In February, a Michigan state budget recommendation was presented to members of the appropriations committees for both the House and Senate and it looks much different from previous years. Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids, along with all nonpublic schools across Michigan, are at risk of being excluded from 2025 state budget initiatives in several important areas.

“Catholic education is the Church’s most effective means of evangelization.” - Bishop David J. Walkowiak

Thanks to an anonymous donor, Sacred Heart Academy chartered a bus to take 27 of its high school students and 15 of its eighth grade students (plus chaperones and staff!) to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to view the highly anticipated solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

Laura Guzman, the Skills Support Teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic School, has been leading students on an extraordinary journey in the Science Olympiad. Over the past few years, their achievements have been nothing short of remarkable.

In 2022, Holy Trinity made their debut in the Region 12 Tournament at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) participating as the Catholic school in the competition. That year they secured 9 medals. The following year, their success soared, claiming 15 medals at GVSU and adding 2 medals and 2 ribbons at the Allendale Science Olympiad Invitational.

The Paschal Triduum is nearly upon us. From the evening of Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday, the events of this week prove the masterpiece of God’s saving act. Each day bursts at the seams with deep significance of the love that Jesus displays most vividly on the cross. We invite you to join our schools in making the most of this sacred week.

In a world where spirituality often takes a backseat to the hustle and bustle of daily life, Cortney Smith’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the impact of a nurturing educational environment. From a childhood filled with spiritual longing to a fulfilling career as elementary principal at St. Patrick's Catholic School in Portland, Michigan, Cortney's story is one of discovery, perseverance, and the unwavering guidance of the Holy Spirit.

With worldly distractions constantly competing for our attention, it's easy to overlook the profound power of reconciliation and repentance. Yet, within the sacred tradition of our Catholic faith, the sacrament of penance offers a path to spiritual renewal and healing. 

This Wednesday, Catholics across the globe will flock to churches to commemorate the start of the Lenten season. While all Catholic school students will attend Mass during the school day, it is encouraged that us adults carve out time in our day too. (For a schedule of Ash Wednesday Masses and services, please see here.)

For 50 years, Catholics schools across the nation have recognized the last weekend of January and the following week as Catholic Schools Week. It is such an exciting time 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. 

Tomorrow marks the start of the 9 Days for Life Novena sponsored by RespectLife.org. Respect Life is a project of the USCCB that is dedicated to teaching about “respect for all human life from conception to natural death.” The goal of Respect Life is to promote a culture of life and organize for the protection of the unborn. As Catholics, we understand the most effective method of achieving this goal is through prayer.