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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Video message from Bishop Walkowiak on abuse scandal

March 15, 2019 in Uncategorized

In a continuing effort to be as transparent as possible, Bishop Walkowiak created a video message for the faithful of the Diocese of Grand Rapids on Feb. 7 ahead of the worldwide meeting of bishops at the Vatican. The worldwide meeting, Feb. 21-24 at the Vatican, gathered presidents of bishops’ conferences from around the world with Pope Francis to discuss the clergy sexual abuse scandal and our global response as a Catholic Church. Bishop Walkowiak’s video addresses the meeting and some of the frequently asked questions he has received from parishioners.

Report Abuse

If you were sexually abused, or know of someone who was abused by a member of the clergy or a representative of the Church, please contact our Victim Assistance Coordinator at 616-840-2079 or by email at [email protected] or the Attorney General of the State of Michigan hotline at 844-324-3374.

Letters from Bishop Walkowiak to the faithful

Initial letter regarding the scandal – August 2018 (English | Español)
Follow-up letter regarding the scandal – September 2018 (English | Español)
Reflection on the USCCB General Fall Assembly – November 2018 (English | Español)

Resources

Safe environment training in the diocese
Diocesan compliance and audits
National and local resources
Safe environment policies and procedures in the diocese (English | Español)

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