Meet Josie, the spunky and sweet service dog of West Catholic High School! 

"Unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven." (MT 18:3) Really? I haven't met anyone who wants to go back to their childhood. I have met people who would like to go back to the early adult years when they were young and beautiful and strong. I recently read about a man who spends $2 million dollars a year on a routine that he believes will make his body younger - but not like a child. 

Starting tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, Bishop Walkowiak has asked that time be set aside at the end of each school day for all Catholic school students to begin to reflect and then pray together an Act of Contrition. For additional details on this initiative, please read his letter to parents in English or in Spanish.

Meet Charlotte, the smallest service dog with the biggest heart! 

Charlotte is a 2-year-old purebred Shih Tzu and has been visiting St. Mary’s School with her owner, Judy Kidd, for most of the 2022-23 school year. When Judy got Charlotte as a puppy, she knew training her to be a therapy dog was something she wanted to do. A spunky dog despite her diminutive size, Charlotte underwent serious training to prepare to serve others and has since been registered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

Please join us in welcoming Theresa Benesh as the newest member of the Office of Catholic Schools! Theresa began her role as Admissions Advocate on January 23.

This week, Feb. 6-10, 2023, recognizes the National School Counseling Week focusing public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. 

Corpus Christi Catholic School (Holland, MI) is one of many places in our diocese where students go to learn coping strategies. It is a safe and welcoming environment for students that helps build a healthier community.

As stated on the NCEA website,

"Teachers are the backbone of Catholic schools. On this day, schools honor teachers, as well as administrators and staff who support teachers in their important work, and thank the parents, grandparents, alumni, parishioners and school board members who provide volunteer service."

Happy Catholic Schools Week (CSW)! 

This is such an exciting time of year for our students, families, teachers, and staff. So much work goes into planning and executing all the special events, traveling to service projects throughout our diocese, inviting new families into our communities, and more. It is truly a time for us to express our gratitude and dedication to Catholic education. 

Dear friends in Christ,

By José R. Astúa | Photography by Lorelly Cochran

To offer a high-level education requires well-trained people who are dedicated in body and soul to this profession. In Grand Rapids Catholic schools we have many teachers who dedicate their lives to the education of our children and youth. This is the case from Kristina Martinez-Precious who works as principal of San Juan Diego Academy, a school that belongs to the Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Wyoming.