An enthusiastic supporter of Catholic education, Bishop David Walkowiak recently visited St. Mary Catholic School in Big Rapids. He celebrated Mass on Dec. 17, 2019, and visited students in their classrooms.
In greeting students and parishioners at Mass, he described how much he enjoys visiting the Catholic schools across the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Already this year, he has visited a number of schools including Ludington Area Catholic School, SS. Peter & Paul in Ionia, and West Catholic High School in Grand Rapids, to name a few.
St. Mary Catholic School is an educational ministry by the combined parish of St. Mary-St. Paul in Big Rapids. Father Michael Burt, pastor, and Father Jegar Fickel, parochial vicar, concelebrated Mass with Bishop Walkowiak.
After Mass, Father Burt and Principal JB Watters gave Bishop Walkowiak a tour of the school and introduced him to students. A group of students involved in the robotics program at St. Mary even showed Bishop Walkowiak the robot they’ve been building this year. The school’s robotics team is well known throughout the area and consistently delivers a strong showing in various robotics competitions.
See photos from Bishop Walkowiak’s visit in the gallery below or at this link.
St. Mary Catholic School in Big Rapids educates more than 150 students in preschool through 8th grade. Learn more here.
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 31 vibrant learning communities (26 elementary and five high schools) serving more than 6,340 preschool through 12th grade 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.