Another school year is coming to an end; and with it we also have the results from the yearly Catholic Families Student Contest. This year's theme was: "The Missionary Family" Students, working with their families and/or teachers, were to showcase their God-given talents in art, writing, music or video creations reflecting this year's theme. Results follow here...

Ordinary time and Summer time can be a wonderful time to grow in virtue...as families grow their vegetable and flower gardens, too.

Bishop Paul J. Bradley released the following statement regarding the motu proprio (new Church law) “You are the Light of the World” by Pope Francis:   “We welcome Pope Francis’ motu proprio, “You are the Light Of the World” which establishes new laws governing the Catholic Church’s standards for protecting all her people from the evil of sexual abuse.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in solidarity with the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, is welcoming donations through a special online collection in the wake of the devastating fire on April 15, 2019.

Bishop Paul J. Bradley has released the following statement regarding the devastating fire of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris: ““During this holiest of all weeks of the year, we are shocked and saddened to witness the raging destructive fire consuming the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, one of Catholicism’s most ancient and treasured churches. While our hearts are breaking, we are united in our prayers for the people of Paris, as well as all people of Faith, for whom this tragedy is such a great loss. We also pray for the courageous firefighters and first responders who are battling the fire, that they may be protected. May our special Holy Week intentions include prayers of hope in the wake of this devastating loss.”

Bishop Bradley was able to greet Pope Francis after the Holy Father's April 3rd General Audience. In his greeting, Bishop Bradley extended the wishes of everyone in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. Check out our Diocesan blog for more details. https://catholickalamazoo.blogspot.com

Check out Bishop Bradley's Lenten Pilgrimage to Rome including his stop at St. Mary Major Basilica and celebrating Mass at St. John Lateran.

Bishop Bradley continues his Lenten Pilgrimage with a stop in Florence. Check out our diocesan blog for more information including photos and video.

Bishop Bradley, along with Msgr. Michael Osborn, begins a Lenten Pastoral Visit to Rome. Check our diocesan blog for Bishop's reflections on the visit. The first day included a visit with Fr. Jeff Hanley and Fr. Max Nightengale who are finishing up their degrees in Canon Law.

The diocese released a statement regarding the planned deconstruction of the Nazareth Motherhouse calling the decision by the Leadership of the Congregation of St. Joseph "disappointing" but also affirming support of the local Sisters by highlighting their valuable contributions. "...we are steadfast in our commitment to support the local Sisters living in the newly-built facility on the Nazareth property, and we are ever grateful for their generous contributions to the growth and enrichment of so many people in our Diocese over these last 130 years.”

The Diocese released a statement affirming its cooperation with the Attorney General's investigation.

Bishop Paul J. Bradley has released the following statement upon the decision of the Holy See announced today regarding the former Archbishop Emeritus Theodore McCarrick: “Today’s announcement that Pope Francis has approved the dismissal from the clerical state of the former Archbishop Emeritus, Theodore McCarrick, comes as a sad, yet just decision. While further investigation into this grave matter continues, this unprecedented step of dismissing a member of the hierarchy from all rights and obligations of ordained ministry, as well as all ability to function as a member of the Catholic clergy, is an important step forward. It is also a significant demonstration that everyone, regardless of rank or status, is accountable to the Law of God and the Laws of the Church. I affirm the statements made by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the official statement from the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Bishop Paul J. Bradley dedicated the new church building for St. Clare Parish in Centreville on Thursday, January 24, 2019. The new location and building for St. Clare Parish marks the first new Church dedication in the diocese in close to ten years. Fr. Antony Rajesh, MSFS, is the pastor of St. Clare.

For eight days bishops from around the United States gathered at Mundelein Seminary, just outside Chicago, at the invitation of Pope Francis. Father Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M., Cap. , Preacher of the Papal Household served as Retreat Director. The days included talks by Fr. Catnalamessa as well as time for prayer, reflection, Reconciliation and the celebration of the Mass. The retreat began with the Nuncio's sharing of the eight-page letter from Pope Francis to the bishops. Read Bishop Bradley's reflection for more details.

Bishop Bradley releases New Year's message and asks for prayers as bishops prepare for eight-day silent retreat in Chicago.

In his 2018 Christmas Message, Bishop Bradley invites us all to model our lives after Mary in this special year where the Diocese has been consecrated to her protection and intercession.