With great joy, the diocese announces that Father Nick Baker was ordained to the priesthood during Mass celebrated by Bishop Walkowiak on Saturday, June 1. Please pray for Father Nick as he begins his priestly ministry. His first assignment as parochial vicar of Holy Spirit Parish in Grand Rapids begins July 1.
Celebration of the Eucharist with the Rite of Ordination of a Priest
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, bishop of Grand Rapids, presiding
When: Saturday, June 1 at 10 a.m.
Where: Cathedral of Saint Andrew
Ordination Mass Coverage:
View Photos (Flickr) | Watch Video (YouTube)
Understanding the priesthood ordination Mass (USCCB)
Father Nicholas R. Baker, 27, is the son of Todd and Lisa Baker. He has two siblings: Kurtis and Morgan. Father Nick is a member of St. Sebastian Parish in Byron Center. He credits his parish pastor, Monsignor William Duncan, with fostering his vocation. Father Nick graduated from Byron Center High School and the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 2020. Father Nick was ordained a transitional deacon on May 20, 2023. He received his Master of Divinity from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, in spring 2024. He completed his pastoral internship at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Belmont under the mentorship of Father Tony Pelak.
Following ordination, Father Nick celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving on June 2 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Sebastian Church, 9408 Wilson Ave. SW, Byron Center.
Bishop Walkowiak has announced that following ordination effective July 1, Father Nick is appointed parochial vicar of Holy Spirit Parish in Grand Rapids.
Read Father Nick’s vocations reflection in the May 2024 issue of FAITH Grand Rapids magazine. (p.24)
View photos from Father Nick’s ordination to the transitional diaconate in May 2023.
Pray for vocations: Bishop Walkowiak launches diocesan-wide vocations prayer initiative (April 2024)
Learn more about:
Priestly vocations and formation
Diaconate formation
Consecrated religious life
