Bishop Bradley has released a Letter to the Faithful regarding Prop 3, the radical and extreme proposed amendment to the constitution which would have Michigan become the most extreme anti-life state in the country, and most of the world. Read the full Letter here.
Bishop Bradley has issued a decree formally introducing the preparatory phase of the diocesan synod to be convened in 2023. Click here to read his letter.
As Americans prepare to mark Labor Day on September 5, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued an annual reflection on the world of work and the importance of upholding the dignity of all laborers. “This Labor Day, let us reflect on how we can build a more just economy by promoting the welfare of working families through both charitable works and through advocacy for improved policies such as expanding the Child Tax Credit and passing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Advancing these two policies would have a profound impact on family stability, especially for families who are financially vulnerable,” said Archbishop Coakley.
Being Made New in God’s Redeeming Love Heart of Christ, renew Your priests in Your love. Help them to devote themselves more deeply to building up Your Body the Church, so that we may all become one in Your life and love... [Read More]
On the Feast of diocesan patron St. Augustine, Bishop Paul J. Bradley releases his latest pastoral letter, "Behold, I am making all things new": A Pastoral Letter on Priestly Spiritual Renewal and Prayer for Vocations. In his letter, the bishop announces a new diocesan year, beginning on the birthday of Our Blessed Mother, September 8, 2022, and outlines plans for priestly renewal and lay faithful participation.
At today's 51st Anniversary Mass of the Founding of the Diocese, Bishop Paul J. Bradley announced the 2022 recipients of the Bishop Paul V Donovan Founder's Society for Outstanding Service award. This year's honorees are Msgr. Michael Hazard and Mrs. Peggy Gallagher. Click for full details.
The 2nd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will be celebrated on Sunday, July 24, 2022 - will officially begin this year's National NFP Awareness Week. We know that the joy of our Catholic faith is transmitted from generation to generation by our grandparents... How can we celebrate our elderly and grandparents throughout this year's NFP week, too? Check out some ideas here
In a join statement with his brother bishops, Bishop Paul J. Bradley said: "Today’s historic Supreme Court decision overturning the unconstitutional Roe v. Wade decision of 1973 is a reason for all who value human life to rejoice. In union with my brother bishops in Michigan, I call upon all Catholics, along with all people who value human life, to prayerfully reflect on the significance of this decision. Let us ask God, the Source of all Life, for the grace to help us continue restoring a Culture of Life, and refusing to promote death for those who are the most innocent and vulnerable among us.” Click for full statement
Bishop Paul J. Bradley offers a pastoral reflection on "The Sanctity of Human Life". He writes, "Affirming the Sanctity of Human Life means so much more than outlawing abortions or deciding whether or not a woman has a right to choose. It is about the precious and greatest gift of human life, certainly at its most vulnerable and fragile stage, but also at every stage that it is given by “the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life” (cf. Nicene Creed): from the moment of conception to the experience of natural death. Affirming the Sanctity of Human Life also includes doing so in the full range of “life issues”, including capital punishment, racism, domestic violence, immigration, economic disparity, rioting and destructive activities in our city streets, to name but a few. This affirmation must not be reduced to simple political sound bites and obscured into legal arguments over the legality of abortion or a right to choose." click to read full text
Bishop Paul J. Bradley released the following statement in the wake of the tragic school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas: “As we learn of yet another senseless school shooting, this time in Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, the Diocese of Kalamazoo mourns the 18 children and three adults who were killed, and we extend our love and care to the countless more children, teachers, and the entire community who have been injured and traumatized by these horrific events. With broken hearts and in great sadness, we commend the children and adults whose lives have been taken from them to our loving God and Father of us all, knowing that He will welcome them into Eternal Life. We send our prayerful support to the families of those who have lost loved ones, and we pray for God’s healing graces for those who are suffering in any way. May we all pray for the conversion of the hearts of those who choose irrational hatred and heinous acts of violence instead of living together in harmony, peace and love; may we also recommit ourselves to the priority of re-discovering our society built on compassion, care, and respect for all human life.”
We invite men and women who are widowed, to join in conversation, prayerful support, and sharing of ideas to walk with one another in faith. We offer gatherings once a month - typically - on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
The Diocese of Kalamazoo - Secretariat for Parish Life & Lay Leadership, has been selected as a 2022 Catholic Marriage Initiative (CMI) Fund Grant Recipient! With a goal of "Investing in Marriage", the CMI Fund was established to dramatically increase the availability of and participation in high quality Catholic Marriage Ministries throughout the United States. The Grant proposal we submitted has been found to exemplify the sort of efforts these investors consider worthy of their funding.
In his April 4, 2022 "Letter to the Faithful" Bishop Bradley announces the lifting of most COVID-19 liturgical restrictions and encourages the Faithful to return to the regular practice of the Faith. He writes: "May we accept Jesus’ invitation with all our hearts and Come to Him Who promises to give us rest, refreshment, and Eternal Life. May our Loving God bless you abundantly during this Holy Week and may the Joy and Hope of Easter fill your hearts throughout all the seasons of the Church year to come."
Accepting Pope Francis' invitaion, Bishop Bradley will celebrate a Mass of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday, March 25th on the Feast of the Annunciation. The Mass will be held at St. Augustine Cathedral. The Mass will be live streamed on the diocesan website and simulcast to the Diocesan Facebook and YouTube Channels. "This will be a powerful, world-wide gathering in prayer, pleading for peace in Ukraine, and throughout the world, and a conversion of hearts and countries to the ways of God," said Bishop Bradley.
Reverend Lawrence Farrell, 77, Pastor, St. Monica Parish, Kalamazoo, entered into eternal life on March 20, 2022. Fr. Farrell had been challenged with declining health in recent months. FUNERAL SERVICES FOR REV. LAWRENCE FARRELL Sunday, March 27, 2022: The Rite of Reception of the Body will be held following the Noon Mass at St. Monica Parish, 534 W. Kilgore, Kalamazoo. Fr. Farrell’s body will lie in state at St Monica’s until 6 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2022: Reception and Visitation at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2022: Visitation at St. Augustine Cathedral, 542 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial – St. Augustine Cathedral A private burial will be held immediately following the Mass at Mt Everest Cemetery.
