Dear friends of Catholic schools,

I accepted the position of Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Grand Rapids 14 years ago. It was my dream job - the one for which I had been visioning and preparing for for many years. I wanted the position because I believed there was so much
unrealized potential within the Catholic schools of the diocese. I believed an alliance of Catholic schools all working together was possible.

As featured in the April issue of FAITH Grand Rapids Magazine. 

MARGARET KARPUS

UPDATE posted on August 16, 2024: 

Jill Annable, president and CEO at West Catholic High School in Grand Rapids, weighs in on the state's budget and how it affects nonpublic school lunches in Mlive's article, "‘All kids deserve nutrition’: Michigan private schools fight for free meals."

“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.)