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

View of Cathedral of Saint Andrew from Bishop Baraga Walkway

Watch LIVE: Sunday Mass/
Misa dominical

Jubilee 2025

Catholic Services Appeal 2025

Pope Leo XIV

Diocesan coat of arms, no text for use with web posts

Rooted in Christ: Diocesan-wide pastoral planning process

Parish Festival Guide

What's Happening in the Diocese

July 9, 2025 USCCB statement on IRS filing

In response to the recent interpretation of the Johnson Amendment publicized by the Internal Revenue...

June 28, 2025 Bishop Walkowiak promulgates Rooted in Christ pastoral plan

As the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, June 29, Bishop Walkowiak...

June 28, 2025 USCCB’s Secretariat for Child & Youth Protection issues annual report

On June 6, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection...

June 28, 2025 July 4 marks Cathedral dedication anniversary, solemnity for our diocese

(pictured: Cathedral of Saint Andrew after 1901 fire with second spire and transepts added...

June 28, 2025 Pray for priests starting new appointments July 1

On July 1, many priests are beginning new appointments announced this spring by Bishop Walkowiak....

June 20, 2025 Religious Freedom Week 2025: Witnesses to Hope

Pray, reflect and act to uphold religious freedom Religious Freedom Week takes place from June...

News

Michigan Catholic Conference

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Vatican News

FAITH Grand Rapids magazine

**October 2025 FAITH Grand Rapids magazine**

Read the Digital Edition
Read the 2025 diocesan annual report

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