In a video posted to the Diocese of Grand Rapids website, Bishop David Walkowiak stated that the diocese’ final Rooted in Christ pastoral plan was based on a lack of priests, a trend the Bishop said is expected to continue over the next decade.
“In 2024, we celebrated one priestly ordination. In 2025, seven pastors were either granted senior priest status or reassigned outside the Diocese of Grand Rapids. There were no priestly ordinations.”
The diocese comprises 79 parishes and 31 schools across 11 counties, with some pastors taking on as many as two or three parishes, an unsustainable long-term model, Walkowiak says.
A Catholic consulting firm helped the diocese develop a plan, which involves the closure and sale of Mary Queen of Apostles in Sand Lake, Saints Peter and Paul in Grand Rapids, St. Thomas the Apostle in Muskegon and Our Lady of Fatima in Shelby.
“Change is difficult and often painful, especially in the places where key moments in our life of faith have been celebrated. These transitions can impact people’s faith in significant ways, yet we risk stagnation and decline if we fail to adapt.”
Ottawa County offers an opportunity to serve a growing population. The diocese has plans to build two new churches: one between Hudsonville and Zeeland and another in West Olive.
