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
Finance
Priests
Deacons
Televised Mass
Catholic Services Appeal
Cathedral Square Center
Conference Center
Our Shepherds - Our Future Capital Campaign
Catholic Cemeteries
Affiliated Organizations
Employment
Events
Strategic Plans
Archives
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
School Board Resources
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

Diocese

November 2025
November 20 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Walking with Moms in Need training session

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 1935 Plymouth Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
A mother in need may be closer than you realize- perhaps in your parish, your community, or your home. Every parish should...
Free
December 2025
December 2 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Penance Service (Jubilee 2025)

St. Mary Church, Big Rapids 1009 Marion Ave., Big Rapids, MI, United States
Receive Christ’s forgiveness and mercy – Opportunities for the sacrament of confession In addition to regularly scheduled confession times in our parishes, opportunities...
December 7 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Recurring
Sensory-friendly Mass (bilingual), Norton Shores

St. Francis de Sales Church 2929 McCracken St, Norton Shores, MI, United States
Join us at St. Francis de Sales Church in Norton Shores on the first Sunday of every month for a bilingual sensory-friendly...
December 7 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Recurring
Sensory-friendly Mass, Cedar Springs

St. John Paul II Church 3110 17 Mile Rd. NE, Cedar Springs, MI, United States
Join us at St. John Paul II Church in Cedar Springs every first Sunday of the month for a sensory-friendly Mass. Begun...
December 28 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Saint Andrew to close Jubilee 2025

Cathedral of Saint Andrew 301 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Diocesan events for the Jubilee Year The Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope, proclaimed by Pope Francis is meant to be a time...
May 2026
May 19, 2026 Recurring
Feast day of the Diocese of Grand Rapids (founded this day in 1882)

Diocese of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Happy founding day! The Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids was established on May 19, 1882.
May 2027
May 19, 2027 Recurring
Feast day of the Diocese of Grand Rapids (founded this day in 1882)

Diocese of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Happy founding day! The Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids was established on May 19, 1882.

Bishop

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Protecting God's Children