As published in parish bulletins on January 26, 2025
Dear supporters of Catholic school education,
We have much to be grateful for as we approach Catholic Schools Week, January 26 -
February 1. The Catholic educational institutions in our diocese are on mission, together with the Church, to bring young people into a daily encounter with our Lord and to prepare them to seek and fulfill God’s plan for their lives. This personal relationship with the Lord is key to living out our baptismal call to love God and neighbor, and to become ambassadors for Christ.
We can see the fruit of these efforts here already. In a recent standardized test, the Assessment of Children/Youth Religious Education, 97.5% of 8th grade Catholic school students in the diocese say they have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and 86% of them share their faith with others. I am grateful for this impact upon our students.
Catholic schools are good news for our children, good news for the Church, and good news for our world. They must be celebrated and supported in our times. You are integral in this endeavor. Thank you for the ways you have supported our 31 Catholic schools, Aquinas College, and Harmel Academy of the Trades through prayer, financial support, and advocacy. You make the transformative power of an education that nurtures the whole person, body, mind, and soul possible.
Whether through word of mouth, personal stories, or community outreach, your involvement is essential in our efforts to retain thriving Catholic schools. If you are considering Catholic education for your own family, I invite you to explore the many options available to you by visiting CatholicSchools4U.org or calling our Office of Catholic Schools at (616) 246-0590.
I invite you to pray for and spread the mission of Catholic schools within your community during this upcoming week and throughout the year.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak
Bishop of Grand Rapids
See more!
>>> Click here to read Bishop's letter to current Catholic school parents.
>>> Click here to read Bishop's letter exchange with Aquinas College's president, Alicia Cordoba.