Diocesan directives regarding COVID-19 extended through April 30
Read Bishop Walkowiak's letter announcing that the Diocese of Grand Rapids has extended the cancellation of all public Masses and other liturgical and devotional services, effective immediately, through April 30, 2020.
Dear Friends in Christ,
Remote learning resources
Catholic school education in the Diocese of Grand Rapids has shifted from classrooms to home to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Families and faculty are working together on remote learning, ensuring students from preschool through high school receive new instructional content and continue their learning.
Watch Holy Week liturgies via livestream
The Diocese of Grand Rapids is providing a livestream for Holy Week liturgies at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, with Bishop Walkowiak presiding. Although public Masses, other liturgies and devotional services are canceled due to COVID-19, the faithful can watch these services. In addition to the livestream, several liturgies will also be on TV.
Mass at the cathedral is already broadcast every Sunday at 10 a.m., on GRDiocese.org, Facebook, and FOX 17. Additional broadcasts have been added for the chrism Mass, Holy Thursday Mass, Good Friday liturgy, and the Easter vigil.
Watch Holy Week liturgies via livestream
The Diocese of Grand Rapids is providing a livestream for Holy Week liturgies at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, with Bishop Walkowiak presiding. Although public Masses, other liturgies and devotional services are canceled due to COVID-19, the faithful can watch these services. In addition to the livestream, several liturgies will also be on TV.
Mass at the cathedral is already broadcast every Sunday at 10 a.m., on GRDiocese.org, Facebook, and FOX 17. Additional broadcasts have been added for the chrism Mass, Holy Thursday Mass, Good Friday liturgy, and the Easter vigil.
Superintendent's letter regarding suspension of in-person instruction through end of school year
Dear parents,
Governor Whitmer has now issued Executive Order 2020-35, declaring schools closed for the remainder of the school year. In accord with the order, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids will remain closed through the end of the academic year to ensure the continued safety of our students, teachers, and their families.
FAITH Grand Rapids magazine features St. Thomas the Apostle family
This story originally appeared in the April 2020 issue of FAITH Grand Rapids magazine. It was written by Maryalene Laponsie and features photography by Holly Dolci.
‘They looked at him with love’
Livestream: Pope Francis to offer special Urbi et Orbi blessing on March 27
These extraordinary times during the COVID-19 pandemic also provide us with extraordinary ways to pray together. Normally reserved for Christmas and Easter, Pope Francis is imparting a special Urbi et Orbi blessing this Friday, March 27, from St. Peter’s Square.
How our students are continuing their learning
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are temporarily closed to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Learning has not stopped, though.
Teachers, together with the hard work and assistance of parents, are working to provide the full value of a Catholic education. They continue introducing new content, standards, instruction and assessment according to our curriculum. This instructional material includes a variety of formats, including live online video lessons from teachers, recorded videos, reading assignments, and more.
How our students continued their learning during COVID-19
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids closed their buildings in mid-March to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Learning did not stop, though.