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Due to continued severe winter weather conditions, the Diocesan Pastoral Center building, 215 N. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI is closed. Staff may be reached via email or via voicemail message. You may find a staff directory listing by clicking on this story (See page 5 in the Diocesan Directory).

KALAMAZOO, MI (December 16, 2024): The Diocese of Kalamazoo offers the following statement in light of the release today of the Michigan Attorney General’s report on the Diocese of Lansing’s handling of clergy sexual abuse cases*: “The Diocese of Kalamazoo would like to acknowledge that the Michigan Attorney General’s report for the Diocese of Lansing includes two priests who served in the area that is now the Diocese of Kalamazoo. One of those is Robert Gerl. He is already on the diocesan list of those disqualified from working with children or youth. The other priest is Chester Tomasweski (deceased). He is alleged to have committed abuse before the Diocese of Kalamazoo was founded. He has now been placed on the diocesan list in recognition that the effects of disqualifying and prohibiting actions remain even after the offender has died.

The Diocese of Kalamazoo has released the following statement.

Bishop Edward M. Lohse has created a new diocesan office to enhance the Christian formation of youth, has restructured some other offices, and has appointed new individuals in diocesan administration.

Bishop Edward M. Lohse, Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Steubenville, issued the following statement after yesterday’s shooting: “The act of violence at yesterday’s political rally in Pennsylvania is deplorable. I offer my prayers for the innocent victim and for those injured, and I am grateful that former President is safe."

The Most Rev. Edward M. Lohse has made the following pastoral appointments and pastoral announcements for the Diocese of Kalamazoo which are effective July 1, 2024.

Bishop Edward M. Lohse released a Letter to the Faithful regarding the release of the Michigan Attorney General's Office report on clergy sexual misconduct in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. For Spanish - https://bit.ly/3wPjKju

Today the Michigan Attorney General released the third report on the investigation into the handling of clergy sexual abuse cases for the seven Catholic dioceses in the state of Michigan. The Attorney General’s office first launched the investigation on September 21, 2018. Previously released reports include the Diocese of Marquette, October 27, 2022 and the Diocese of Gaylord, January 8, 2024.

The Diocese of Kalamazoo has announced that St. Margaret Catholic Elementary School, Otsego, will close at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. During a meeting today with school administrators, staff and school parents, Bishop Edward M. Lohse announced that he has accepted the recommendation of Rev. Simon Manjooran, Pastor, St. Margaret Parish, made in consultation with the school’s pastoral council, finance council and school board, to close the school.

Bishop Lohse announces clergy appointments effective May 1, 2024.

En conjunto con el Mes de la Prevención del Abuso Infantil que se celebra a nivel nacional en el mes de abril, la Diócesis de Kalamazoo anuncia hoy que está llevando a cabo una revisión y actualización exhaustiva de todas sus políticas que protegen a niños y jóvenes. Se espera un conjunto final y completo de políticas actualizadas este verano, pero el primer elemento significativo se reveló hoy en la publicación de una lista de personas descalificadas para trabajar con niños o jóvenes.

In conjunction with the nationally observed Child Abuse Prevention Month held every April, the Diocese of Kalamazoo announces today that it is undertaking a thorough review and updating of all its policies protecting children and youth. A final and complete updated set of policies is expected this summer, but the first significant element was revealed today in the publication of a list of individuals disqualified from working with children or youth.

The Diocese of Kalamazoo has announced the 15 diaconal appointments made by Bishop Edward M Lohse. The appointments are effective immediately. Click here for a full list.

The Holy Father called for additional listening sessions for the Synod on Synodality to happen in all dioceses across the world. The diocese conducted its gatherings in March in both English and Spanish. Read the full summary report for participant input.