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STATEMENT REGARDING THE FEAST OF ST. PATRICK, MARCH 17, 2023: Dear Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Out of pastoral consideration, I have decided to grant a general dispensation for our Diocese from the obligation to abstain from meat on Friday, March 17, 2023, the memorial of Saint Patrick. I quickly remind us all that no one needs to feel they must avail themselves of this dispensation. For those who do, I ask that you take on a different and particular act of Lenten discipline that day. Through the intercession of St. Patrick, may we continue, as he did, to recognize Christ present to us in all circumstances, guiding us along our Lenten journey. Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger. Assuring you of my daily prayers, and asking for your prayers for me as well, I remain Faithfully yours in Christ, Most Reverend Paul J. Bradley Bishop of Kalamazoo

In his 2023 Lenten Message Bishop Bradley encourages the Faithful to to take advantage of these 40 days to deepen your Faith, to find renewal in the Hope of Jesus’ Salvation for us and for all the world, and to be renewed in God’s Love for you and for all our sisters and brothers in Christ. Read his message in its entirety (in English and Spanish). Additional Lenten 2023 resources and events posted as well.

In light of the devastating tragedy that occured at Michigan State University on Monday evening, Bishop Bradley has released the following statement: "Our hearts are deeply distressed as we grieve over the tragic deaths of the young lives taken at Michigan State University Monday evening, as well as those critically injured and traumatized by one man’s senseless act of violence. We recognize the anxiety of all parents as they wrestle with a world that threatens the safety of our children. Let us turn our own minds and hearts to hope as we join our prayers for an end to violence in all its forms. Let us pray for God’s grace to convert all those with harden-hearts to ones that treat all God’s children with compassion, respect and dignity."

Bishop Bradley has released a letter to Catholic School educators and staff in honor of Catholic Schools Week 2023.

A new group of men is being recruited for the Diocese of Kalamazoo Deacon Formation Program. Formation will begin fall of 2023. A session is scheduled for Immaculate Conception Church, Hartford at 3:00 pm Sunday, February 12th. Applications for Inquiry for the Permanent Diaconate are now being accepted. See the diocesan permanent diaconate website for more information.

The Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley has released the following statement on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: “It is with great confidence in Christ’s promises, yet with sadness of heart, that we have received the news that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, has been called from this world to the eternal life with our Heavenly Father. At the same time, we offer our prayers for the repose of the soul of Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, who has “finished the race” here on earth, that he may enjoy at last the eternal rest and unending joy of the saints in Heaven.

The Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley has released the following statement on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: “It is with great confidence in Christ’s promises, yet with sadness of heart, that we have received the news that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, has been called from this world to the eternal life with our Heavenly Father. At the same time, we offer our prayers for the repose of the soul of Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, who has “finished the race” here on earth, that he may enjoy at last the eternal rest and unending joy of the saints in Heaven.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, we are all aware that there’s still a lot of darkness in our world. But on Christmas, we rejoice, because more than 2,000 years ago, in the stillness of the night in a remote part of the world, our Loving God entered into our world in an amazingly dramatic and very human way: through the Birth of His only-begotten Son, Jesus. At that time in history, there was also a lot of darkness; but Jesus is the Light for those, like the shepherds and the Magi, who opened themselves to see Jesus for Who he truly is. And as Jesus grew into Manhood, and through His Life, Death and Resurrection, Jesus’ Victory has defeated the powers of darkness forever. It remains for each of us, as People of Faith, whether we too open ourselves to see through the Light of Jesus.

In his Thanksgiving message to the Faithful, Bishop Bradley invites the Faithful into a deeper awareness and sense of gratitude for all God's blessings. He encourages a greater participation in the Advent Season which begins Sunday, November 27, 2022. Read full text here.

In the wake of the passing of Prop 3, Bishop Bradley has released a Letter to the Faithful calling for renewed prayer and fasting for the protection of the unborn and encourages the Faithful not to give up hope.

The Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley has released the following announcement after yesterday’s passing of Prop 3.

Bishop Bradley has announced the following priest assignments.

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]