The Good News in Catholic Schools

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Habemus Papam! Welcome Pope Leo XIV

May 8, 2025

Pope Leo XIV (born Robert Francis Prevost), the first American pope, stepped out to greet the crowd on May 8, 2025. Pope Leo XIV is the 267th Bishop of Rome. Click to read more.

Pope Francis smiles as he greets altar servers

Bishop Walkowiak's Letter on Pope Francis

April 21, 2025

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. As the first non-European head of the Roman Catholic Church in over a millennium, Pope Francis led the Church for 12 years. His efforts and concerns included justice, peace, and cultural and moral progress.

Sarah Grey stands in front of a stained glass window and smiles to the camera. Photo taken in 2021.

New superintendent of Catholic schools announced!

March 20, 2025

Bishop Walkowiak is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Grey as the next superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Her selection follows an extensive search of both internal and external candidates conducted by a committee of diocesan and community leaders.

She will begin on July 1 following the retirement of Dave Faber who has served as superintendent of Catholic schools for 15 years. With four consecutive years of enrollment growth, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are in a strong position as this transition occurs.

Dave shakes the hand of a male student. Both are wearing traditional graduation gowns.

What Catholic Schools Can Learn From an Innovative Collaboration

March 4, 2025

The superintendent of K-12 schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan, spearheads strong educational mission with the priority on collaboration — and faith.

Female student with pig tails and a uniform smiles at the camera. Text says, "Catholic Schools: the top performing schools in the nation. Enroll now."

Catholic schools outshine public schools in the latest Nation’s Report Card

February 18, 2025

The test results from across the nation show Catholic school students continue to outpace public schools in math and reading.

Superintendent Dave Faber stands with six studens in the hallway at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School. All smiling at the camera.

Diocesan Superintendent to Receive National Award for Advancing Catholic Education

February 14, 2025

The Diocese of Grand Rapids is excited to share that David Faber, superintendent of Catholic schools, has been honored with the prestigious Dr. Karen M. Ristau Innovations Award by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). This esteemed award recognizes individuals, schools, or programs that have significantly advanced the mission of Catholic education through innovative programs or approaches. The award is extra special as Dr. Ristau was the president of NCEA when Faber became superintendent. Dr. Ristau served as a mentor for him.

A flyer with promotion for part one of a parent speaker series.

You're invited to a speaker series, "Renewing the Catholic Family!"

February 7, 2025

Parents are the first and foremost educators of their children, and overwhelmingly have the largest influence on the faith life of their children. The family is vital to the moral and social formation of the young, and our Catholic schools recognize that parents need help raising children and maintaining faith in light of the overpowering challenges of an increasingly complex and modern world. We aim to support parents in this important vocation.

Graphic of five people hugging around a cross. Text underneath reads, "Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community"

Recapping Catholic Schools Week: January 26 - February 1

February 5, 2025

More than 6,400 students in our 31 Catholic schools across the Diocese of Grand Rapids celebrated national Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 26 - Feb. 1. This year’s theme was “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” And what fun we had!

Superintendent Dave Faber stands in the walkway leading to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

‘I STILL CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT’S NEXT’: Superintendent Faber readies for retirement

January 31, 2025

As published in the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of FAITH Grand Rapids magazine.

Dear friends of Catholic schools,

As my final school year nears the semester mark, I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on the incredible journey we have shared in the creation of an alliance of Catholic schools. It has been a privilege to serve this vibrant community, rooted in our shared faith and commitment to nurturing the minds and hearts of our students.

Bishop stands with St. Robert students in front of the altar at the Cathedral of St. Andrew.

A Catholic Schools Week Message from Bishop Walkowiak

January 29, 2025

"Catholic schools are good news for our children, good news for the Church, and good news for our world. They must be celebrated and supported in our times. You are integral in this endeavor. Thank you for the ways you have supported our 31 Catholic schools, Aquinas College, and Harmel Academy of the Trades through prayer, financial support, and advocacy. You make the transformative power of an education that nurtures the whole person, body, mind, and soul possible."

FAITH Grand Rapids magazine features Pat Nugent with the article titled, "From the Classrom to the Cemetary."

FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE CEMETERY: Pat’s ministry points to the preciousness of every person

January 21, 2025

Featured in the January/February 2025 issue of FAITH Grand Rapids magazine. Written by Tom Kendra | Photography by Heather Abram

In many ways, Pat Nugent’s life and work embody Catholic teaching on the value and dignity of human life, from conception to natural death. As they have for the past 32 years, weekdays for Pat begin in his classroom teaching West Catholic high school students; however, after school, it’s not uncommon to find him tending to the final resting place of the dearly departed of his parish, St. Patrick in Parnell.

Six Young Students stand shoulder-to-shoulder at Muskegon Catholic Central.

IN THE NEWS: West Michigan Catholic school enrollment up 7% as church expands pre-K options

January 6, 2025

Published on Dec. 29, 2024 on mlive.com | By Danielle James

Enrollment is up by 7.23% for the 31 Catholic schools within the Diocese of Grand Rapids since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 6,456 students enrolled for the 2024-25 school year. During the 2020-21 school year, 6,267 students were enrolled.

2 Superintendent Search Update - Your Input is Wanted

October 2, 2024

Dear friends of Catholic schools,

As David Faber announced last May, this school year will be his final one as superintendent of Catholic Schools in our diocese. I am grateful for the many ways in which he has positioned the diocese as a national leader in Catholic school education. His heart and passion for Catholic schools are unrivaled.

Pray for Our Priests on September 25

September 24, 2024

The priests of the Diocese of Grand Rapids attend a retreat together every fall. This fall convocation is an important time away from their parishes to build camaraderie, pray together, engage in continuing formation, and celebrate milestone anniversaries. Let us join in prayer as a Catholic community tomorrow, September 25, to lift up our shepherds.

Prayer for Our Priests

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