Grand Rapids Press)
April 29, 2019

Good Friday

WZZM 13
April 19, 2019

Bishop Walkowiak sits near a stained glass window at Cathedral Square Center

Offering reflections on the fire at the Cathedral of Notre Dame

FOX 17
April 15, 2019

Great things happening in our Catholic schools

School Talk with Shelley Irwin
March 28, 2019

Listen to the interview

The season of Lent

iHeart West Michigan Weekend
March 24, 2019

Listen to interview with Bishop Walkowiak

The season of Lent

Talk of the Town
March 25, 2019

Listen to interview with Annalise Laumeyer

"Father Schumaker explains the importance of Lent"

FOX 17 Morning Mix
March 19, 2019

Watch interview

The season of Lent

La Mejor Radio
March 11, 2019

Watch interview with Fr. Luis Garcia

"Michigan Catholic schools find formula to boost enrollment"

Catholic News Agency
February 1, 2019

Read the article

"Bishop’s initiatives strengthening Catholic schools, end enrollment declines"

Grand Rapids Press
January 29, 2019

Read the article