Mary Queen of Apostles Catholic Church / Facebook
The Diocese of Grand Rapids recently announced that, in an effort to adequately care for its Catholics amid a shortage of priests, it has begun a restructuring process that will reorganize several parishes.
Grand Rapids Bishop David Walkowiak explained the process, called “Rooted in Christ,” on June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. He noted that Peter and Paul were entrusted with the mission of evangelization, a mission that Catholics within the diocese have also been given. However, he added that a scarcity of priests has made it impossible for parishes to become vibrant centers of evangelization for the world.
According to Bishop Walkowiak, only one priest was ordained in the diocese last year. In 2025, seven priests either were granted senior priest status or were assigned outside the diocese, and no priests were ordained to replace them. While 20 men from the diocese are in seminary, they are still discerning whether they are called to the priesthood, the bishop noted.
“I am grateful to our pastors who have generously taken on the responsibility of shepherding two or three parish communities, but this is not a realistic expectation for more and more priests,” Bishop Walkowiak stated in a video message to the diocese. “We must adjust administrative duties so that pastors can encourage their parish communities to become centers of evangelization where all are invited into a relationship with Christ through worship, participation, and outreach to those in need.”
According to local NBC affiliate WOOD-TV, the diocese currently has 79 parishes and 31 schools. The diocese hired a consulting group that has assisted other dioceses in their own reorganizations, coming up with a new pastoral plan that “clusters” some parishes and merges others.
According to the diocese, most of the churches of parishes that have merged will remain open, but it plans to sell three. WOOD-TV also reported that the diocese hopes to build two new churches in an area that is projected to grow in population.
“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,” Bishop Walkowiak stated. ”Yet, we risk stagnation and decline if we fail to adapt.”
Though the reorganization plan was formally announced June 29, it began last summer. The rest of the timeline is uncertain, WOOD-TV reported, as many parts are contingent on the terms of current priests in the diocese.
“The implementation of this plan will require dedication, perseverance, and steadiness from our priests, deacons, parish staffs, parish leaders, and all parishioners,” Bishop Walkowiak said. “In this Jubilee Year of Hope we move forward with confidence, because the Holy Spirit has guided this process and inspired all who contributed to it. The Church has overcome many challenges with apostolic faith and steadfast hope. We ask for St. Peter and Paul’s intercession as we take these next steps.”
