Diocesan News & Events
Check here for news & events happening throughout our Diocese: Prison & Jail Ministry Donations Needed! Dial 211 for Assistance Struggling? You are not alone! There is HELP. Plus many more!
Join us at Holy Smokes
Saturday, May 7
1-4 p.m.
Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, 895 Fourth St. in Muskegon
Join us for Catholic Charities West Michigan’s annual BBQ competition, Holy Smokes, in downtown Muskegon. You can taste and vote on a variety of barbecue entries from local restaurants. Fun for the whole family, the event will also have craft brews, yard games and live entertainment. All proceeds will support CCWM’s Muskegon programming.
Purchase tickets for $50 at ccwestmi.org/holysmokes or call 616.356.6207.
Can’t make it? Don’t worry, you can still support our Muskegon programming by donating at ccwestmi.org/donate.
Ways to pray for, donate to support the people of Ukraine
A message from Bishop Walkowiak on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the first major land war in Europe in decades. Russian forces are pouring into Ukraine. Russian President Putin is warning Western democracies not to interfere. Russian and Ukrainian officials have agreed to sit down and talk to each other in Belarus, but who knows what will come of that?
So we must pray for peace. Pray the rosary, go to Mass, fast, pray the Divine Mercy chaplet, or Pope Francis’ Prayer for Peace.”
Diocese to join Pope Francis March 25 in consecrating Russia, Ukraine to Mary
Ways to Support the People of Ukraine
In addition to praying, you can offer help by donating to the following agencies providing humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine:
- Catholic Relief Services
- Justice for Immigrants
- Archeparchy of Philadelphia
- Online
- You may also mail a check to:
Ukrainian Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia
810 North Franklin Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Please write: “Humanitarian Aid Fund for Ukraine” on the memo line
- The Knights of Columbus launched the Ukraine Solidarity Fund for humanitarian needs in Ukraine and through refugee sites in Poland.
- Catholic Near East Welfare Association
- Aid to the Church in Need
- Additional Catholic agencies working to address the humanitarian crisis in and around Ukraine
DOGR Prison & Jail Ministry Donations Needed
Prison and Jail Ministry in the Diocese of Grand Rapids is hosting the Michigan Department of Corrections Offenders Success Reentry Summit. This summit offers individuals on parole and probation the opportunity to meet with support service providers and attend breakout sessions. We are seeking the following donations to be given to the summit attendees and to include in a raffle for attendees:
Backpacks for men and women containing some or all of the following items:
- shampoo
- conditioner
- body wash
- razors
- razor blades
- feminine hygiene products
- deodorant
- body lotion
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
Wallets containing gift cards to:
- restaurants that do not sell alcohol (Subway, McDonalds, Panera Bread)
- barber shops/hair salons
Laundry baskets containing:
- laundry detergent
- fabric softener
- fabric softener sheets
- bleach
- wash cloths
- hand towels
- bath towels
If you are interested in collecting these items or perhaps leading a Lenten service project at your parish or school for those returning from incarceration, please contact Tricia Worrell, [email protected] 616-475-1255.
Catholic Charities West Michigan Announces:
Growing Need! We Served 9,000 Meals & 1,200 Boxes of Groceries in Four Weeks!
The increasing need for food support, as a result of the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic, has led to more patrons visiting God’s Kitchen and our Muskegon Food Pantry. During this crisis, CCWM’s programs have continued to provide food to anyone who needs it, serving prepared meals at God’s Kitchen and a box of groceries at our Muskegon Food Pantry. In our first month of food to-go, God’s Kitchen has seen an average of 50 extra patrons each day and has served over 9,000 meals. At our Muskegon Food Pantry, the number of patrons has doubled from 150 per week to 300 per week as well!
HOW YOU CAN HELP |
MEAL AT GOD’S KITCHEN – $2.20
Each meal at God’s Kitchen is valued at $2.20, which includes the cost of to-go materials. These meals are delicious and hearty, created by our excellent chefs, and designed to sustain our patrons throughout the day.
BOX OF GROCERIES – $18
Each box of groceries at our Muskegon Food Pantry is valued at $18 and includes items like dairy, grains, bread, protein, vegetables, fruits, & more! This resource is limited to once a month, for anyone who needs it.
STRUGGLING? THESE RESOURCES CAN HELP
This is a trying time for many, particularly those with mental-health issues. The following agencies have workers available around the clock to talk to callers in crisis. By calling, those in crisis can help slow the coronavirus spread.
The agencies are set up to provide services by telephone or tele-heath. An on-site assessment is available for those in a life-threatening situation.
Network180: (616) 336-3909
Pine Rest: (800) 678-5500 or (616) 455-9200
Forest View: (800) 949-8439
Arbor Circle: (616) 456-6571
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: 1-888-PEER-753 (888-833-7753)
Peer-run warmline for Michiganders. Open 7 days a week from 10 am to 2 am
Headspace: collection of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises
Salvation Army Compassion Hotline: 616.742.9199
Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, for individuals needing to talk, share and ask questions.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat. All chat centers in the Lifeline network are accredited by CONTACT USA. Lifeline Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S.
Join Us for Adoration at Our Lady of Consolation in Rockford!

Relationships flourish when we spend time with the ones we love. Have you spent time with
Jesus this week outside of Mass? He is present – Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity – waiting for
you in our Perpetual Adoration Chapel. Stop in to the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Our Lady
of Consolation Church in Rockford any time day or night or schedule a time by calling 616-866-
0931 or e-mail [email protected]
Check out our Adoration video: