Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids to Merge, Close some Churches

Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids to merge, close some churches

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids is planning to merge and close some of its churches due to a shortage of new priests.

Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids plans some closures, 2 new churches

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Citing a shortage of priests, the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids has laid out a plan to reorganize a number of parishes, including tagging as many as four churches for sale — though it also wants to build two new ones. Dated June 29, the final Rooted in Christ pastoral plan indicates the primary catalyst for the changes is a lack of priests. Bishop David Walkowiak said that in 2024, the diocese ordained only one pr…

Diocese appoints a new Vocations director as historic seminary work proceeds - The Catholic Sun

The Diocese of Phoenix has appointed a new vocations director. Fr. Will Schmid, who has overseen the spirituality year for the diocese’s Nazareth Seminary since December 2022, will now lead the Office of Vocations. Fr. Schmid, who also has served for the past two years as coordinator of Ongoing Formation of Priests, assumed his new role July 1. He succeeds Fr. Kurt Perera, who has served since 2022. Fr. Perera will become vice rector of Nazareth…