This spring, 310 seniors graduated from our five Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids: Catholic Central High School, Muskegon Catholic Central High School, Sacred Heart Academy, Portland St. Patrick High School, and West Catholic High School.

Many of our Catholic schools encourage their eighth grade students to submit essays for the annual America & Me contest. This statewide contest was founded in 1968 by Farm Bureau Insurance and for over 50 years, more than 500,000 eighth graders from hundreds of Michigan schools have entered the writing contest. 

Written by Sara Davies Aldworth | Photography by Heather Abram

At first, Caleb Haskell didn’t have a plan. While his brother Josh, then a senior, attended a zero-hour class at West Catholic High School in Grand Rapids, Caleb, a freshman, would sit in the student lounge waiting for first period to begin. He’d pop on his headphones or fidget with his cell phone. He knew there was a chapel inside the school, but didn’t think much about it until, one day, “God’s call got louder than my music,” he says with a smile.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April is dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse and working together to bring about an end to child abuse and neglect and create caring, supportive environments and experiences for children. Our Catholic Church continues its commitment to ensure the safety of children and prevent abuse, and, specifically this month, we give thanks for the many members of our community who join in this mission.

Story published in the April 2023 FAITH Grand Rapids magazine | Written by Maryalene Laponsie | Photography by Heather Abram

On April 12, students from eight of our Catholic schools participated in the Battle of the Books. The event was hosted at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary School (ABVM) and was organized by teacher, Julie Mattioli. Unlike the national program, the diocesan Battle culminates on one day and is specific to students in 4th grade.

In Catholic schools, students are encouraged to understand their own gifts and how to share those gifts with others. That instruction does not end on June 9. Check out these summer camps and courses in and around our Catholic schools!

Three Catholic School students were among 16 contestants at the 46th Annual Greater Grand Rapids Spelling Bee that took place yesterday, March 28. This year marks the first time since the pandemic that the spelling bee has been held, and the excitement from students was clear. 

Meet Josie, the spunky and sweet service dog of West Catholic High School! 

"Unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven." (MT 18:3) Really? I haven't met anyone who wants to go back to their childhood. I have met people who would like to go back to the early adult years when they were young and beautiful and strong. I recently read about a man who spends $2 million dollars a year on a routine that he believes will make his body younger - but not like a child.