Recapping Catholic Schools Week: January 26 - February 1
More than 6,400 students in our 31 Catholic schools across the Diocese of Grand Rapids celebrated national Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 26 - Feb. 1. This year’s theme was “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” And what fun we had!
‘I STILL CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT’S NEXT’: Superintendent Faber readies for retirement
As published in the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of FAITH Grand Rapids magazine.
Dear friends of Catholic schools,
As my final school year nears the semester mark, I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on the incredible journey we have shared in the creation of an alliance of Catholic schools. It has been a privilege to serve this vibrant community, rooted in our shared faith and commitment to nurturing the minds and hearts of our students.
A Catholic Schools Week Message from Bishop Walkowiak
As published in parish bulletins on January 26, 2025
Dear supporters of Catholic school education,
FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE CEMETERY: Pat’s ministry points to the preciousness of every person
Featured in the January/February 2025 issue of FAITH Grand Rapids magazine. Written by Tom Kendra | Photography by Heather Abram
In many ways, Pat Nugent’s life and work embody Catholic teaching on the value and dignity of human life, from conception to natural death. As they have for the past 32 years, weekdays for Pat begin in his classroom teaching West Catholic high school students; however, after school, it’s not uncommon to find him tending to the final resting place of the dearly departed of his parish, St. Patrick in Parnell.
IN THE NEWS: West Michigan Catholic school enrollment up 7% as church expands pre-K options
Published on Dec. 29, 2024 on mlive.com | By Danielle James
Enrollment is up by 7.23% for the 31 Catholic schools within the Diocese of Grand Rapids since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 6,456 students enrolled for the 2024-25 school year. During the 2020-21 school year, 6,267 students were enrolled.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from the Office of Catholic Schools! The Christmas season is a time of deep reflection for our community, emphasizing the birth of Jesus Christ and the love, hope, and peace that he brings.
Come home to Mass this Christmas (and the upcoming Jubilee Year)!
Gather with us during these days of joy and peace to receive into your heart the perfect Christmas gift … our Savior Jesus Christ who brings hope and love to our weary world. Below you will find some helpful links as you plan where you will celebrate Mass. We’re glad you’re choosing to spend Christmas with us!
Catholic Central High School Welcomes New President, Greg Deja
During this season of Advent—a time of joyful anticipation— the Catholic Central Board of Directors and Presidential Search Committee is delighted to announce that Greg Deja will serve as the next president of Catholic Central High School, beginning January 21, 2025.
Superintendent Search Update (Dec. 18, 2024)
Dear friends of Catholic Schools,
I write to provide an important update regarding the search for our next superintendent of Catholic schools. As you may recall from my earlier letter, we had initially engaged Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions to assist us in this search. However, after careful consideration and consultation, we have decided to take the search process in-house and are conducting the search utilizing internal diocesan resources. This change will allow us to better serve the unique needs of our diocese.
Giving Tuesday - we are thankful!
Only 4 hours remain for Giving Tuesday and Catholic schools are so blessed! On our diocesan donation website (which guarantees our ministries, parishes, and schools get 100% of their donations collected today), 22 of our 31 schools have received over $50,000 and that number is expected to grow yet tonight with your help.
Sponsored by the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan, there are still 3 “challenges” that would provide extra grant money to our schools: